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Questions and Answers
Which of the following is a key responsibility of a registered nurse in the perioperative setting?
Which of the following is a key responsibility of a registered nurse in the perioperative setting?
Pain assessment frameworks are not useful in surgical contexts.
Pain assessment frameworks are not useful in surgical contexts.
False
What is the primary focus of postoperative care?
What is the primary focus of postoperative care?
Ensuring patient recovery and preventing complications.
The primary and secondary survey approaches are used to conduct a comprehensive nursing ______.
The primary and secondary survey approaches are used to conduct a comprehensive nursing ______.
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Match the nursing strategies with their descriptions:
Match the nursing strategies with their descriptions:
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What is one common complication that can occur in older postoperative patients?
What is one common complication that can occur in older postoperative patients?
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A patient can safely drive after discharge from the PACU if they feel alert.
A patient can safely drive after discharge from the PACU if they feel alert.
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What is one of the discharge criteria from the PACU?
What is one of the discharge criteria from the PACU?
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Postoperative complications may include respiratory, cardiovascular, and __________ complications.
Postoperative complications may include respiratory, cardiovascular, and __________ complications.
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Match the following postoperative considerations with their descriptions:
Match the following postoperative considerations with their descriptions:
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Which of the following is NOT a discharge criterion from the PACU?
Which of the following is NOT a discharge criterion from the PACU?
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The use of a postanaesthesia discharge scoring system can help determine a patient's readiness for discharge.
The use of a postanaesthesia discharge scoring system can help determine a patient's readiness for discharge.
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What is the primary purpose of the PACU?
What is the primary purpose of the PACU?
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The PACU is located far from the operating room (OR).
The PACU is located far from the operating room (OR).
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What begins immediately upon completion of surgery?
What begins immediately upon completion of surgery?
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The PACU prioritizes protecting the patient and preventing __________ complications.
The PACU prioritizes protecting the patient and preventing __________ complications.
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Match the following assessments with their descriptions:
Match the following assessments with their descriptions:
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Where can you find patient bays in Werribee Mercy Hospital?
Where can you find patient bays in Werribee Mercy Hospital?
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The PACU assessment includes only a quick glance at the patient.
The PACU assessment includes only a quick glance at the patient.
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What is the focus of the Primary Survey in the PACU?
What is the focus of the Primary Survey in the PACU?
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Study Notes
Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
- Located adjacent to operating room (OR)
- Primary role: Protect patient & prevent post-anesthetic and post-surgical complications
Nursing Role in PACU
- Primary survey: Initial assessment of airway, breathing, circulation, disability, exposure
- Head-to-toe assessment: Comprehensive evaluation of all body systems
- Airway obstruction: Causes and relief of airway obstruction from patient's tongue
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Postoperative complications:
- Respiratory: Pneumonia, atelectasis, pulmonary embolism
- Cardiovascular: Hypotension, hypertension, arrhythmias, deep vein thrombosis
- Fluid and electrolyte: Dehydration, electrolyte imbalances
- Neuropsychological: Delirium, cognitive impairment, pain
- Integumentary: Wound infection, skin breakdown
- Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, ileus
- Urinary: Urinary retention, urinary tract infection
Postoperative Considerations for Older Patients
- Decreased respiratory function: Increased risk of complications
- Altered vascular function: Increased risk of blood clots
- Medication toxicity: Increased sensitivity to medications
- Mental status changes: Increased risk of postoperative delirium
- Pain control: May require different pain management strategies
Discharge from PACU
- Criteria for discharge from PACU can vary based on patient's condition and factors like:
- Mobility and alertness
- Ability to drive
- Absence of IV opioids
- Minimal nausea and vomiting
- Voids if necessary
- Understanding written discharge instructions
- Discharge systems scoring: May use postoperative anesthesia discharge scoring systems (e.g., PADSS) to determine readiness for discharge.
Day Surgery Discharge Criteria
- Mobile and alert
- Responsible adult must accompany them if they cannot drive
- No IV opioids in the past 30 minutes
- Minimal nausea/vomiting
- Voided if appropriate to their surgical procedure
- Written discharge instructions given and understood.
- Post anaesthesia discharge scoring system: PADSS can be used to determine readiness for discharge.
Review of Case Scenario: Grace Kim
- Patient background: 72-year-old female, retired teacher, history of osteoporosis, GERD, smoker, Type 2 diabetes
- Presentation: Pain in left hip and buttocks after a fall, fractured neck of femur
- Pre-operative medications: Caltrate, Ranitidine, Paracetamol
- Surgical procedure: Left hip fracture repair
- Post-operative status: Drowsy but rousable, temperature stable, blood pressure low, heart rate within normal limits, oxygen saturation at 98% with supplemental oxygen
- Nursing considerations: Monitor vital signs, assess pain, assess for complications, assist with ambulation, provide education about post-operative care, maintain fluid and electrolyte balance, promote effective pain control.
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Description
This quiz focuses on the nursing role in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), emphasizing assessment protocols and common postoperative complications. It covers essential topics such as airway management, fluid and electrolyte imbalances, and the effects of anesthesia on older patients. Test your knowledge on improving patient safety and recovery in this critical care environment.
