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

What does the term "afterload" describe?

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

Which symptom lasting more than three weeks is a classic warning sign of laryngeal cancer?

  1. AMild sneezing and a runny nose in the morning
  2. BPersistent hoarseness of the voice
  3. CItching of the eyes
  4. DOccasional hiccups
3.Easy

Which chamber of the heart pumps blood into the aorta?

  1. AThe left atrium
  2. BThe right ventricle
  3. CThe left ventricle
  4. DThe right atrium
4.Medium

A patient choosing between a mechanical and a biological heart valve asks about the main difference. Which answer is accurate?

  1. AMechanical valves last longer but need lifelong anticoagulation
  2. BBoth types need no medicines after surgery
  3. CMechanical valves wear out within one year
  4. DBiological valves last longer but need lifelong warfarin
5.Medium

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

  1. ACover the site and keep using it until it blocks
  2. BLeave it in place, as this is normal after 24 hours
  3. CFlush the cannula hard to clear it
  4. DRemove the cannula, document and monitor the site
6.Medium

A patient with bronchiectasis of the right lower lobe is taught postural drainage. How should they be positioned?

  1. AFlat on the back with the arms raised
  2. BSitting fully upright at all times
  3. CWith the affected lobe uppermost so gravity drains it
  4. DWith the affected lobe lowest so it fills with mucus
7.Hard

After chest trauma, a patient is hypotensive with reduced breath sounds on the left. Which finding suggests a haemothorax rather than a tension pneumothorax?

  1. ADullness to percussion on the affected side
  2. BHyper-resonance on the affected side
  3. CDistended neck veins
  4. DTrachea pushed away from the affected side
8.Hard

A healthcare assistant (unlicensed assistive personnel) reports four observations. Which one needs the nurse's attention first?

  1. AA patient after a PCI asking for a cup of tea
  2. BA patient with a DVT whose leg is less swollen today
  3. CA patient with heart failure who is newly confused, with SpO₂ 89%
  4. DA patient with COPD whose SpO₂ is 90% on 1 L/min, which is usual for him

Answer key

  1. 1. C · The resistance the ventricle must overcome to eject blood
  2. 2. B · Persistent hoarseness of the voice
  3. 3. C · The left ventricle
  4. 4. A · Mechanical valves last longer but need lifelong anticoagulation
  5. 5. D · Remove the cannula, document and monitor the site
  6. 6. C · With the affected lobe uppermost so gravity drains it
  7. 7. A · Dullness to percussion on the affected side
  8. 8. C · A patient with heart failure who is newly confused, with SpO₂ 89%

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