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

Which drug is commonly used to slow the heart rate in atrial fibrillation?

  1. AAtorvastatin (a statin)
  2. BAmlodipine (a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker)
  3. CFurosemide (a loop diuretic)
  4. DBisoprolol (a beta-blocker)
2.Easy

What is the normal PR interval on an adult ECG?

  1. A1.0–1.2 seconds
  2. B0.40–0.60 seconds
  3. C0.12–0.20 seconds
  4. D0.02–0.06 seconds
3.Easy

Which arrhythmia most increases the risk of ischaemic stroke?

  1. ASinus tachycardia during exercise
  2. BAtrial fibrillation
  3. CSinus bradycardia in an athlete
  4. DSinus arrhythmia
4.Medium

How should a patient with asthma record their peak flow at home?

  1. ATake the best of three blows, ideally morning and evening
  2. BTake the average of ten blows after exercise
  3. CTake one gentle blow once a week, at any time of day
  4. DBlow only during an asthma attack, never when well
5.Medium

Suspected pulmonary TB is being investigated. How are sputum samples usually collected?

  1. ASeveral samples, ideally including early-morning sputum
  2. BOne sample of saliva collected at any time of the day
  3. CA swab from the nose only
  4. DA single sample after the first week of treatment
6.Medium

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 the first dose at bedtime, as dizziness and fainting can occur
  3. CAvoid all potassium-containing foods
  4. DTake it with a large glass of grapefruit juice to improve absorption
7.Hard

After a faulty gas heater was found at home, a patient has headache, nausea and confusion. SpO₂ is 99% on air. What is the priority treatment?

  1. AOxygen at 1 L/min via nasal cannula
  2. BReassurance, because the oxygen saturation is normal
  3. CParacetamol (acetaminophen) and observation only
  4. DHigh-concentration oxygen via a non-rebreather mask
8.Hard

Three days after an MI, a patient faints on the commode while straining hard to open the bowels. The heart rate was 42/min at the time. What is the most likely mechanism?

  1. AA new pulmonary embolism
  2. BLow blood glucose from fasting
  3. CAn allergic reaction to the commode
  4. DA vagal response to straining

Answer key

  1. 1. D · Bisoprolol (a beta-blocker)
  2. 2. C · 0.12–0.20 seconds
  3. 3. B · Atrial fibrillation
  4. 4. A · Take the best of three blows, ideally morning and evening
  5. 5. A · Several samples, ideally including early-morning sputum
  6. 6. B · Take the first dose at bedtime, as dizziness and fainting can occur
  7. 7. D · High-concentration oxygen via a non-rebreather mask
  8. 8. D · A vagal response to straining

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