CAPA Postanesthesia Care — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary focus in the immediate postanesthesia period?
- Initiating discharge paperwork
- Reviewing dietary needs
- Monitoring airway and vital signs (Correct answer)
- Changing surgical dressings
Correct answer: Monitoring airway and vital signs
Airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs) are top priorities to ensure patient stability after anesthesia.
Question 2: Which sign indicates potential respiratory depression post-anesthesia?
- Increased alertness
- Respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min (Correct answer)
- Normal oxygen saturation
- Warm extremities
Correct answer: Respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min
A decreased respiratory rate can be an early sign of opioid-induced respiratory depression.
Question 3: What is the Aldrete score used for?
- Pain level measurement
- Wound healing evaluation
- Postanesthesia recovery assessment (Correct answer)
- Blood sugar control
Correct answer: Postanesthesia recovery assessment
The Aldrete score assesses readiness for discharge from the PACU based on activity, consciousness, respiration, circulation, and oxygen saturation.
Question 4: Which symptom may suggest postoperative bleeding?
- Elevated blood pressure
- Bradycardia
- Hypotension and tachycardia (Correct answer)
- Dry mucous membranes
Correct answer: Hypotension and tachycardia
A drop in blood pressure and increasing heart rate can be signs of internal bleeding or hypovolemia.
Question 5: What intervention is important for managing postoperative nausea?
- Provide carbonated drinks
- Apply a heating pad
- Administer prescribed antiemetic (Correct answer)
- Restrict fluids
Correct answer: Administer prescribed antiemetic
Administering antiemetics can reduce nausea and vomiting, which are common after anesthesia.
Question 6: Which nursing action helps prevent hypothermia in the PACU?
- Keeping the patient uncovered
- Encouraging cold drinks
- Using warm blankets (Correct answer)
- Limiting movement
Correct answer: Using warm blankets
Providing warm blankets and maintaining ambient temperature support thermoregulation after anesthesia.
CAPA Postanesthesia Care
What is the primary focus in the immediate postanesthesia period?