CAPA Respiratory Assessment & Management 5

Question 1

A patient who underwent 4-hour abdominal surgery under general anesthesia is being assessed using the Aldrete scoring system. A respiratory score of '1' is assigned when:

Accepted Answer

Dyspnea or limited breathing is present

Answer

An Aldrete respiratory score of 1 indicates dyspnea, shallow breathing, or limited respiratory effort; a score of 2 indicates normal breathing, and 0 indicates apnea.

Question 2

A patient with a history of reactive airway disease develops audible expiratory wheezing 20 minutes after extubation. After administering albuterol via MDI, the nurse should reassess within:

Accepted Answer

15-20 minutes

Answer

Albuterol's peak bronchodilatory effect occurs at 15-20 minutes after inhalation, making this the appropriate reassessment window to evaluate therapeutic response.

Question 3

Which maneuver is MOST effective for opening the airway in a patient suspected of having a cervical spine injury?

Accepted Answer

Modified jaw thrust without head extension

Answer

The modified jaw thrust without head extension opens the airway while maintaining cervical spine neutrality, making it the preferred technique when spinal injury is suspected.

Question 4

A patient with COPD is being discharged from the ambulatory surgery unit on home oxygen at 2L/min. Teaching should emphasize that the PRIMARY goal of supplemental oxygen in COPD is:

Accepted Answer

Maintaining SpO2 between 88-92% to avoid blunting hypoxic drive

Answer

In COPD patients who may rely on hypoxic drive, oxygen is titrated to SpO2 88-92% to prevent hyperoxia-induced hypercapnia while maintaining adequate tissue oxygenation.

Question 5

Which finding during respiratory assessment of a PACU patient requires IMMEDIATE escalation to the anesthesia provider?

Accepted Answer

Paradoxical inward chest movement with each respiratory effort

Answer

Paradoxical inward chest movement during inspiration indicates severe upper airway obstruction or respiratory muscle fatigue and represents impending respiratory failure requiring immediate intervention.

(CAPA) Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse Practice Test

(CAPA) Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse Practice Test

CAPA Respiratory Assessment & Management 5