CPAN Clinical Procedures and Protocols 2

Question 1

A PACU patient develops laryngospasm after extubation. Which intervention should the nurse perform FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Apply positive pressure ventilation with 100% oxygen

Answer

Positive pressure ventilation with 100% oxygen is the first-line intervention for laryngospasm, as it can break mild-to-moderate spasm before pharmacologic intervention is needed.

Question 2

Which assessment finding in the PACU indicates the patient has achieved adequate reversal of neuromuscular blockade?

Accepted Answer

Train-of-four ratio ≥0.9

Answer

A train-of-four ratio ≥0.9 indicates adequate neuromuscular recovery and is the standard criterion for confirming reversal of neuromuscular blockade.

Question 3

A patient in the PACU has a blood pressure of 80/50 mmHg with a heart rate of 120 bpm after abdominal surgery. Which intervention takes priority?

Accepted Answer

Administer an IV fluid bolus of 500 mL normal saline

Answer

Hypovolemic hypotension in the PACU is first treated with IV fluid resuscitation to restore intravascular volume before vasopressors are considered.

Question 4

When performing a Modified Aldrete Score assessment, which criterion evaluates the patient's ability to breathe deeply and cough freely?

Accepted Answer

Respiration

Answer

The Respiration criterion of the Modified Aldrete Score assesses the patient's ability to breathe deeply and cough freely, scored 0–2.

Question 5

A PACU nurse notices a patient's wound dressing is saturated with bright red blood 30 minutes post-operatively. What is the nurse's priority action?

Accepted Answer

Apply direct pressure and notify the surgeon immediately

Answer

Applying direct pressure to control bleeding and immediately notifying the surgeon is the priority to prevent further blood loss and facilitate prompt surgical intervention if needed.

(CPAN) Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse Practice Test

(CPAN) Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse Practice Test

CPAN Clinical Procedures and Protocols 2