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

What does an SpO₂ reading measure?

  1. AThe oxygen level in the brain
  2. BThe percentage of haemoglobin carrying oxygen
  3. CThe amount of carbon dioxide dissolved in the blood
  4. DThe total haemoglobin level
2.Easy

In pericarditis, which structure is inflamed?

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

What is a "barrel chest"?

  1. AA sunken breastbone that has been present since birth
  2. BA wider front-to-back chest diameter from air trapping
  3. CA curved spine that bends to one side and twists the ribs
  4. DA chest that moves inward on breathing in
4.Medium

Why must inspired air be humidified for a patient with a tracheostomy?

  1. ADry air is needed to stop secretions forming in the trachea
  2. BHumidified air contains more oxygen than dry air at the same flow
  3. CHumidification prevents the cuff from deflating
  4. DThe nose and upper airway, which warm and moisten air, are bypassed
5.Medium

What is the purpose of cardiac resynchronisation therapy (a biventricular pacemaker)?

  1. ATo replace a damaged heart valve
  2. BTo slow the atrial rate in patients with atrial fibrillation
  3. CTo deliver a shock whenever the heart rate exceeds 100/min
  4. DTo make both ventricles contract together and more efficiently
6.Medium

A peripheral cannula site is red, warm, tender and swollen along the vein. What should the nurse do?

  1. ARemove the cannula, document and monitor the site
  2. BLeave it in place, as this is normal after 24 hours
  3. CCover the site and keep using it until it blocks
  4. DFlush the cannula hard to clear it
7.Hard

A patient on spironolactone and an ACE inhibitor has a potassium of 6.8 mmol/L (6.8 mEq/L) with peaked T waves. What is usually given first to protect the heart?

  1. AAn IV furosemide bolus as the only treatment
  2. BOral potassium supplements
  3. CIntravenous calcium gluconate or chloride
  4. DA dose of digoxin
8.Hard

A nurse finds a patient collapsed in bed and unresponsive. What should the nurse do first?

  1. ALeave the patient to fetch a defibrillator before calling anyone
  2. BShout for help, open the airway and check breathing for up to 10 seconds
  3. CTake a full set of observations, including temperature and blood glucose
  4. DGive two rescue breaths, then check the blood glucose before calling anyone

Answer key

  1. 1. B · The percentage of haemoglobin carrying oxygen
  2. 2. B · The sac that surrounds the heart
  3. 3. B · A wider front-to-back chest diameter from air trapping
  4. 4. D · The nose and upper airway, which warm and moisten air, are bypassed
  5. 5. D · To make both ventricles contract together and more efficiently
  6. 6. A · Remove the cannula, document and monitor the site
  7. 7. C · Intravenous calcium gluconate or chloride
  8. 8. B · Shout for help, open the airway and check breathing for up to 10 seconds

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