Roles and Responsibilities Flashcards

A patient in Phase I PACU begins exhibiting laryngospasm. What is the PACU nurse's immediate responsibility?

Answer: Apply positive pressure ventilation with 100% O2 and call for anesthesia provider immediately

Laryngospasm is a complete or partial upper airway obstruction requiring immediate positive pressure ventilation and anesthesia provider support.

According to ASPAN staffing guidelines, what is the minimum nurse-to-patient ratio for a Phase I PACU patient who is critically ill and unstable?

Answer: 1:1 with a second nurse immediately available

ASPAN standards require a 1:1 ratio for unstable Phase I patients with a second nurse immediately available to assist.

A PACU nurse is performing a hand-off to the next shift. Which element is most critical to communicate regarding a post-spinal anesthesia patient?

Answer: Sensory and motor block level and time of last neurological check

Monitoring the resolution of spinal block is essential post-spinal anesthesia; communicating block level and neurological status ensures continuity of safety monitoring.

A PACU nurse notes that a pediatric patient is crying inconsolably and pulling at the surgical site 20 minutes post-operatively. The parent states the child does not speak English. What is the nurse's most appropriate action?

Answer: Use a validated pediatric pain scale, obtain interpreter services, and involve the parent in assessment

Validated pediatric pain scales and professional interpreter services ensure accurate assessment while language barriers and parent involvement are addressed appropriately.

Which of the following actions best demonstrates the PACU nurse's responsibility for evidence-based practice?

Answer: Reviewing current ASPAN Practice Recommendations and incorporating updated protocols into care

Evidence-based practice requires actively reviewing and applying current standards such as ASPAN Practice Recommendations to guide patient care.

A Phase II PACU nurse is discharging a patient who had a regional nerve block. Which discharge teaching is the nurse responsible for providing?

Answer: Not applying heat to the blocked extremity and protecting it from injury until sensation returns

Nerve block patients must be instructed to protect the insensate extremity from burns and injury and avoid applying heat until full sensation returns.

When a PACU nurse identifies that a patient is experiencing a post-operative complication not previously anticipated, the nurse's professional responsibility includes:

Answer: Independently assessing, intervening within scope, and promptly communicating findings to the provider

Prompt independent assessment, within-scope intervention, and timely communication to the provider are all required elements of professional PACU nursing responsibility during an unanticipated complication.