CAA CAA Perioperative Patient Care & Assessment 2

Question 1

A patient undergoing abdominal surgery develops sudden hypotension, tachycardia, and decreased end-tidal CO2 intraoperatively. Which diagnosis should be highest on the differential?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary embolism

Answer

The triad of hypotension, tachycardia, and decreased ETCO2 (reflecting reduced pulmonary blood flow) is classic for pulmonary embolism during surgery.

Question 2

Which intraoperative fluid is considered the most appropriate initial resuscitation fluid for a patient with hemorrhagic shock?

Accepted Answer

Lactated Ringer's solution

Answer

Lactated Ringer's is an isotonic crystalloid that replenishes intravascular volume and is preferred over dextrose solutions for hemorrhagic shock resuscitation.

Question 3

When monitoring a patient in the prone position during spine surgery, which complication specific to this position must the anesthesia assistant continuously monitor for?

Accepted Answer

Pressure on the eyes causing ischemic optic neuropathy or corneal abrasion

Answer

Prone positioning increases intraocular pressure and can compress the eyes against headrests, causing corneal abrasion or ischemic optic neuropathy, a cause of postoperative blindness.

Question 4

What is the primary goal of a preoperative beta-blocker continuation strategy in a chronic beta-blocker user presenting for major noncardiac surgery?

Accepted Answer

Prevent perioperative myocardial ischemia and arrhythmias

Answer

Abrupt beta-blocker withdrawal increases catecholamine surges, raising the risk of perioperative myocardial ischemia and dangerous arrhythmias in chronic users.

Question 5

A post-surgical patient in the PACU complains of severe nausea and vomits twice. She received fentanyl and nitrous oxide during her 3-hour procedure. What is the MOST likely contributing factor?

Accepted Answer

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) secondary to opioid and N2O exposure

Answer

Opioids and nitrous oxide are well-established independent risk factors for PONV; the combination significantly increases incidence, especially in female patients after longer procedures.

(CAA) Certified Anesthesia Assistant Practice Test

(CAA) Certified Anesthesia Assistant Practice Test

CAA CAA Perioperative Patient Care & Assessment 2