Med-surg: cardiovascular & respiratory worksheet with answers

What does an SpO₂ reading measure?

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

Which colour change is typical of Raynaud's phenomenon?

1. AFingers turn white, then blue, then red
2. BFingers stay red and hot for several days
3. CFingers turn yellow, then green, then brown
4. DThe whole arm turns pale and then black

Which finding on abdominal examination suggests an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

1. AA pulsating mass around the umbilicus
2. BA dull area that shifts when the patient turns
3. CA tender lump in the right iliac fossa
4. DLoud, high-pitched bowel sounds

A patient taking simvastatin drinks a large glass of grapefruit juice every morning. Why is this a concern?

1. AIt turns the statin into a blood thinner
2. BIt stops the statin from being absorbed from the gut at all
3. CIt causes the cholesterol level to rise sharply
4. DIt raises statin levels and the risk of muscle damage

A patient taking isosorbide mononitrate asks about sildenafil for erectile dysfunction. What is the main danger?

1. ABleeding from the gums
2. BSevere hypotension
3. CSevere hypertension
4. DA very high potassium level

A patient has just started an ACE inhibitor. Which blood tests are usually checked within the first one to two weeks?

1. APotassium and creatinine
2. BLiver enzymes and amylase
3. CTroponin and creatine kinase
4. DINR and platelet count

A patient's chest drain tubing disconnects from the drainage unit. What should the nurse do first?

1. AClamp the tube for several hours and recheck the patient later
2. BLeave it open to air until the doctor arrives to review it
3. CRemove the drain from the chest and cover the site
4. DReconnect it, or put the tube end in sterile water, then assess

A patient taking ramipril and indapamide for hypertension starts regular ibuprofen for back pain. A week later, creatinine has risen sharply. What is the most likely cause?

1. AAn allergic reaction to the diuretic causing inflammation of the kidney
2. BIbuprofen raising the blood pressure to levels that damage the kidneys
3. CBack pain causing kidney damage
4. DAn ACE inhibitor, diuretic and NSAID together reducing kidney perfusion