Med-surg: cardiovascular & respiratory worksheet with answers

Free printable Med-surg: cardiovascular & respiratory worksheet: 8 problems from easy to exam level, with an answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF.

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Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy

In which situation can a pulse oximeter show a falsely normal reading?

  1. AA warm hand at rest
  2. BA regular pulse of 80/min
  3. CCarbon monoxide poisoning
  4. DBreathing room air
2.Easy

Which intervention most effectively slows the progression of COPD in a smoker?

  1. ALong-term oral antibiotics
  2. BDaily oral corticosteroids
  3. CLong-term home oxygen
  4. DStopping smoking
3.Easy

What is the normal PR interval on an adult ECG?

  1. A0.02–0.06 seconds
  2. B0.12–0.20 seconds
  3. C0.40–0.60 seconds
  4. D1.0–1.2 seconds
4.Medium

A patient is starting long-term amiodarone. Which teaching and monitoring are most important?

  1. AEat extra salt and stop the drug as soon as the pulse is regular
  2. BProtect skin from sunlight and have thyroid, liver and lung checks
  3. CExpect orange urine and no need for blood tests
  4. DAvoid dairy products and have the INR checked once at the start
5.Medium

Where is the V1 electrode placed for a 12-lead ECG?

  1. AJust below the left collarbone
  2. BThe fourth intercostal space just right of the sternum
  3. CThe fifth intercostal space in the mid-axillary line
  4. DOver the left nipple
6.Medium

Why is a shock for cardioversion synchronised with the QRS complex?

  1. ATo keep the pads from burning the skin
  2. BTo allow the use of a lower battery charge
  3. CTo make the shock less painful for the patient
  4. DTo avoid delivering the shock during the T wave
7.Hard

A patient with heart failure wakes extremely breathless, coughing pink frothy sputum. BP is 168/96 mmHg and SpO₂ 86%. Help has been called. What is the best initial nursing action?

  1. AEncourage the patient to walk to ease the breathing
  2. BLie the patient flat with the legs raised on pillows
  3. CSit the patient upright with the legs down and give oxygen
  4. DGive a large IV fluid bolus to support the circulation
8.Hard

A nurse teaches a patient how to measure blood pressure at home. Which statement shows a need for further teaching?

  1. A"I will take two readings and write them both down."
  2. B"I will sit with my back supported and my arm at heart level."
  3. C"I will rest quietly for five minutes before measuring."
  4. D"I will measure it straight after my morning jog."

Answer key

  1. 1. C · Carbon monoxide poisoning
  2. 2. D · Stopping smoking
  3. 3. B · 0.12–0.20 seconds
  4. 4. B · Protect skin from sunlight and have thyroid, liver and lung checks
  5. 5. B · The fourth intercostal space just right of the sternum
  6. 6. D · To avoid delivering the shock during the T wave
  7. 7. C · Sit the patient upright with the legs down and give oxygen
  8. 8. D · "I will measure it straight after my morning jog."

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