ABPANC ABPANC Perianesthesia Complications 3

Question 1

A patient with a history of obstructive sleep apnea is recovering in the PACU. Which monitoring parameter is most critical?

Accepted Answer

Continuous pulse oximetry and capnography

Answer

OSA patients are at high risk for upper airway obstruction and hypoventilation; continuous SpO2 and capnography monitoring detects respiratory compromise early.

Question 2

Which PACU complication is associated with prolonged use of a tourniquet during orthopedic surgery?

Accepted Answer

Tourniquet pain, nerve injury, and post-reperfusion swelling upon release

Answer

Tourniquet use can cause ischemic pain, nerve compression injury, and reactive swelling/reperfusion changes when deflated after prolonged use.

Question 3

A patient in the PACU after bowel resection suddenly develops tachycardia, hypotension, and abdominal rigidity. What complication should the nurse suspect?

Accepted Answer

Anastomotic leak with peritonitis

Answer

Hemodynamic instability with abdominal rigidity in a bowel surgery patient indicates an anastomotic leak causing peritonitis, a surgical emergency.

Question 4

Which intervention is most effective in preventing post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) after spinal anesthesia?

Accepted Answer

Using the smallest gauge spinal needle and a pencil-point tip

Answer

Using small-gauge pencil-point (atraumatic) spinal needles reduces the size and leakage of cerebrospinal fluid through the dural puncture, decreasing the incidence of PDPH.

Question 5

A patient begins to bleed excessively from the surgical site in the PACU with decreased platelet count and elevated PT/INR. Which complication does this suggest?

Accepted Answer

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)

Answer

DIC is characterized by simultaneous widespread clotting and bleeding, resulting in thrombocytopenia and elevated coagulation times with diffuse hemorrhage.

ABPANC - American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification Practice Test

ABPANC - American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification Practice Test

ABPANC ABPANC Perianesthesia Complications 3