CAPA Perianesthesia Complications & Emergency Response

Question 1

What is the earliest and most sensitive sign of malignant hyperthermia (MH) in the perioperative setting?

Accepted Answer

Unexplained rise in end-tidal CO2

Answer

Hyperthermia greater than 40°C

Answer

Masseter muscle rigidity after succinylcholine

Answer

Tachycardia with hypertension

Question 2

What is the primary pharmacological treatment for malignant hyperthermia?

Accepted Answer

Dantrolene sodium IV

Answer

Calcium gluconate IV

Answer

Sodium bicarbonate IV

Answer

Propofol infusion

Question 3

Which of the following is a known triggering agent for malignant hyperthermia in susceptible individuals?

Accepted Answer

Succinylcholine

Answer

Propofol

Answer

Nitrous oxide

Answer

Ketamine

Question 4

What is the recommended initial IV dose of dantrolene when treating a confirmed malignant hyperthermia crisis?

Accepted Answer

2.5 mg/kg IV

Answer

0.5 mg/kg IV

Answer

1 mg/kg IV

Answer

5 mg/kg IV

Question 5

A PACU patient develops complete laryngospasm after extubation. What is the FIRST-LINE nursing intervention?

Accepted Answer

Apply firm positive pressure with jaw thrust and 100% oxygen

Answer

Insert an oral airway immediately

Answer

Administer atropine IV to reduce secretions

Answer

Prepare for emergency surgical airway

Question 6

A patient in the PACU develops acute bronchospasm. What is the FIRST nursing action?

Accepted Answer

Apply supplemental oxygen and notify the anesthesia provider

Answer

Administer IV methylprednisolone 125 mg

Answer

Prepare for emergency intubation

Answer

Administer IV epinephrine immediately

Question 7

Post-extubation stridor heard in the PACU most commonly indicates which underlying problem?

Accepted Answer

Subglottic edema or partial laryngospasm

Answer

Pulmonary embolism

Answer

Lower airway bronchospasm

Answer

Pneumothorax