CAA Perioperative Care & Patient Monitoring 3

Question 1

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) used as cerebral oximetry during anesthesia measures:

Accepted Answer

Regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) noninvasively

Answer

Cerebral NIRS measures regional cerebral oxygen saturation by detecting reflected near-infrared light absorbed by oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin in underlying brain tissue.

Question 2

The primary purpose of preoperative fasting (NPO) guidelines before elective surgery is to:

Accepted Answer

Reduce the risk of pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents

Answer

Preoperative fasting reduces gastric volume and acidity to minimize the risk of regurgitation and aspiration of gastric contents during anesthesia induction, which can cause severe pulmonary injury.

Question 3

According to current ASA preoperative fasting guidelines, clear liquids (water, clear juice, black coffee) may be consumed up to how many hours before elective surgery in healthy adults?

Accepted Answer

2 hours

Answer

The ASA recommends a minimum 2-hour fast for clear liquids, as they empty rapidly from the stomach and pose minimal aspiration risk when consumed up to 2 hours before induction.

Question 4

Capnography is sometimes referred to as the 'fifth vital sign' in anesthesia because it simultaneously provides information about:

Accepted Answer

Ventilation, circulation, and metabolic state

Answer

Capnography reflects ventilation (CO2 elimination), circulation (CO2 delivery to lungs), and metabolism (CO2 production), making it uniquely informative across multiple physiologic domains.

Question 5

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD), characterized by memory impairment and reduced cognitive function persisting after surgery, is most prevalent in which patient population?

Accepted Answer

Elderly patients older than 65 years

Answer

POCD is significantly more prevalent in elderly patients (>65 years) due to reduced cognitive reserve, pre-existing neurodegenerative changes, and increased neuroinflammatory response to anesthesia and surgery.

(CAA) Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant Practice Test

(CAA) Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant Practice Test

CAA Perioperative Care & Patient Monitoring 3