CAA Risk Management & Mitigation 2

Question 1

A patient scheduled for elective surgery is found to have an INR of 3.8 on preoperative labs. What is the most appropriate risk mitigation step?

Accepted Answer

Cancel surgery and reverse anticoagulation before rescheduling

Answer

An INR of 3.8 represents a significant bleeding risk; elective surgery should be postponed until anticoagulation is safely reversed and INR is within acceptable range.

Question 2

Which strategy BEST reduces the risk of wrong-site surgery in the perioperative setting?

Accepted Answer

Performing a time-out immediately before incision with all team members

Answer

The universal protocol requires a time-out with active participation of all team members immediately before incision to verify patient identity, procedure, and site.

Question 3

A CAA notices that the end-tidal CO2 waveform has suddenly disappeared during a case. What is the FIRST priority action?

Accepted Answer

Verify endotracheal tube position and ventilation immediately

Answer

Sudden loss of ETCO2 waveform is a critical sign that may indicate esophageal intubation, circuit disconnection, or cardiac arrest and requires immediate verification of airway and ventilation.

Question 4

Which of the following is a key component of a root cause analysis (RCA) following an anesthesia-related adverse event?

Accepted Answer

Analyzing system and process failures that contributed to the event

Answer

RCA focuses on identifying underlying system and process failures rather than individual blame to prevent recurrence of adverse events.

Question 5

A patient with known latex allergy is scheduled for surgery. What is the MOST important risk mitigation measure?

Accepted Answer

Ensure a latex-free environment is prepared prior to patient arrival

Answer

A fully latex-free environment must be established before the patient enters the OR to prevent allergic and anaphylactic reactions.

(CAA) Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant Practice Test

(CAA) Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant Practice Test

CAA Risk Management & Mitigation 2