CSFA Postoperative and Emergency Care Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) who received a volatile anesthetic and succinylcholine begins to exhibit unexplained tachycardia, muscle rigidity, and a rapid rise in end-tidal CO2.
Which of the following is the priority emergency intervention?

Accepted Answer

Administering intravenous dantrolene sodium.

Answer

Administering a bolus of cooled intravenous fluids.

Answer

Applying external cooling blankets and ice packs.

Answer

Preparing for immediate re-intubation.

Question 2

A CSFA is called to the bedside of a postoperative patient who states they 'felt something pop' after a strong cough. The CSFA observes the abdominal incision has separated and a loop of bowel is protruding. What is the most appropriate initial action?

Accepted Answer

Cover the protruding bowel with a sterile saline-moistened gauze.

Answer

Attempt to gently reduce the protruding bowel back into the abdominal cavity.

Answer

Apply a dry sterile dressing firmly over the eviscerated organ.

Answer

Place the patient in a high-Fowler's position to reduce abdominal pressure.

Question 3

In the immediate postoperative period, a patient's surgical drain output suddenly increases to 300 mL of bright red blood within one hour, and their heart rate rises from 85 to 120 bpm while their blood pressure drops. Which of the following is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Postoperative hemorrhage

Answer

Hemolytic transfusion reaction

Answer

Surgical site infection

Answer

Anesthetic-induced vasodilation

Question 4

A patient who underwent a total hip arthroplasty 3 days ago suddenly develops acute shortness of breath, pleuritic chest pain, and tachycardia in the recovery area. Which of the following life-threatening conditions should be suspected first?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary Embolism

Answer

Atelectasis

Answer

Pneumonia

Answer

Myocardial Infarction

Question 5

While assisting with patient transport, a chest tube is accidentally pulled out completely from the patient's pleural space. Which of the following is the correct immediate emergency action?

Accepted Answer

Apply pressure with a gloved hand and cover the site with an occlusive dressing taped on three sides.

Answer

Immediately reinsert the chest tube into the existing site.

Answer

Submerge the end of the disconnected tubing in sterile water.

Answer

Place the patient on their affected side to splint the chest wall.

Question 6

A patient in the PACU, shortly after extubation, develops inspiratory stridor, use of accessory muscles, and paradoxical chest movements ('see-saw' breathing) with no audible air movement. This is most indicative of what emergency?

Accepted Answer

Complete Laryngospasm

Answer

Bronchospasm

Answer

Pulmonary Edema

Answer

Aspiration Pneumonitis