Med-surg: cardiovascular & respiratory worksheet with answers

How should a nurse check for a pulse deficit in atrial fibrillation?

1. AOne person feels both carotid pulses at the same time
2. BThe heart rate is read from the pulse oximeter display
3. CTwo people count apical and radial pulses together for one minute
4. DOne person counts the radial pulse for 15 seconds and multiplies by four

Which side effect is typical of an inhaled long-acting antimuscarinic such as tiotropium?

1. ADiarrhoea
2. BWeight gain
3. COral thrush
4. DDry mouth

Which of these is one of the reversible causes of cardiac arrest known as the "4 Hs"?

1. AHyperglycaemia
2. BHyperventilation
3. CHypoxia
4. DHypertension

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

1. ADamage to a vein during hip surgery
2. BTaking an oestrogen-containing pill
3. CAn inherited clotting disorder
4. DImmobility after major surgery

Why are IV fluids given cautiously to a patient with heart failure?

1. AIV fluids stop diuretics from being absorbed
2. BIV fluids lower the blood pressure dangerously
3. CExtra volume can quickly cause pulmonary oedema
4. DIV fluids directly damage the heart valves

A patient is starting doxazosin, an alpha-blocker, for hypertension. Which advice is most important?

1. AStop it suddenly if the heart rate rises after the first few doses
2. BTake it with a large glass of grapefruit juice to improve absorption
3. CAvoid all potassium-containing foods
4. DTake the first dose at bedtime, as dizziness and fainting can occur

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. APulmonary embolism from the leg
2. BPneumothorax
3. CRe-accumulation of the effusion
4. DInfection at the puncture site

A patient with life-threatening asthma has not responded to repeated nebulised salbutamol (albuterol), ipratropium and steroids. Which drug is commonly given intravenously next?

1. AIntravenous furosemide
2. BMorphine
3. CMagnesium sulfate
4. DMetoprolol