CAPA CAPA Cardiovascular Assessment & Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which factor MOST increases cardiac workload in the postoperative patient?
- Mild hypothermia
- Postoperative shivering (Correct answer)
- Low-dose supplemental oxygen
- Elevating the head of the bed
Correct answer: Postoperative shivering
Shivering dramatically increases oxygen consumption and cardiac workload, which can stress the cardiovascular system postoperatively.
Question 2: A CAPA nurse notes a patient has jugular venous distension and bilateral crackles post-op. These findings are MOST consistent with:
- Pulmonary embolism
- Acute pulmonary edema (Correct answer)
- Pneumothorax
- Anaphylaxis
Correct answer: Acute pulmonary edema
JVD and bilateral crackles indicate fluid overload and acute pulmonary edema, a serious cardiovascular complication requiring urgent treatment.
Question 3: Which medication is commonly used to treat postoperative hypertension in the ambulatory setting?
- Metoprolol IV push
- Labetalol IV or oral nifedipine (Correct answer)
- Digoxin IV
- Amiodarone IV
Correct answer: Labetalol IV or oral nifedipine
Labetalol IV and oral nifedipine are commonly used in the PACU to manage postoperative hypertension promptly.
Question 4: The CAPA nurse identifies a patient in atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response. Priority assessment includes:
- Current warfarin dose
- Hemodynamic stability and patient symptoms (Correct answer)
- Family cardiac history
- Pre-op stress test results
Correct answer: Hemodynamic stability and patient symptoms
Hemodynamic stability and symptom assessment determine whether the arrhythmia is life-threatening and guides urgency of intervention.
Question 5: A patient develops a sudden drop in SpO2 and BP with tachycardia after a lower extremity procedure. The nurse should suspect:
- Laryngospasm
- Pulmonary embolism (Correct answer)
- Aspiration pneumonia
- Malignant hyperthermia
Correct answer: Pulmonary embolism
Sudden hypoxia, hypotension, and tachycardia following lower extremity surgery are classic signs of pulmonary embolism.
Question 6: What is the MOST appropriate patient positioning for a postoperative patient with hypotension unrelated to cardiac failure?
- Reverse Trendelenburg (head elevated 30°)
- Supine with legs elevated (Correct answer)
- Left lateral decubitus
- High Fowler's position
Correct answer: Supine with legs elevated
Elevating the legs in supine position augments venous return and increases preload, helping restore blood pressure in hypovolemic hypotension.
CAPA CAPA Cardiovascular Assessment & Management 2
Which factor MOST increases cardiac workload in the postoperative patient?