CPAN CPAN Respiratory and Airway Management

Question 1

A post-anesthesia patient in the PACU has an SpO2 of 88% on room air. What is the nurse's first intervention?

Accepted Answer

Apply supplemental oxygen and stimulate the patient to breathe deeply

Answer

Obtain an arterial blood gas immediately

Answer

Call a code blue immediately

Answer

Administer IV epinephrine

Question 2

Which assessment finding most suggests upper airway obstruction in a PACU patient?

Accepted Answer

Inspiratory stridor with paradoxical chest and abdominal movement

Answer

Regular respiratory rate of 14 breaths/minute with clear breath sounds

Answer

Mild expiratory wheezing bilaterally

Answer

Decreased SpO2 with productive cough

Question 3

A patient emerges from general anesthesia with significant laryngospasm. What is the most appropriate initial intervention?

Accepted Answer

Apply firm upward jaw thrust and administer 100% oxygen via positive pressure ventilation

Answer

Perform emergency tracheostomy

Answer

Administer IV atropine immediately

Answer

Place patient in Trendelenburg position and wait

Question 4

Which factor most increases a PACU patient's risk for post-extubation respiratory complications?

Accepted Answer

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

Answer

History of mild seasonal allergies

Answer

Recent viral upper respiratory infection resolved 4 weeks ago

Answer

BMI of 24

Question 5

What is the recommended position for a PACU patient at risk for aspiration?

Accepted Answer

Semi-prone or lateral decubitus position

Answer

Supine with bed flat

Answer

Trendelenburg (head down)

Answer

High Fowler's with neck hyperextended

Question 6

When should the PACU nurse most urgently prepare for reintubation?

Accepted Answer

Patient develops progressive stridor unresponsive to jaw thrust and supplemental oxygen

Answer

Patient reports mild nausea

Answer

Respiratory rate is 18 breaths/minute

Answer

Patient requests to remove the nasal cannula