Med-surg: cardiovascular & respiratory worksheet with answers

Mesothelioma of the pleura is strongly linked with exposure to which substance?

1. AWood smoke
2. BAsbestos
3. CCoal dust
4. DPollen

A patient with heart failure says they need three pillows to breathe comfortably at night. What is this symptom called?

1. ATachypnoea
2. BBradypnoea
3. COrthopnoea
4. DHaemoptysis

Which side effect is particularly linked with spironolactone in men?

1. AA persistent dry, tickly cough
2. BOrange-red colouring of the urine
3. CBreast enlargement (gynaecomastia)
4. DHair loss on the scalp and eyebrows

Virchow's triad describes three factors that promote venous thrombosis. Which patient factor represents venous stasis?

1. AImmobility after major surgery
2. BTaking an oestrogen-containing pill
3. CDamage to a vein during hip surgery
4. DAn inherited clotting disorder

The monitor shows ventricular fibrillation. The patient is unresponsive and not breathing normally. What is the key treatment?

1. ASynchronised cardioversion under deep sedation
2. BCPR and defibrillation as soon as possible
3. CRapid IV adenosine followed by a flush
4. DIV atropine and external pacing

A patient in cardiac rehabilitation asks how hard to exercise. Which simple guide is commonly taught?

1. AExercise until they are too breathless to speak at all
2. BExercise so they are a little breathless but can still talk
3. CExercise only until the heart rate rises even slightly
4. DExercise until chest pain starts, then stop

Three hours after femoral cardiac catheterisation, a patient has new lower back and flank pain, a heart rate of 112/min and BP 92/60 mmHg. The groin looks normal. What should the nurse suspect?

1. ARetroperitoneal bleeding
2. BNormal back ache from lying flat
3. CAn allergic reaction to the contrast
4. DA urinary tract infection

Shortly after a thoracentesis, a patient becomes breathless with sharp chest pain and reduced breath sounds on the same side. What complication is most likely?

1. ARe-accumulation of the effusion
2. BPulmonary embolism from the leg
3. CInfection at the puncture site
4. DPneumothorax