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 is the role of surfactant in the lungs?

  1. AIt carries oxygen across the membrane into the blood
  2. BIt kills bacteria that reach the alveoli from the air
  3. CIt lowers surface tension so the alveoli stay open
  4. DIt moves mucus up towards the throat
2.Easy

What is an aneurysm?

  1. AA complete blockage of an artery by plaque
  2. BA blood clot in a deep vein
  3. CAn abnormal bulging of a weakened artery wall
  4. DA tear in the inner lining of a vein
3.Easy

Where do venous leg ulcers most often occur?

  1. AOn the tips of the toes
  2. BUnder the metatarsal heads on the sole of the foot
  3. CAbove the medial malleolus (inner ankle)
  4. DOn the back of the heel
4.Medium

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

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

A patient's capillary refill time at the fingertip is 4 seconds. What does this suggest?

  1. AAn unusually strong cardiac output
  2. BNormal peripheral perfusion
  3. CReduced peripheral perfusion
  4. DA high haemoglobin level
6.Medium

A patient's ankle–brachial pressure index (ABPI) is 0.6. What does this suggest?

  1. ASignificant peripheral arterial disease
  2. BStiff, calcified arteries that read falsely high
  3. CNormal leg circulation
  4. DA deep vein thrombosis
7.Hard

A ventilated patient with severe ARDS is to be turned prone. What is the main reason, and the key nursing risk?

  1. AIt treats infection; the risk is fever
  2. BIt improves digestion and gut motility; the main risk is constipation
  3. CIt improves oxygenation; risks are pressure injury and tube displacement
  4. DIt lowers the blood pressure; the main risk is rebound hypertension
8.Hard

A patient regains a pulse after a ventricular fibrillation arrest that was probably caused by a heart attack. Which investigation is most urgent?

  1. ASpirometry
  2. BA 12-lead ECG
  3. CAn abdominal ultrasound
  4. DA lumbar puncture

Answer key

  1. 1. C · It lowers surface tension so the alveoli stay open
  2. 2. C · An abnormal bulging of a weakened artery wall
  3. 3. C · Above the medial malleolus (inner ankle)
  4. 4. D · Take the best of three blows, ideally morning and evening
  5. 5. C · Reduced peripheral perfusion
  6. 6. A · Significant peripheral arterial disease
  7. 7. C · It improves oxygenation; risks are pressure injury and tube displacement
  8. 8. B · A 12-lead ECG

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