Med-surg: cardiovascular & respiratory worksheet with answers

What does the term "afterload" describe?

1. AThe time the heart takes to relax after each beat
2. BThe resistance the ventricle must overcome to eject blood
3. CThe volume of blood returning to the right atrium each minute
4. DThe stretch of the ventricle before it contracts

What does a nebuliser do?

1. AIt turns a liquid medicine into a fine mist to breathe in
2. BIt sucks secretions out of the airway
3. CIt warms and filters the air entering a tracheostomy tube
4. DIt measures the level of oxygen in the blood through the skin

What is the compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult CPR?

1. A30 compressions to 2 breaths
2. B50 compressions to 5 breaths
3. C15 compressions to 2 breaths
4. D5 compressions to 1 breath

A young patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy asks why they are told to avoid dehydration. What is the best explanation?

1. ADehydration is the cause of the inherited condition
2. BFluids dissolve the extra muscle in the heart wall
3. CLow blood volume can worsen obstruction of blood leaving the heart
4. DDehydration makes the heart muscle grow thicker within a few hours

What is the purpose of a mucolytic such as carbocisteine in chronic productive cough?

1. ATo widen the airways within minutes
2. BTo kill bacteria in the airways
3. CTo stop the patient coughing completely, day and night
4. DTo make sputum thinner and easier to cough up

A patient has had atrial fibrillation for more than 48 hours and is listed for elective cardioversion. Why is anticoagulation needed beforehand?

1. AAtrial clots may be dislodged when sinus rhythm returns
2. BAnticoagulants reduce the electrical energy needed for the shock
3. CAnticoagulants make the shock less painful
4. DAnticoagulants convert AF back to sinus rhythm

A patient taking apixaban for atrial fibrillation is booked for elective surgery. Which statement reflects correct practice?

1. AIt is always continued up to the morning of the operation
2. BStop it two weeks before surgery and replace it with warfarin
3. CPause it for a set time, based on bleeding risk and kidney function
4. DIt is stopped and then reversed with oral vitamin K

A patient with obstructive sleep apnoea who uses CPAP at home is having surgery. Which plan is safest after the operation?

1. AGive extra opioids so the patient sleeps through the night
2. BUse their CPAP machine and monitor closely, using opioids with caution
3. CLeave the CPAP machine at home, as it is not needed while in hospital
4. DNurse the patient lying flat on their back to keep the airway open