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

Airway patency and respiratory assessment are the highest priorities upon PACU Phase I admission to prevent hypoxia.

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

An Aldrete score of ≥9, including adequate oxygen saturation, indicates readiness for Phase II discharge.

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

Jaw thrust and positive pressure ventilation with 100% oxygen is the initial intervention to break laryngospasm.

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

PACU Phase II focuses on preparing the patient for discharge home or to an inpatient unit with less intensive monitoring.

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

Residual effects of anesthetic agents are the most common cause of respiratory depression and hypoxemia in the immediate post-operative period.

ABPANC - American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification Practice Test