Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is the primary focus of care in the PACU?
Which of the following is the primary focus of care in the PACU?
- Assessing nutritional status
- Monitoring urine output
- Maintaining a patent airway (correct)
- Administering pain medications
The Aldrete Score is used to assess which of the following in post-anesthesia patients?
The Aldrete Score is used to assess which of the following in post-anesthesia patients?
- Level of consciousness, circulation, and activity (correct)
- Fluid status
- Urinary output
- Presence of pain
Which assessment is most crucial when a patient is first admitted to the PACU?
Which assessment is most crucial when a patient is first admitted to the PACU?
- Surgical site condition
- Urinary output
- Airway patency (correct)
- Pain level
What is the most likely cause of post-anesthesia shivering?
What is the most likely cause of post-anesthesia shivering?
Which intervention is most appropriate for preventing aspiration in a patient in the PACU?
Which intervention is most appropriate for preventing aspiration in a patient in the PACU?
A PACU nurse is assessing a post-surgical patient and notes an SpO2 of 88%. What is the priority action?
A PACU nurse is assessing a post-surgical patient and notes an SpO2 of 88%. What is the priority action?
Which patient is at the highest risk for developing post-op respiratory complications?
Which patient is at the highest risk for developing post-op respiratory complications?
A nurse is monitoring a post-op patient who is exhibiting agitation, confusion, and an SpO2 of 89%. What is the most likely cause?
A nurse is monitoring a post-op patient who is exhibiting agitation, confusion, and an SpO2 of 89%. What is the most likely cause?
Which of the following indicates the need for immediate intervention in a PACU patient?
Which of the following indicates the need for immediate intervention in a PACU patient?
A post-op patient reports nausea and vomiting. Which interventions should the nurse implement? (Select all that apply)
A post-op patient reports nausea and vomiting. Which interventions should the nurse implement? (Select all that apply)
Which patients are at increased risk for post-anesthesia complications? (Select all that apply)
Which patients are at increased risk for post-anesthesia complications? (Select all that apply)
The nurse is preparing to discharge a patient from PACU. What criteria must be met? (Select all that apply)
The nurse is preparing to discharge a patient from PACU. What criteria must be met? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following medications is commonly used to reverse opioid-induced respiratory depression in the PACU?
Which of the following medications is commonly used to reverse opioid-induced respiratory depression in the PACU?
Which anesthesia-related complication is most concerning in the immediate post-op period?
Which anesthesia-related complication is most concerning in the immediate post-op period?
What is the main purpose of an oropharyngeal airway (OPA) in the PACU?
What is the main purpose of an oropharyngeal airway (OPA) in the PACU?
Which intervention helps prevent post-op deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
Which intervention helps prevent post-op deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
Which vital sign change might indicate hemorrhage in the PACU?
Which vital sign change might indicate hemorrhage in the PACU?
A patient in the PACU has a blood pressure of 82/50 mmHg and a heart rate of 120 bpm. What is the priority nursing action?
A patient in the PACU has a blood pressure of 82/50 mmHg and a heart rate of 120 bpm. What is the priority nursing action?
Which finding in a post-op patient requires immediate intervention?
Which finding in a post-op patient requires immediate intervention?
A nurse suspects a post-op patient has a pulmonary embolism (PE). Which signs support this suspicion? (Select all that apply)
A nurse suspects a post-op patient has a pulmonary embolism (PE). Which signs support this suspicion? (Select all that apply)
A patient is shivering in the PACU after general anesthesia. What is the best intervention?
A patient is shivering in the PACU after general anesthesia. What is the best intervention?
A nurse receives a PACU report. Which finding is most concerning?
A nurse receives a PACU report. Which finding is most concerning?
Which interventions are appropriate for a patient experiencing post-op nausea and vomiting? (Select all that apply)
Which interventions are appropriate for a patient experiencing post-op nausea and vomiting? (Select all that apply)
Which patients are at higher risk for post-op complications? (Select all that apply)
Which patients are at higher risk for post-op complications? (Select all that apply)
The PACU nurse should monitor for which early signs of malignant hyperthermia?
The PACU nurse should monitor for which early signs of malignant hyperthermia?
What is the priority intervention for a patient with suspected airway obstruction post-op?
What is the priority intervention for a patient with suspected airway obstruction post-op?
Which actions should the PACU nurse take to prevent aspiration pneumonia? (Select all that apply)
Which actions should the PACU nurse take to prevent aspiration pneumonia? (Select all that apply)
A PACU nurse is caring for a patient who is restless, has increased respiratory rate, and an oxygen saturation of 90%. What is the priority action?
