CAPA Pediatric Perianesthesia Nursing 3

Question 1

A 5-year-old is brought to the PACU post-myringotomy with signs of upper airway obstruction: snoring, sternal retractions, and SpO2 88%. What is the priority intervention?

Accepted Answer

Jaw thrust and airway repositioning

Answer

Jaw thrust with airway repositioning is the first-line maneuver to open a partially obstructed pediatric airway before escalating interventions.

Question 2

Which developmental stage consideration is most important when preparing a 7-year-old for ambulatory surgery?

Accepted Answer

Providing honest, simple explanations of what they will see and feel

Answer

School-age children benefit from honest, age-appropriate explanations of procedures as they are in a concrete operational stage and understand cause and effect.

Question 3

Post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage most commonly occurs within which time frame in the ambulatory setting?

Accepted Answer

5–10 days postoperatively

Answer

Secondary post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage peaks between days 5–10 when the fibrin eschar separates, and patients may present to ambulatory centers during this period.

Question 4

Which IV access site is preferred for infants under 6 months in the perianesthesia setting when hand and arm veins are inaccessible?

Accepted Answer

Scalp vein

Answer

Scalp veins are a viable and commonly used alternative IV site in infants under 6 months when peripheral extremity veins are inaccessible.

Question 5

A 10-year-old with a known history of malignant hyperthermia (MH) susceptibility undergoes ambulatory surgery. Which anesthetic approach is required?

Accepted Answer

Total IV anesthesia (TIVA) with non-triggering agents only

Answer

MH-susceptible patients must receive only non-triggering agents (TIVA with propofol/opioids/non-depolarizing NMBAs); all volatile agents and succinylcholine are contraindicated.

(CAPA) Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse Practice Test

(CAPA) Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse Practice Test

CAPA Pediatric Perianesthesia Nursing 3