CPAN Respiratory and Airway Management Flashcards

What is the most appropriate oxygen delivery device for a PACU patient requiring precise FiO2 delivery with a history of COPD?

Answer: Venturi mask set to prescribed FiO2 (24-35%)

Venturi masks deliver a precise, controlled FiO2 and are preferred for COPD patients to avoid suppressing their hypoxic respiratory drive with excessive oxygen.

A PACU nurse notes that a patient has an end-tidal CO2 (EtCO2) waveform that is gradually rising. What does this finding indicate?

Answer: Hypoventilation with CO2 retention

A rising EtCO2 trend indicates increasing CO2 retention from hypoventilation, requiring assessment and intervention to improve respiratory effort.

Which clinical sign best indicates that a PACU patient is ready for successful extubation?

Answer: Patient follows commands, sustains head lift for 5 seconds, and has regular tidal volumes on minimal ventilator support

The ability to follow commands, sustain a 5-second head lift (indicating neuromuscular recovery), and generate adequate spontaneous tidal volumes are standard extubation readiness criteria.

A post-thyroidectomy patient in the PACU develops inspiratory stridor and neck swelling 45 minutes after surgery. What is the most likely cause?

Answer: Hematoma compressing the trachea, requiring immediate surgical intervention

Neck hematoma after thyroidectomy can rapidly compress the trachea causing airway obstruction and is a surgical emergency requiring immediate wound opening at bedside.

What is the purpose of applying continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to an OSA patient in the PACU?

Answer: To maintain airway patency by providing constant positive pressure that splints the airway open

CPAP maintains a constant positive pressure in the airway, preventing the airway collapse that occurs during sleep or sedation in OSA patients.

Which finding requires the PACU nurse to notify the anesthesia provider immediately regarding airway concerns?

Answer: SpO2 of 92% unresponsive to supplemental oxygen with increasing respiratory rate and accessory muscle use

Persistent hypoxia unresponsive to oxygen supplementation combined with increased work of breathing indicates serious respiratory compromise requiring immediate provider intervention.