ABPANC ABPANC Anesthesia Recovery & Phase Management

Question 1

In PACU Phase I, what is the primary nursing priority when admitting a patient from the OR?

Accepted Answer

Establish airway patency and assess respiratory status

Answer

Administer post-operative pain medications immediately

Answer

Contact the surgeon with a recovery update

Answer

Initiate oral fluids to promote hydration

Question 2

Which Aldrete score criterion assesses a patient's readiness to be discharged from PACU Phase I to Phase II?

Accepted Answer

SpO2 ≥92% on room air or baseline O2

Answer

Pain level less than 3/10

Answer

Ability to tolerate oral fluids without nausea

Answer

Presence of active bowel sounds

Question 3

A patient in PACU develops laryngospasm post-extubation. What is the immediate nursing intervention?

Accepted Answer

Apply jaw thrust and positive pressure ventilation with 100% O2

Answer

Administer IV succinylcholine as first-line treatment

Answer

Position patient in Trendelenburg and call for emergency airway cart

Answer

Encourage deep breathing exercises and reassure the patient

Question 4

Which phase of perianesthesia care involves preparing the patient for discharge to home or a care unit with ongoing monitoring?

Accepted Answer

PACU Phase II

Answer

Pre-anesthesia phase

Answer

PACU Phase I

Answer

Extended observation unit

Question 5

What is the most common cause of post-operative hypoxemia in the immediate PACU period?

Accepted Answer

Residual anesthetic-induced respiratory depression

Answer

Pulmonary embolism

Answer

Acute myocardial infarction

Answer

Tension pneumothorax

Question 6

During PACU recovery, a patient exhibits signs of malignant hyperthermia. Which medication is the definitive treatment?

Accepted Answer

Dantrolene sodium IV

Answer

Diphenhydramine IV push

Answer

Sodium bicarbonate infusion

Answer

Propofol infusion