Med-surg: cardiovascular & respiratory worksheet with answers

Which side effect of ethambutol should patients report straight away?

1. ANumbness and tingling of the feet and hands
2. BBlurred vision or changes in colour vision
3. COrange-red colouring of the urine and tears
4. DA painful, red and swollen big toe joint

Which definition best describes heart failure?

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

Together with fever, which finding should raise suspicion of infective endocarditis?

1. AA dry, tickly cough
2. BA slow heart rate
3. CPain in one calf
4. DA new heart murmur

A patient is starting warfarin for a DVT. Why is heparin or LMWH also given for the first several days?

1. AHeparin improves the absorption of warfarin
2. BHeparin protects against bleeding from warfarin
3. CWarfarin takes several days to reach its full effect
4. DBoth drugs must always be continued together for life

Why are patients with severe COPD encouraged to eat small, frequent meals?

1. AA full stomach limits the diaphragm and eating is tiring
2. BFrequent meals prevent chest infections directly
3. CSmall meals reduce how often the inhalers are needed
4. DLarge meals cause the airways to narrow permanently

Which advice is most helpful for a patient with Raynaud's phenomenon?

1. AKeep the whole body warm, wear gloves and stop smoking
2. BSoak the hands in cold water to toughen the vessels
3. CRub the fingers hard with snow during an attack
4. DTake a decongestant tablet before going outdoors

A patient who started an ACE inhibitor yesterday develops swelling of the lips and tongue and a hoarse voice. What should the nurse do first?

1. AGive the next dose early, as this will settle the swelling quickly
2. BAssess the airway, call for urgent help and hold further doses
3. CExplain that this is an expected, harmless side effect
4. DApply ice to the lips and review again in the morning

A patient with a valid, documented do-not-attempt-CPR decision (DNACPR in the UK, DNR or DNAR in the US) is found in cardiac arrest. What should the nurse do?

1. AStart CPR but use only chest compressions
2. BNot start CPR, call for support, and provide dignity and comfort
3. CCall the arrest team and let them decide whether to resuscitate
4. DStart full CPR because the patient's family is not present