CAPA Postanesthesia Care 2

Question 1

A patient in Phase I PACU after general anesthesia has a respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min and SpO2 of 90% on 4L nasal cannula. What is the priority intervention?

Accepted Answer

Apply jaw thrust and stimulate the patient

Answer

Stimulation and airway positioning are the first steps for opioid-related respiratory depression before pharmacologic reversal.

Question 2

Which assessment finding is most concerning in a patient 30 minutes post-spinal anesthesia in the ambulatory setting?

Accepted Answer

Inability to move lower extremities

Answer

Persistent motor blockade beyond expected duration may indicate a high spinal or epidural hematoma requiring urgent evaluation.

Question 3

A patient exhibits confusion, tachycardia, and hypertension 1 hour after receiving scopolamine patch preoperatively. Which condition is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Anticholinergic toxidrome

Answer

Scopolamine, an anticholinergic, can cause confusion, tachycardia, dry skin, and urinary retention — classic anticholinergic toxidrome.

Question 4

When using the Modified Aldrete Score for Phase I PACU discharge, which criterion is scored from 0 to 2?

Accepted Answer

Activity level

Answer

The Modified Aldrete Score evaluates activity, respiration, circulation, consciousness, and oxygen saturation, each scored 0–2.

Question 5

A patient in Phase II recovery reports dizziness when standing. SpO2 is 98%, BP is 95/60 mmHg supine and 75/50 mmHg standing. What is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Return the patient to supine, give IV fluid bolus, and reassess

Answer

Orthostatic hypotension requires the patient to return to supine position and receive volume resuscitation before reattempting ambulation.

(CAPA) Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse Practice Test

(CAPA) Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse Practice Test

CAPA Postanesthesia Care 2