CAPA Cardiovascular Assessment & Management Flashcards

Which factor MOST increases cardiac workload in the postoperative patient?

Answer: Postoperative shivering

Shivering dramatically increases oxygen consumption and cardiac workload, which can stress the cardiovascular system postoperatively.

A CAPA nurse notes a patient has jugular venous distension and bilateral crackles post-op. These findings are MOST consistent with:

Answer: Acute pulmonary edema

JVD and bilateral crackles indicate fluid overload and acute pulmonary edema, a serious cardiovascular complication requiring urgent treatment.

Which medication is commonly used to treat postoperative hypertension in the ambulatory setting?

Answer: Labetalol IV or oral nifedipine

Labetalol IV and oral nifedipine are commonly used in the PACU to manage postoperative hypertension promptly.

The CAPA nurse identifies a patient in atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response. Priority assessment includes:

Answer: Hemodynamic stability and patient symptoms

Hemodynamic stability and symptom assessment determine whether the arrhythmia is life-threatening and guides urgency of intervention.

A patient develops a sudden drop in SpO2 and BP with tachycardia after a lower extremity procedure. The nurse should suspect:

Answer: Pulmonary embolism

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

What is the MOST appropriate patient positioning for a postoperative patient with hypotension unrelated to cardiac failure?

Answer: Supine with legs elevated

Elevating the legs in supine position augments venous return and increases preload, helping restore blood pressure in hypovolemic hypotension.