A PACU nurse is caring for a patient who is restless, has increased respiratory rate, and an oxygen saturation of 90%. What is the priority action?
Which factor increases the need for prolonged PACU monitoring?
Which factor increases the need for prolonged PACU monitoring?
A patient in the PACU has a temperature of 35°C (95°F). What action should the nurse take?
A patient in the PACU has a temperature of 35°C (95°F). What action should the nurse take?
Which of the following post-anesthesia complications should the PACU nurse monitor for in a patient who received general anesthesia?
Which of the following post-anesthesia complications should the PACU nurse monitor for in a patient who received general anesthesia?
A patient in the PACU develops stridor and labored breathing. What is the priority action?
A patient in the PACU develops stridor and labored breathing. What is the priority action?
Which assessment finding in the PACU requires immediate intervention?
Which assessment finding in the PACU requires immediate intervention?
A nurse in the PACU is monitoring a patient who received spinal anesthesia. Which complication should be reported to the provider immediately?
A nurse in the PACU is monitoring a patient who received spinal anesthesia. Which complication should be reported to the provider immediately?
A post-op patient is in the PACU and begins experiencing confusion and restlessness. What is the most likely cause?
A post-op patient is in the PACU and begins experiencing confusion and restlessness. What is the most likely cause?
Which interventions should a nurse implement to prevent post-op respiratory complications? (Select all that apply)
Which interventions should a nurse implement to prevent post-op respiratory complications? (Select all that apply)
A PACU nurse is assessing a patient's surgical dressing and notes excessive bleeding. What is the priority action?
A PACU nurse is assessing a patient's surgical dressing and notes excessive bleeding. What is the priority action?
Which actions can help prevent post-op hypothermia? (Select all that apply)
Which actions can help prevent post-op hypothermia? (Select all that apply)
The PACU nurse is assessing a patient who received epidural anesthesia. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
The PACU nurse is assessing a patient who received epidural anesthesia. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
A patient in the PACU has an Aldrete score of 6. What action should the nurse take?
A patient in the PACU has an Aldrete score of 6. What action should the nurse take?
Flashcards
PACU Primary Focus
PACU Primary Focus
Maintaining a patent airway to prevent complications like aspiration and hypoxia.
Aldrete Score Use
Aldrete Score Use
Assesses a patient's readiness for discharge from PACU.
Crucial PACU Assessment
Crucial PACU Assessment
Airway patency due to the risk of airway obstruction post-anesthesia.
Post-Anesthesia Shivering Cause
Post-Anesthesia Shivering Cause
Signup and view all the flashcards
Preventing Aspiration in PACU
Preventing Aspiration in PACU
Signup and view all the flashcards
Low SpO2 Priority Action
Low SpO2 Priority Action
Signup and view all the flashcards
High-Risk Post-Op Respiratory Patients
High-Risk Post-Op Respiratory Patients
Signup and view all the flashcards
Agitation and Confusion Cause
Agitation and Confusion Cause
Signup and view all the flashcards
Immediate Intervention Indicator
Immediate Intervention Indicator
Signup and view all the flashcards
Post-Op Nausea Interventions
Post-Op Nausea Interventions
Signup and view all the flashcards
Increased Risk: Post-Anesthesia Complications
Increased Risk: Post-Anesthesia Complications
Signup and view all the flashcards
PACU Discharge Criteria
PACU Discharge Criteria
Signup and view all the flashcards
Reverse Opioid Respiratory Depression
Reverse Opioid Respiratory Depression
Signup and view all the flashcards
Most Concerning Anesthesia Complication
Most Concerning Anesthesia Complication
Signup and view all the flashcards
Oropharyngeal Airway (OPA) Purpose
Oropharyngeal Airway (OPA) Purpose
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
- The primary focus of care in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) is maintaining a patent airway to prevent complications like aspiration and hypoxia.
- The Aldrete Score assesses a patient's readiness for discharge from PACU by evaluating respiratory function, activity level, circulation, consciousness, and oxygen saturation.
- Airway patency is the most crucial assessment when a patient is first admitted to the PACU because airway obstruction is a major risk post-anesthesia.
- Post-anesthesia shivering is most likely caused by hypothermia due to the effects of anesthesia on thermoregulation.
- Keeping the patient NPO (nothing by mouth) is the most appropriate intervention to prevent aspiration in a patient in the PACU.
