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

Jaw thrust, oral suctioning of secretions, and 100% oxygen by tight-fitting mask with positive pressure are the initial interventions for laryngospasm.

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

Young children, particularly those under 5, are at highest risk for emergence delirium after volatile anesthetic agents such as sevoflurane.

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

Severe headache, visual disturbances, and altered mental status with markedly elevated BP indicate end-organ damage, defining a hypertensive emergency.

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

Post-thyroidectomy neck hematoma is a surgical emergency requiring immediate wound opening at the bedside to relieve tracheal compression before airway loss occurs.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Hypokalemia

Answer

Hypokalemia increases cardiac membrane excitability, predisposing patients to atrial and ventricular dysrhythmias in the postoperative period.

ABPANC - American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification Practice Test

ABPANC - American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification Practice Test

ABPANC ABPANC Perianesthesia Complications 2