CAPA Thermoregulation & Fluid Management 3

Question 1

A patient develops oliguria (20 mL/hr) in Phase II PACU after ambulatory surgery. What is the FIRST nursing action?

Accepted Answer

Assess fluid intake, blood pressure, and pain level

Answer

Assessing the clinical picture — volume status, hemodynamics, and pain — helps differentiate pre-renal, renal, or obstructive causes before intervening.

Question 2

During passive rewarming of a mildly hypothermic PACU patient, the nurse should monitor closely for which cardiac complication?

Accepted Answer

Bradycardia with prolonged QT

Answer

Hypothermia prolongs the QT interval and slows conduction, increasing risk of bradycardia and dysrhythmias during rewarming.

Question 3

Balanced crystalloid solutions (e.g., lactated Ringer's) are preferred over normal saline for large-volume resuscitation primarily because they:

Accepted Answer

More closely match plasma electrolyte composition

Answer

Balanced crystalloids match plasma electrolyte composition more closely, reducing the risk of hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis seen with large-volume NS.

Question 4

A patient with a core temperature of 36.0°C complains of feeling cold and requests more blankets in Phase I PACU. The BEST response is to:

Accepted Answer

Apply forced-air warming and recheck temperature in 15 minutes

Answer

Even with a borderline normal temperature, patient comfort warrants active warming measures, and reassessment confirms treatment effectiveness.

Question 5

Which colloid solution is CONTRAINDICATED in patients with known renal dysfunction undergoing ambulatory procedures?

Accepted Answer

Hetastarch (HES 6%)

Answer

Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) is contraindicated in renal dysfunction due to its association with acute kidney injury and accumulation in renal tubules.

(CAPA) Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse Practice Test

(CAPA) Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse Practice Test

CAPA Thermoregulation & Fluid Management 3