CAPA Patient Safety & Monitoring — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Why is continuous pulse oximetry important in the PACU?
- Measures blood pressure
- Calculates glucose levels
- Monitors oxygen saturation (Correct answer)
- Checks hydration status
Correct answer: Monitors oxygen saturation
Continuous pulse oximetry detects changes in oxygen saturation early, allowing timely interventions.
Question 2: Which of the following increases a patient's fall risk after anesthesia?
- Full mobility
- Clear fluids
- Drowsiness and dizziness (Correct answer)
- IV access
Correct answer: Drowsiness and dizziness
Residual effects of sedatives and opioids impair coordination and increase fall risk.
Question 3: What is the first action if a patient develops low oxygen saturation?
- Call the surgeon
- Increase IV fluids
- Reposition airway and assess (Correct answer)
- Administer pain medication
Correct answer: Reposition airway and assess
Repositioning the airway can quickly improve oxygenation before advancing to further interventions.
Question 4: Which measure reduces the risk of pressure injuries in PACU?
- Keeping the patient in one position
- Using firm mattresses
- Repositioning regularly (Correct answer)
- Applying restraints
Correct answer: Repositioning regularly
Repositioning the patient regularly reduces pressure on vulnerable areas and improves circulation.
Question 5: How often should vital signs be assessed in the immediate postoperative period?
- Every 2 hours
- Every 30 minutes
- Every 5–15 minutes (Correct answer)
- Once at admission
Correct answer: Every 5–15 minutes
Frequent vital sign monitoring helps identify complications early, typically every 5-15 minutes initially.
Question 6: What is one way to prevent medication errors in PACU?
- Administer based on availability
- Rely on memory for dosing
- Follow the five rights of medication (Correct answer)
- Skip dose confirmation
Correct answer: Follow the five rights of medication
Using the 'five rights' of medication administration helps ensure safe drug delivery and patient safety.
CAPA Patient Safety & Monitoring
Why is continuous pulse oximetry important in the PACU?