CPAN Emergency Response Procedures 3

Question 1

A PACU patient develops wheezing, urticaria, and hypotension 5 minutes after receiving IV ketorolac. What is the first-line pharmacologic treatment?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine 0.3 mg IM

Answer

Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis due to its combined alpha and beta adrenergic effects.

Question 2

During PACU assessment, the nurse finds a patient unresponsive with a GCS of 6, pinpoint pupils, and a respiratory rate of 6/min. Which reversal agent should be prepared?

Accepted Answer

Naloxone 0.4 mg IV

Answer

Pinpoint pupils, respiratory depression, and unresponsiveness constitute the opioid toxidrome, reversed by naloxone.

Question 3

A patient 30 minutes post-thoracotomy develops absent breath sounds on the left, tracheal deviation to the right, and SpO2 of 78%. The priority intervention is:

Accepted Answer

Perform needle decompression of the left chest

Answer

Absent breath sounds with tracheal deviation indicates tension pneumothorax, which requires immediate needle decompression at the 2nd intercostal space, midclavicular line.

Question 4

The PACU nurse observes that a patient's urine output has been 10 mL/hr for the past 2 hours despite adequate fluid resuscitation. Which early intervention is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Notify the physician and prepare for further assessment

Answer

Oliguria (< 0.5 mL/kg/hr) unresponsive to fluids suggests possible acute kidney injury or hemodynamic compromise requiring physician evaluation.

Question 5

A patient with a history of coronary artery disease develops new ST-segment elevation in leads II, III, and aVF on the PACU monitor. Which action should the nurse take first?

Accepted Answer

Obtain a 12-lead ECG and notify the physician

Answer

A 12-lead ECG confirms the ST changes and physician notification initiates the STEMI response protocol.

(CPAN) Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse Practice Test

(CPAN) Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse Practice Test

CPAN Emergency Response Procedures 3