CAPA Regional Anesthesia Recovery Care 2

Question 1

A patient recovering from a femoral nerve block reports inability to flex the knee 4 hours post-procedure. What is the PRIORITY nursing action?

Accepted Answer

Assess for signs of compartment syndrome and notify the anesthesia provider

Answer

Prolonged motor block with inability to flex the knee may indicate complications such as compartment syndrome, requiring immediate assessment and provider notification.

Question 2

Which assessment finding would MOST concern the perianesthesia nurse in a patient who received an interscalene nerve block?

Accepted Answer

SpO2 of 94% with dyspnea

Answer

Interscalene blocks commonly cause ipsilateral phrenic nerve palsy, reducing diaphragmatic function; SpO2 of 94% with dyspnea indicates significant respiratory compromise.

Question 3

A patient with a popliteal sciatic nerve block is being prepared for discharge. Which instruction is MOST important regarding foot safety?

Accepted Answer

Inspect the foot for injury frequently since sensation is impaired

Answer

With impaired sensation from a sciatic block, patients cannot feel injury, so frequent inspection is essential to prevent unrecognized trauma.

Question 4

During recovery from an epidural block, the nurse notes the patient's blood pressure drops from 118/72 to 82/50 mmHg. What is the FIRST intervention?

Accepted Answer

Place the patient in Trendelenburg position and increase IV fluid rate

Answer

Sympathetic blockade from epidural anesthesia causes vasodilation and hypotension; initial management includes positioning and IV fluid bolus to restore preload.

Question 5

A patient who received a spinal anesthetic complains of a severe positional headache 24 hours post-procedure. Which action is MOST appropriate initially?

Accepted Answer

Administer IV caffeine and maintain bed rest with increased oral fluid intake

Answer

Conservative management of post-dural puncture headache includes bed rest, hydration, and caffeine administration before escalating to an epidural blood patch.

(CAPA) Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse Practice Test

(CAPA) Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse Practice Test

CAPA Regional Anesthesia Recovery Care 2