Med-surg: cardiovascular & respiratory worksheet with answers

Which organism causes tuberculosis?

1. ACorynebacterium diphtheriae
2. BStaphylococcus aureus
3. CMycobacterium tuberculosis
4. DPseudomonas aeruginosa

Which finding is typical of a deep vein thrombosis in the leg?

1. ABoth feet cold, pale and without pulses
2. BBrown skin staining around both ankles
3. CCalf pain on walking that settles within minutes of rest
4. DOne-sided calf swelling, warmth and tenderness

Which definition best describes heart failure?

1. AThe heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs
2. BThe heart beats faster than 150 beats per minute for over an hour
3. CThe heart has completely stopped beating and there is no pulse
4. DA coronary artery is suddenly blocked by a clot

A patient has a raised B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP or NT-proBNP). What does this mainly reflect?

1. AInflammation of the liver from congestion
2. BDamage to skeletal muscle after a fall
3. CIschaemic damage to the heart muscle
4. DStretch and pressure overload of the ventricles

Why should a long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) never be used alone in asthma?

1. AIt works only when it is taken together with a course of antibiotics
2. BIt cannot be inhaled without a nebuliser
3. CIt always causes immediate severe bronchospasm when used on its own
4. DWithout an inhaled steroid, it is linked with severe and fatal attacks

Why is aspirin chewed rather than swallowed whole in a suspected acute coronary syndrome?

1. AChewing speeds absorption, giving a faster antiplatelet effect
2. BChewing stops the aspirin from irritating the lining of the stomach
3. CWhole aspirin tablets cannot be absorbed at all from the gut
4. DChewing changes aspirin into an anticoagulant

A 74-year-old man with a known abdominal aortic aneurysm suddenly has severe back and abdominal pain. His heart rate is 128/min and BP 82/50 mmHg. What is the priority?

1. AArrange a routine outpatient ultrasound scan of the aneurysm
2. BEncourage him to walk to ease the back pain
3. CCall for emergency help and prepare for urgent vascular surgery
4. DGive oral analgesia and reassess the pain in an hour

A ventilated patient with severe ARDS is to be turned prone. What is the main reason, and the key nursing risk?

1. AIt lowers the blood pressure; the main risk is rebound hypertension
2. BIt treats infection; the risk is fever
3. CIt improves oxygenation; risks are pressure injury and tube displacement
4. DIt improves digestion and gut motility; the main risk is constipation