CAA Perioperative Care & Patient Monitoring

Question 1

According to ASA basic monitoring standards, which of the following must be continuously monitored via capnography during general anesthesia with an endotracheal tube?

Accepted Answer

End-tidal CO2 (ETCO2)

Answer

ASA standards require continuous capnography (ETCO2) to confirm tracheal intubation and monitor ventilation throughout general anesthesia.

Question 2

What is the normal range for end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) during controlled mechanical ventilation in a healthy patient?

Accepted Answer

35–45 mmHg

Answer

Normal ETCO2 during mechanical ventilation is 35–45 mmHg, reflecting adequate alveolar ventilation and CO2 elimination.

Question 3

A sudden decrease in ETCO2 to near zero during mechanical ventilation most likely indicates:

Accepted Answer

Breathing circuit disconnection or cardiac arrest

Answer

A sudden drop in ETCO2 to near zero indicates loss of CO2 delivery to the sensor, most commonly from circuit disconnection or sudden cessation of circulation (cardiac arrest).

Question 4

Which phase of perioperative care focuses on medical history review, physical examination, and optimization of comorbidities before the planned procedure?

Accepted Answer

Preoperative phase

Answer

The preoperative phase encompasses patient assessment, risk stratification, and optimization of existing medical conditions prior to surgery.

Question 5

The Bispectral Index (BIS) monitor primarily provides information about:

Accepted Answer

Depth of anesthesia via processed EEG analysis

Answer

BIS processes EEG signals into a numerical index (0–100) to provide a quantitative measure of anesthetic depth and help reduce the risk of intraoperative awareness.

(CAA) Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant Practice Test

(CAA) Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant Practice Test

CAA Perioperative Care & Patient Monitoring