- The priority action for a PACU nurse assessing a post-surgical patient with an SpO2 of 88% is to apply supplemental oxygen, as hypoxia is a common post-anesthesia complication.
- A 65-year-old female with obesity and a history of smoking is at the highest risk for developing post-op respiratory complications due to increased risks from older age, obesity, and smoking.
- Agitation, confusion, and an SpO2 of 89% in a post-op patient most likely indicates hypoxia.
- A respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute indicates the need for immediate intervention in a PACU patient, as it may indicate respiratory depression due to anesthesia or opioid administration.
- Interventions for a post-op patient reporting nausea and vomiting include administering ondansetron, positioning the patient in a side-lying position, and applying a cool cloth to the forehead, while avoiding oral fluids until nausea resolves.
- Patients at increased risk for post-anesthesia complications include those with obstructive sleep apnea, a history of DVT, and uncontrolled diabetes.
- Discharge criteria from PACU include an Aldrete Score ≥ 9, stable vital signs, and controlled pain.
- Naloxone is commonly used to reverse opioid-induced respiratory depression in the PACU as it is an opioid antagonist.
- Malignant hyperthermia is the most concerning anesthesia-related complication in the immediate post-op period, requiring immediate intervention.
- The main purpose of an oropharyngeal airway (OPA) in the PACU is to maintain an open airway by preventing the tongue from obstructing the airway in an unconscious patient.
- Encouraging early ambulation helps prevent post-op deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by promoting circulation and reducing the risk of DVT.
- An increased heart rate is a vital sign change that may indicate hemorrhage in the PACU due to compensatory mechanisms.
- For a PACU patient with a blood pressure of 82/50 mmHg and a heart rate of 120 bpm, the priority nursing action is to increase IV fluids to address hypovolemia.
- A respiratory rate of 30 breaths/min in a post-op patient requires immediate intervention as tachypnea may indicate respiratory distress or inadequate pain management.
- Signs that support a suspicion of pulmonary embolism (PE) in a post-op patient include sudden dyspnea, chest pain, hypotension, and hemoptysis.
- The best intervention for a patient shivering in the PACU after general anesthesia is to administer meperidine (Demerol) to reduce shivering.
- A urine output of 20 mL/hr is the most concerning finding in a PACU report, as oliguria may indicate hypoperfusion or renal impairment.
- Appropriate interventions for a patient experiencing post-op nausea and vomiting include administering ondansetron, elevating the head of the bed, and administering IV fluids.
- Patients at higher risk for post-op complications include those with COPD, diabetes, asthma, and obesity.
- A PACU nurse should monitor for muscle rigidity and tachycardia as early signs of malignant hyperthermia.
- The priority intervention for a patient with suspected airway obstruction post-op is to perform a jaw thrust maneuver to open the airway without moving the cervical spine.
- Actions to prevent aspiration pneumonia include keeping the patient NPO until fully awake, positioning the patient in the lateral recovery position, and monitoring for a return of the gag reflex.
- For a PACU patient who is restless, has an increased respiratory rate, and an oxygen saturation of 90%, the priority action is to apply oxygen via facemask, as hypoxia must be treated immediately.
- A history of smoking increases the need for prolonged PACU monitoring due to an increased risk of post-op respiratory complications.
- If a patient in the PACU has a temperature of 35°C (95°F), the nurse should apply a warm blanket to treat hypothermia with external warming methods.
- The PACU nurse should monitor for hypoxia in a patient who received general anesthesia, as general anesthesia depresses respiratory function.
- If a patient in the PACU develops stridor and labored breathing, calling for emergency assistance is the priority action due to the possibility of airway obstruction.
- A capillary refill of 4 seconds requires immediate intervention in the PACU, as delayed capillary refill suggests poor perfusion and possible shock.
- Hypotension should be reported to the provider immediately in a patient who received spinal anesthesia, as it can cause vasodilation leading to severe hypotension.
- Confusion and restlessness in a post-op patient are most likely caused by hypoxia.
- Interventions to prevent post-op respiratory complications include encouraging deep breathing and coughing, using an incentive spirometer, and ambulating as early as possible.
- If a PACU nurse notes excessive bleeding from a patient's surgical dressing, the priority action is to apply pressure to the wound.
- Actions to help prevent post-op hypothermia include providing warm blankets, using a forced-air warming device, and administering meperidine (Demerol).
- Decreased respiratory rate in a patient who received epidural anesthesia requires immediate intervention as respiratory depression is a serious complication.
- If a patient in the PACU has an Aldrete score of 6, the nurse should continue monitoring in PACU.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
