CAPA Perianesthesia Complications & Emergency Response 3

Question 1

Which patient populations are at HIGHEST risk for emergence delirium in the PACU?

Accepted Answer

Elderly patients and young children

Answer

Middle-aged women undergoing laparoscopic procedures

Answer

ASA III patients undergoing cardiac surgery

Answer

Patients who received neuraxial anesthesia

Question 2

A PACU patient develops sudden dyspnea, tachycardia, and unexplained hypoxia following a prolonged orthopedic procedure. The nurse should FIRST suspect:

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary embolism

Answer

Hospital-acquired pneumonia onset

Answer

Acute congestive heart failure exacerbation

Answer

Aspiration pneumonitis

Question 3

Which intervention is MOST appropriate as a FIRST response to emergence agitation in the PACU?

Accepted Answer

Reorient the patient, reduce stimuli, dim lights, and ensure safety

Answer

Administer haloperidol 5 mg IV immediately

Answer

Administer a propofol bolus to re-sedate

Answer

Transfer to the ICU for closer monitoring

Question 4

What is the MOST common cause of delayed emergence (failure to awaken) in the PACU?

Accepted Answer

Residual effects of anesthetic agents and opioids

Answer

Malignant hyperthermia complication

Answer

Hyponatremia from IV fluid administration

Answer

Perioperative cerebrovascular accident

Question 5

A patient in the PACU develops acute pulmonary edema with pink frothy secretions and SpO2 of 78%. What is the IMMEDIATE nursing action?

Accepted Answer

Sit the patient upright, apply high-flow oxygen, and call the anesthesia provider

Answer

Administer furosemide 40 mg IV to reduce preload

Answer

Insert a Foley catheter to monitor urine output and fluid balance

Answer

Obtain a stat portable chest X-ray to confirm diagnosis

Question 6

Which medication class is most effective for treating emergence delirium specifically associated with ketamine anesthesia?

Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepines (e.g., midazolam)

Answer

Opioid agonists (e.g., fentanyl)

Answer

Anticholinesterases (e.g., physostigmine)

Answer

Alpha-2 agonists (e.g., dexmedetomidine)

Question 7

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is MOST strongly associated with which patient characteristic?

Accepted Answer

Advanced age (65 years and older)

Answer

Body mass index greater than 30 kg/m²

Answer

Female sex

Answer

Use of spinal versus general anesthesia