CAPA CAPA Cardiovascular Assessment & Management 2

Question 1

Which factor MOST increases cardiac workload in the postoperative patient?

Accepted Answer

Postoperative shivering

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

Acute pulmonary edema

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Labetalol IV or oral nifedipine

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

Hemodynamic stability and patient symptoms

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary embolism

Answer

Sudden hypoxia, hypotension, and tachycardia following lower extremity surgery are classic signs of pulmonary embolism.

(CAPA) Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse Practice Test