CAPA Postanesthesia Care 4

Question 1

A patient's PACU temperature is 35.2°C (95.4°F) after a 3-hour abdominal procedure under general anesthesia. Which complication is most directly associated with this finding?

Accepted Answer

Increased bleeding risk due to platelet dysfunction

Answer

Hypothermia impairs platelet aggregation and coagulation enzyme function, significantly increasing perioperative bleeding risk.

Question 2

Which multimodal analgesia component is contraindicated in a patient with a creatinine of 2.8 mg/dL in the ambulatory PACU?

Accepted Answer

Ketorolac 15 mg IV

Answer

NSAIDs like ketorolac are contraindicated in renal impairment as they inhibit prostaglandin-mediated renal perfusion and can worsen kidney function.

Question 3

Which intervention is most effective in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in a high-risk female patient undergoing laparoscopic surgery?

Accepted Answer

Use propofol-based TIVA with multimodal antiemetic prophylaxis

Answer

Total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with propofol combined with multimodal antiemetics is the most effective PONV prevention strategy for high-risk patients.

Question 4

A patient develops sudden-onset chest pain, tachycardia, and hypotension in the PACU after a right femoral hernia repair. SpO2 drops to 88%. Which diagnosis must be considered first?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary embolism

Answer

Pulmonary embolism presents with sudden hypoxia, tachycardia, chest pain, and hypotension and should be the priority differential in postoperative patients.

Question 5

Which Phase I PACU discharge criterion is specific to the ambulatory setting according to ASPAN standards?

Accepted Answer

Patient must be accompanied by a responsible adult escort

Answer

ASPAN standards require ambulatory surgery patients to be discharged in the care of a responsible, competent adult who can observe for complications at home.

(CAPA) Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse Practice Test

(CAPA) Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse Practice Test

CAPA Postanesthesia Care 4