MAC Postoperative Care & PACU Management 2

Question 1

What is the first-line pharmacologic treatment for postoperative shivering in the PACU?

Accepted Answer

Meperidine 25 mg IV

Answer

Meperidine at 25 mg IV is the most effective pharmacologic treatment for postoperative shivering via its kappa-opioid receptor activity.

Question 2

How is residual neuromuscular blockade (RNMB) quantitatively detected in the PACU?

Accepted Answer

Train-of-four (TOF) ratio with a peripheral nerve stimulator

Answer

Train-of-four ratio measurement with a peripheral nerve stimulator quantitatively assesses residual neuromuscular blockade in the PACU.

Question 3

A PACU patient has SpO2 88% with slow, shallow respirations after large fentanyl doses. What is the appropriate intervention?

Accepted Answer

Naloxone titration plus respiratory support

Answer

Opioid-induced respiratory depression is treated with careful titration of naloxone to restore ventilation without precipitating acute opioid reversal and pain crisis.

Question 4

What does 'fast-tracking' refer to in postoperative anesthesia care?

Accepted Answer

Bypassing traditional Phase 1 PACU to discharge directly from OR or to step-down

Answer

Fast-tracking allows selected low-risk patients to bypass Phase 1 PACU and proceed directly to discharge or a lower acuity unit, improving efficiency while maintaining safety.

Question 5

Which postoperative complication presents as high-pitched stridor and inspiratory difficulty in the PACU?

Accepted Answer

Post-extubation laryngeal edema or croup

Answer

Post-extubation stridor from laryngeal edema or subglottic croup presents as high-pitched inspiratory noise requiring nebulized epinephrine and steroid treatment.

MAC - Maintaining Anesthesia Certification Practice Test

MAC - Maintaining Anesthesia Certification Practice Test

MAC Postoperative Care & PACU Management 2