PACU & Complications (Exam II) Flashcards
What is Standard 1 for postanesthesia care?
All patients who have received any type of anesthetic care should receive appropriate post-anesthetic care.
What is Standard 3 for postanesthesia care?
Upon arrival to PACU the patient should be re-evaluated and a verbal report to RN should be given by the anesthesia personnel.
What is Standard 4 for postanesthesia care?
The patient shall be evaluated continually in the PACU.
What is Standard 5 for postanesthesia care?
A physician is responsible for discharge of the patient from the PACU.
What is the more intense phase of post-anesthetic recovery?
Phase 1
In what phase are HR, O₂sat, RR, ECG, and airway patency monitored continuously?
Phase 1
What has to be assessed if a patient is still intubated in the PACU?
Neuromuscular function
What is Standard 2 for postanesthesia care?
A patient being transported to PACU has to be monitored and taken by qualified anesthesia personnel.
How often must vital signs be assessed and recorded during the 1st phase of recovery?
- q5 min for 1st 15 minutes
- q15 min for duration of phase 1.
Target vitals to 20% of baseline.
What tools are used to determine patients criteria for discharge from PACU?
- Standard Aldrete Score
- Modified Aldrete Score
- PACU Discharge Score
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Describe the Standard Aldrete Score.
Describe the Modified Aldrete Score.
Modified Aldrete Score
Describe the Postanesthesia Discharge Score.
What is the standard for how often vital signs must be checked in Phase II of recovery?
30 - 60 min
What should be monitored in Phase II of recovery? (other than vital signs)
- Airway and ventilation status
- Pain level
- PONV
- Fluid balance
- Wound integrity
What are the most common complications that could be seen in the PACU?
What are the causes (anatomically) of upper airway obstruction?
- Loss of pharyngeal muscle tone
- Paradoxical breathing
What is the treatment of upper airway obstruction?
- Jaw thrust
- CPAP
- Oral/Nasal airway
What are laryngospasms?
Vocal cord closure leading to loss of air movement and hypoxemia and negative pressure pulmonary edema.
What are the three most common causes of laryngospasms?
- Stimulation of pharynx and/or vocal cords
- Secretions, blood, foreign material
- Regular extubations
What is negative pressure pulmonary edema?
Non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema that results from high negative intrathoracic pressures attempting to overcome upper airway obstruction.
What is the most common etiology of negative pressure pulmonary edema?
Laryngospasm
Occurs in 12% of laryngospasm cases.
What is the physiology behind laryngospasm?
Prolonged exacerbation of glottic closure reflex due to superior laryngeal nerve stimulation.
What would laryngospasms present like upon inspection?
Faint inspiratory stridor
Increased respiratory effort
Increased diaphragmatic excursion
Flailing of lower ribs
At what pressure should the bag be squeezed when treating laryngospasm?
Do not squeeze bag during laryngospasm.
How should a BVM be utilized in laryngospasm emergency?
Apply facemask with tight seal and 100% FiO₂ and closed APL valve.
Do NOT squeeze the bag.
What is the first step in treatment of laryngospasm?
Call for help
What should be done after a BVM is utilized for laryngospasm?
- Suction airway
- Chin lift and/or jaw thrust
- Oral/nasal airways
- Laryngospasm notch pressure
What is Larson’s point?
What is its significance?
Pressure point behind of the lobule of the pinna of each ear that can help relieve laryngospasm.
What will indicate a patient who is crumping out from your inability to break a laryngospasm?
- Tachycardia
- Fast desaturation
What should be done for a laryngospasm thats failed to respond to conventional treatment?
Atropine, Propofol, Succinylcholine, reintubate.
What initial dose of Succinylcholine is typically used for laryngospasm?
1/10 of normal dose
What neuromuscular blocking drug can cause bradycardia in pediatric patients.
Succinylcholine
What would be noted on visual assessment that would indicate to the CRNA that a patient is developing airway edema?
Facial and scleral edema
What factors can precipitate airway edema?
- Prolonged intubation (especially in prone or trendelenburg cases).
- Cases with ↑EBL (aggressive fluid resuscitation).
What should be done prior to extubation with expected pulmonary edema?
- Suction Oropharynx
- ETT cuff leak test
How is an ETT cuff leak test done?
Remove small amount of air from cuff and assess for air movement around the cuff. If air cannot be heard then leave the tube in place.
When are airway hematomas most often seen?
- Neck dissections
- Thyroid removal
- Carotid surgeries
A rapidly expanding hematoma may precipitate ____________ edema.
supraglottic
In the instance of airway hematoma, deviated tracheal rings and compression of the tracheal below the ________ ________ are seen.
cricoid cartilage