CAPA Respiratory Assessment & Management 3

Question 1

A post-anesthesia patient is receiving oxygen via face mask at 8L/min with an SpO2 of 95%. The nurse notes the reservoir bag on the partial rebreather mask deflates completely with each breath. The CORRECT action is:

Accepted Answer

Switch to a non-rebreather mask and increase flow

Answer

Complete deflation of the reservoir bag indicates flow is insufficient to meet the patient's inspiratory demand; switching to a non-rebreather mask with higher flow maintains FiO2 delivery.

Question 2

A patient emerges from general anesthesia biting the oropharyngeal airway and is extremely agitated. The nurse's PRIORITY action is:

Accepted Answer

Remove the oral airway only after confirming adequate protective reflexes

Answer

An oral airway should be removed when the patient demonstrates adequate protective airway reflexes (e.g., purposeful attempts to remove it), because forceful biting indicates the patient is capable of maintaining their airway.

Question 3

Which arterial blood gas result is MOST consistent with acute respiratory acidosis from hypoventilation?

Accepted Answer

pH 7.28, PaCO2 58, HCO3 24

Answer

pH 7.28 with elevated PaCO2 of 58 and normal bicarbonate indicates acute uncompensated respiratory acidosis due to CO2 retention from hypoventilation.

Question 4

A patient returns from TURP under spinal anesthesia and develops sudden dyspnea with decreased breath sounds on the right and tracheal deviation to the left. The nurse should IMMEDIATELY:

Accepted Answer

Prepare for emergency needle decompression of the right chest

Answer

Tracheal deviation away from the affected side combined with absent breath sounds indicates tension pneumothorax, a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate needle decompression.

Question 5

When monitoring a patient's respiratory rate in the PACU, the nurse should count respirations for at least:

Accepted Answer

A full 60 seconds without the patient's knowledge

Answer

Respirations should be counted for a full 60 seconds without the patient's knowledge, as awareness can alter breathing pattern and shorter intervals are less accurate for detecting bradypnea.

(CAPA) Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse Practice Test

(CAPA) Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse Practice Test

CAPA Respiratory Assessment & Management 3