CPAN Roles and Responsibilities 5

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Suction the oropharynx and place in lateral decubitus position

Answer

Administer IV diphenhydramine per protocol

Answer

Apply a non-rebreather mask and document the event

Question 2

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?

Accepted Answer

1:1 with a second nurse immediately available

Answer

1:2

Answer

2:1 nursing staff to one patient

Answer

1:1 at all times without exception

Question 3

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?

Accepted Answer

Sensory and motor block level and time of last neurological check

Answer

The patient's insurance information and discharge destination

Answer

Whether the patient has a family member present

Answer

The scheduled time of the next meal

Question 4

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?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Administer analgesics empirically since crying indicates pain

Answer

Ask the parent to translate the child's responses informally

Answer

Document inconsolable crying and reassess in 15 minutes

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Reviewing current ASPAN Practice Recommendations and incorporating updated protocols into care

Answer

Following the same nursing practices used for the past 10 years

Answer

Basing care decisions on what experienced colleagues prefer

Answer

Implementing new protocols only after observing three other nurses use them

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Avoiding all activity until follow-up in 2 weeks

Answer

Resuming full weight-bearing on the affected limb immediately

Answer

Contacting the surgeon only if the block has not worn off in 24 hours

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Waiting for routine rounds to address the finding

Answer

Consulting peers before contacting the responsible provider

Answer

Documenting the finding and waiting for shift change to report it