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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1.Easy

In pericarditis, which structure is inflamed?

  1. AThe inner lining of the heart chambers
  2. BThe heart muscle itself
  3. CThe sac that surrounds the heart
  4. DThe coronary arteries
2.Easy

Which sound is typical of a pleural friction rub?

  1. AA creaking, grating sound with each breath
  2. BA high-pitched musical sound on expiration
  3. CA harsh sound on breathing in from the throat
  4. DFine bubbling sounds that clear with coughing
3.Easy

What is the normal resting respiratory rate for an adult?

  1. A30–40 breaths per minute
  2. B24–30 breaths per minute
  3. C12–20 breaths per minute
  4. D6–10 breaths per minute
4.Medium

A patient's blood pressure is 200/125 mmHg with new confusion and blurred vision. How should it usually be lowered?

  1. AWith a new oral tablet and review in a week
  2. BWith titrated IV drugs, by up to about 25% in the first hour
  3. CNot at all, because the brain now depends on the high pressure
  4. DAs fast as possible, to a normal value within minutes
5.Medium

A patient has a raised B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP or NT-proBNP). What does this mainly reflect?

  1. AInflammation of the liver from congestion
  2. BIschaemic damage to the heart muscle
  3. CDamage to skeletal muscle after a fall
  4. DStretch and pressure overload of the ventricles
6.Medium

A patient has a heart rate of 36/min with hypotension and dizziness. Which drug is usually the first choice?

  1. AIntravenous atropine
  2. BIntravenous amiodarone
  3. COral bisoprolol
  4. DIntravenous adenosine
7.Hard

A frightened young woman is breathing fast and has tingling fingers. Her blood gas shows pH 7.50 and a low PaCO₂. SpO₂ is 99% on air. What does this show?

  1. AMetabolic alkalosis from vomiting
  2. BMetabolic acidosis from kidney failure
  3. CRespiratory alkalosis from hyperventilation
  4. DRespiratory acidosis from hypoventilation
8.Hard

Seconds after an intramuscular injection, a patient becomes pale, sweaty and faint, with a heart rate of 48/min. There is no rash, wheeze or swelling, and they recover quickly when laid flat. What is the most likely cause?

  1. AA vasovagal reaction
  2. BA myocardial infarction
  3. CAnaphylaxis
  4. DA tension pneumothorax

Answer key

  1. 1. C · The sac that surrounds the heart
  2. 2. A · A creaking, grating sound with each breath
  3. 3. C · 12–20 breaths per minute
  4. 4. B · With titrated IV drugs, by up to about 25% in the first hour
  5. 5. D · Stretch and pressure overload of the ventricles
  6. 6. A · Intravenous atropine
  7. 7. C · Respiratory alkalosis from hyperventilation
  8. 8. A · A vasovagal reaction

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