CPAN Post-Operative Complications and Interventions Flashcards

What is post-operative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) and which patient population is at greatest risk?

Answer: A decline in cognitive function persisting after surgery that is most common in elderly patients

POCD is a decline in cognitive function that can persist after surgery, with elderly patients at significantly higher risk due to age-related neurologic vulnerabilities.

What is post-operative ileus and how does it present clinically?

Answer: Temporary cessation of bowel peristalsis presenting with absent bowel sounds, nausea, and abdominal distension

Post-operative ileus is a temporary cessation of bowel peristalsis common after abdominal surgery, presenting with absent bowel sounds, abdominal distension, and inability to tolerate oral intake.

A patient in the PACU develops inspiratory stridor. What is the most likely cause and priority intervention?

Answer: Laryngospasm or airway obstruction requiring immediate airway repositioning and positive pressure ventilation if needed

Stridor in the PACU most likely indicates laryngospasm or partial airway obstruction requiring immediate airway management including repositioning and positive pressure ventilation.

What is bronchospasm in the post-anesthesia setting and how is it treated?

Answer: Bronchial smooth muscle contraction causing airway narrowing, treated with bronchodilators such as albuterol

Bronchospasm is a sudden narrowing of the bronchi from smooth muscle contraction and is treated with bronchodilators such as albuterol along with supplemental oxygen.

What clinical signs of a pulmonary embolism (PE) should a PACU nurse be prepared to recognize?

Answer: Sudden onset dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, tachycardia, and decreased oxygen saturation

Pulmonary embolism classically presents with sudden dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, tachycardia, and hypoxia, requiring immediate emergency response.

How does a PACU nurse differentiate pain-related hypertension from a hypertensive crisis?

Answer: Pain-related hypertension typically resolves with adequate analgesia, while hypertensive crisis persists despite pain control and may require specific antihypertensive therapy

Treating pain often normalizes pain-related hypertension, whereas true hypertensive crisis persists despite adequate pain management and requires targeted antihypertensive treatment.