CAPA Cardiovascular Assessment & Management Flashcards

In a CAPA setting, which ECG change is MOST concerning for hypokalemia?

Answer: Flattened T waves and U waves

Hypokalemia characteristically produces flattened T waves, prominent U waves, and can predispose to dangerous arrhythmias.

Which postoperative assessment finding best indicates adequate cardiac output?

Answer: Urine output ≥0.5 mL/kg/hr

Adequate urine output of ≥0.5 mL/kg/hr is a reliable indicator of sufficient renal perfusion and cardiac output.

A patient's capillary refill time is 4 seconds in the PACU. This finding indicates:

Answer: Impaired peripheral perfusion

Normal capillary refill is <2 seconds; a 4-second refill indicates impaired peripheral perfusion and possible circulatory compromise.

The CAPA nurse suspects a patient has cardiac tamponade. Which triad of findings supports this suspicion?

Answer: Hypotension, muffled heart sounds, jugular venous distension

Beck's triad — hypotension, muffled heart sounds, and JVD — are the hallmark signs of cardiac tamponade.

Which intervention should the CAPA nurse prioritize for a patient with new-onset PVCs in the PACU?

Answer: Assess and correct underlying causes such as hypoxia or electrolyte imbalance

PVCs are often triggered by hypoxia, hypokalemia, or pain, so identifying and treating the underlying cause is the priority.

Continuous cardiac monitoring in the PACU is MOST critical for patients who received which type of anesthesia?

Answer: General anesthesia or neuraxial blockade

General anesthesia and neuraxial blockade can cause significant cardiovascular depression, making continuous cardiac monitoring essential in PACU.