Med-surg: cardiovascular & respiratory worksheet with answers

Which description best fits asthma?

1. APermanent destruction of the alveolar walls caused by smoking
2. BA bacterial infection of the alveoli
3. CAirway inflammation with variable, reversible airflow obstruction
4. DScarring of the lung tissue that makes the lungs stiff and small

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

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

What is a "barrel chest"?

1. AA chest that moves inward on breathing in
2. BA sunken breastbone that has been present since birth
3. CA wider front-to-back chest diameter from air trapping
4. DA curved spine that bends to one side and twists the ribs

The telemetry monitor suddenly shows a chaotic waveform resembling ventricular fibrillation, but the patient is talking and brushing their teeth. What should the nurse do first?

1. AStart chest compressions straight away and call the arrest team
2. BCheck the patient and the electrodes, as this is likely artefact
3. CGive IV amiodarone as a bolus
4. DDeliver an immediate defibrillation shock before checking anything

After an acute coronary syndrome, a patient with a normal cholesterol level is prescribed a high-intensity statin. Why?

1. AStatins reduce further events whatever the starting cholesterol
2. BStatins are needed only if the cholesterol level is very high
3. CStatins work as painkillers for chest pain
4. DStatins are given after an ACS mainly to lower the blood pressure

Two days after a myocardial infarction, a patient develops sudden breathlessness, crackles and a new loud systolic murmur. Which complication should be suspected?

1. APapillary muscle rupture with acute mitral regurgitation
2. BA new episode of stable angina brought on by stress
3. CA pulmonary embolism caused by prolonged bed rest
4. DPost-infarction pericarditis causing a pericardial friction rub

After six weeks of treatment for tuberculosis, a patient has nausea, dark urine and yellow eyes. What should the nurse do?

1. AReassure the patient that the urine colour is due to rifampicin
2. BAdvise taking the tablets with an alcoholic drink to settle the stomach
3. CWithhold the next doses and report urgently for liver tests
4. DDouble the isoniazid dose to clear the infection faster

The stump of a recent below-knee amputation suddenly bleeds heavily through the dressing. What should the nurse do first?

1. AApply a warm compress to the stump
2. BEncourage the patient to walk on crutches to ease the pressure
3. CApply firm direct pressure and call for urgent surgical help
4. DRemove all the dressings and wait for the bleeding to stop by itself