MAC Postoperative Care & PACU Management

Question 1

What is the minimum oxygen saturation threshold for PACU discharge per standard Aldrete scoring?

Accepted Answer

92% on room air or at baseline

Answer

An SpO2 ≥92% on room air or at the patient's baseline oxygen requirements is part of standard PACU discharge criteria.

Question 2

What are the most common causes of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV)?

Accepted Answer

Opioid use and volatile anesthetic agents

Answer

Opioids stimulate the chemoreceptor trigger zone and volatile anesthetics directly trigger nausea pathways, making them the primary PONV drivers.

Question 3

Which factor is NOT included in the Apfel PONV risk score?

Accepted Answer

ASA physical status classification

Answer

The Apfel score includes female sex, non-smoking status, PONV/motion sickness history, and postoperative opioid use — not ASA classification.

Question 4

What condition should be suspected when a PACU patient develops agitation, hypertension, and tachycardia simultaneously?

Accepted Answer

Inadequate pain control or emergence agitation

Answer

The triad of agitation, hypertension, and tachycardia in the PACU suggests inadequate analgesia or emergence agitation requiring prompt assessment and treatment.

Question 5

What is the Aldrete score used to assess in the PACU?

Accepted Answer

Readiness for PACU discharge

Answer

The Aldrete score evaluates activity, respiration, circulation, consciousness, and oxygen saturation to determine PACU discharge readiness.

MAC - Maintaining Anesthesia Certification Practice Test

MAC - Maintaining Anesthesia Certification Practice Test

MAC Postoperative Care & PACU Management