ABPANC ABPANC Perianesthesia Complications 2

Question 1

A patient in Phase I PACU develops laryngospasm after extubation. Which intervention is performed first?

Accepted Answer

Immediate oral suctioning and jaw thrust with 100% O2 by tight mask

Answer

Administer IV atropine 0.5 mg

Answer

Position in prone position

Answer

Administer oral antihistamine

Question 2

Which postoperative patient is at highest risk for developing emergence delirium in the PACU?

Accepted Answer

A 4-year-old after tonsillectomy under sevoflurane

Answer

A 35-year-old with appendectomy under general anesthesia

Answer

A 60-year-old after carpal tunnel release under local anesthesia

Answer

A 25-year-old after laparoscopic procedure under propofol TIVA

Question 3

A patient returns to the PACU after abdominal surgery with a blood pressure of 200/110. Which finding would most concern the nurse as a sign of hypertensive emergency?

Accepted Answer

Severe headache, visual changes, and altered mental status with BP 200/110

Answer

Mild headache with BP 200/110 only

Answer

Anxiety and restlessness with BP 200/110

Answer

Tachycardia at 100 bpm with BP 200/110

Question 4

A patient post-thyroidectomy develops progressive stridor, neck swelling, and dyspnea 2 hours after surgery. What is the priority intervention?

Accepted Answer

Open the wound at the bedside to relieve hematoma compression on the airway

Answer

Administer nebulized racemic epinephrine and observe

Answer

Administer IV methylprednisolone and transfer to the floor

Answer

Apply ice pack to neck and reassess in 30 minutes

Question 5

Which electrolyte imbalance most commonly causes postoperative cardiac dysrhythmias in the PACU?

Accepted Answer

Hypokalemia

Answer

Hypercalcemia

Answer

Hypernatremia

Answer

Hyperphosphatemia

Question 6

A patient develops shivering in the PACU with a core temperature of 35.2°C (95.4°F). Which intervention helps reduce the metabolic demand caused by postoperative shivering?

Accepted Answer

Apply warm blankets and administer IV meperidine as ordered

Answer

Apply cold blankets to lower fever

Answer

Restrict all fluids

Answer

Administer IV potassium chloride