CAPA Cardiovascular Assessment & Management Flashcards

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

Answer: Blood pressure of 88/50 mmHg with diaphoresis

Hypotension with diaphoresis signals hemodynamic instability requiring immediate assessment and intervention.

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

Answer: Assess the patient's hemodynamic status

Patient assessment for hemodynamic stability must precede any intervention to determine urgency and appropriate response.

Which postoperative finding is MOST consistent with uncompensated hemorrhagic shock?

Answer: Tachycardia and hypotension

Uncompensated hemorrhagic shock typically presents with tachycardia and hypotension due to decreased circulating volume.

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

Answer: Administer aspirin and notify the physician stat

ST-segment elevation may indicate acute myocardial infarction and requires immediate physician notification and aspirin administration.

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

Answer: Administer prescribed antihypertensive and notify the provider

Hypertension with headache post-operatively requires antihypertensive treatment per order and provider notification to prevent cerebrovascular complications.

In the PACU, orthostatic hypotension is BEST detected by:

Answer: Measuring BP in supine and then sitting/standing positions

Orthostatic hypotension is defined as a significant drop in blood pressure when moving from supine to upright, requiring positional BP measurements.