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

How is cardiac output calculated?

  1. AMean arterial pressure multiplied by heart rate
  2. BStroke volume divided by heart rate
  3. CHeart rate multiplied by stroke volume
  4. DSystolic pressure minus diastolic pressure
2.Easy

What is an aneurysm?

  1. AAn abnormal bulging of a weakened artery wall
  2. BA blood clot in a deep vein
  3. CA complete blockage of an artery by plaque
  4. DA tear in the inner lining of a vein
3.Easy

What does the term "hypoxaemia" mean?

  1. AA high level of carbon dioxide in the blood
  2. BA low level of haemoglobin in the blood
  3. CA low level of oxygen in the arterial blood
  4. DA fast breathing rate with normal oxygen
4.Medium

A patient with chest pain asks for glyceryl trinitrate. Which information means the nurse should withhold it and contact the prescriber?

  1. AThe patient's blood pressure is 150/90 mmHg
  2. BThe patient takes a daily statin
  3. CThe patient took sildenafil earlier today
  4. DThe patient had a headache last week
5.Medium

A patient has a prosthetic heart valve. Which teaching best reduces the risk of infective endocarditis?

  1. AAvoid all physical exercise for the rest of their life
  2. BTake a daily antibiotic tablet indefinitely
  3. CKeep teeth and gums healthy with regular dental check-ups
  4. DAvoid eating dairy products and raw vegetables
6.Medium

Why is intravenous furosemide given slowly rather than as a rapid push of a large dose?

  1. ASlow injection makes the urine output larger
  2. BRapid high doses can damage hearing
  3. CRapid doses cause severe constipation
  4. DRapid doses cause the potassium level to rise
7.Hard

Minutes after an IV antibiotic is started, a patient has wheeze, swollen lips, a rash and BP 78/44 mmHg. The infusion has been stopped and help called. What is the next priority?

  1. AGive a nebulised salbutamol dose only
  2. BGive intramuscular adrenaline (epinephrine)
  3. CRestart the infusion at a slower rate
  4. DGive an oral antihistamine tablet and observe for an hour
8.Hard

A healthcare assistant (unlicensed assistive personnel) reports four observations. Which one needs the nurse's attention first?

  1. AA patient with COPD whose SpO₂ is 90% on 1 L/min, which is usual for him
  2. BA patient with a DVT whose leg is less swollen today
  3. CA patient after a PCI asking for a cup of tea
  4. DA patient with heart failure who is newly confused, with SpO₂ 89%

Answer key

  1. 1. C · Heart rate multiplied by stroke volume
  2. 2. A · An abnormal bulging of a weakened artery wall
  3. 3. C · A low level of oxygen in the arterial blood
  4. 4. C · The patient took sildenafil earlier today
  5. 5. C · Keep teeth and gums healthy with regular dental check-ups
  6. 6. B · Rapid high doses can damage hearing
  7. 7. B · Give intramuscular adrenaline (epinephrine)
  8. 8. D · A patient with heart failure who is newly confused, with SpO₂ 89%

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