CFA CFA Postoperative Care & Complications

Question 1

What is the first priority assessment when a patient arrives in the PACU?

Accepted Answer

Airway patency

Answer

Airway patency is always the primary PACU assessment because residual anesthesia can cause airway obstruction and respiratory compromise.

Question 2

What does the Aldrete score assess in the PACU?

Accepted Answer

Readiness for PACU discharge

Answer

The Aldrete score evaluates activity, respiration, circulation, consciousness, and oxygen saturation to determine when a patient is ready to be discharged from the PACU.

Question 3

What is the most common cause of airway obstruction in the immediate postoperative period?

Accepted Answer

Tongue relaxation from residual anesthesia

Answer

Tongue relaxation due to residual anesthetic effects is the most common cause of postoperative airway obstruction and is easily managed with airway positioning or an oral airway.

Question 4

What core temperature defines perioperative hypothermia?

Accepted Answer

Below 36°C (96.8°F)

Answer

Perioperative hypothermia is defined as a core temperature below 36°C and is associated with increased bleeding risk, wound infection, and cardiac events.

Question 5

Which drug is administered to reverse opioid-induced respiratory depression in the PACU?

Accepted Answer

Naloxone (Narcan)

Answer

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that rapidly reverses opioid-induced respiratory depression and sedation by competitively blocking opioid receptors.

CFA Practice Test

CFA Practice Test

CFA CFA Postoperative Care & Complications