CAPA CAPA Cardiovascular Assessment & Management

Question 1

Which finding in a postanesthesia patient would MOST warrant immediate intervention by the CAPA nurse?

Accepted Answer

Blood pressure of 88/50 mmHg with diaphoresis

Answer

Heart rate of 78 bpm

Answer

SpO2 of 97% on room air

Answer

Respiratory rate of 14 breaths/min

Question 2

A patient in the PACU develops a new arrhythmia. The nurse's FIRST action should be to:

Accepted Answer

Assess the patient's hemodynamic status

Answer

Administer antiarrhythmic medication

Answer

Notify the anesthesia provider immediately

Answer

Obtain a 12-lead ECG

Question 3

Which postoperative finding is MOST consistent with uncompensated hemorrhagic shock?

Accepted Answer

Tachycardia and hypotension

Answer

Bradycardia and hypertension

Answer

Bradycardia and hypotension

Answer

Tachycardia and hypertension

Question 4

A patient's ECG shows ST-segment elevation in the PACU. The nurse should:

Accepted Answer

Administer aspirin and notify the physician stat

Answer

Continue monitoring and reassess in 30 minutes

Answer

Reposition the patient and repeat the tracing

Answer

Document the finding and notify at end of shift

Question 5

Which intervention is MOST appropriate for a postoperative patient with a systolic BP of 190 mmHg and headache?

Accepted Answer

Administer prescribed antihypertensive and notify the provider

Answer

Reassure the patient and recheck in 1 hour

Answer

Place patient in Trendelenburg position

Answer

Administer an additional dose of opioid analgesic

Question 6

In the PACU, orthostatic hypotension is BEST detected by:

Accepted Answer

Measuring BP in supine and then sitting/standing positions

Answer

Palpating peripheral pulses

Answer

Monitoring continuous ECG

Answer

Checking capillary refill time