Med-surg: cardiovascular & respiratory worksheet with answers

Which valve lies between the left atrium and the left ventricle?

1. AThe aortic valve
2. BThe tricuspid valve
3. CThe pulmonary valve
4. DThe mitral valve

Which electrolyte do ACE inhibitors commonly raise?

1. ASodium
2. BMagnesium
3. CCalcium
4. DPotassium

What is the main role of anticoagulant drugs such as heparin or apixaban?

1. ATo stop platelets from sticking to each other
2. BTo prevent new clots and stop existing clots from growing
3. CTo dissolve existing clots completely within a few minutes
4. DTo raise the platelet count after surgery or bleeding

A 70 kg patient has passed 20 mL of urine per hour for the last three hours. How should this be interpreted?

1. ANormal, because the target is 0.1 mL/kg/h
2. BBelow 0.5 mL/kg/h, suggesting poor kidney perfusion
3. CHigh, suggesting fluid overload that needs a diuretic
4. DNormal, because any measurable urine output is reassuring

A patient is starting doxazosin, an alpha-blocker, for hypertension. Which advice is most important?

1. ATake it with a large glass of grapefruit juice to improve absorption
2. BAvoid all potassium-containing foods
3. CTake the first dose at bedtime, as dizziness and fainting can occur
4. DStop it suddenly if the heart rate rises after the first few doses

Which investigation is usually used to confirm a deep vein thrombosis in the leg?

1. ACompression duplex ultrasound
2. BA lung function test
3. CA plain chest X-ray and an ECG
4. DAn exercise ECG

A 28-year-old woman taking the combined pill comes in breathless and anxious. RR is 30/min, heart rate 118/min and SpO₂ 90% on air. A colleague says it is a panic attack. What should the nurse conclude?

1. ALow oxygen saturation is not explained by anxiety; PE must be excluded
2. BBreathing into a paper bag is the best first treatment for her
3. CThe saturation is normal for an anxious person who is breathing fast
4. DShe should be sent home after a sedative

A patient with asthma needs their reliever every three hours and their peak flow is falling well below their personal best. What does their action plan most likely advise?

1. ADo extra exercise to open the airways
2. BWait two weeks to see whether it improves without any change
3. CStop the preventer inhaler for a few days to rest the lungs
4. DFollow the worsening-asthma steps and get a same-day review