Post Op and PACU

Question 1

Unit that provides care while patient recovers from anesthesia

Answer 1

PACU- Post Anesthesia Care Unit

Question 2

Their role is to protect/ maintain patient’s airway

Answer 2

Anesthesiologist/ CRNA

Question 3

WHo is responsible for giving report to PACU nurse post op?

Answer 3

Anesthesiologist and circulating nurse

Question 4

immediate recovery phase where intensive nursing care is provided.

Answer 4

Phase 1 PACU

Question 5

phase where the patient is prepared for transfer to an inpatient nursing unit, an extended care setting, or discharge.

Answer 5

Phase 2 PACU

Question 6

WHat should be the focus and considered any time a patient is transported or moved?

Answer 6

The incision site

Question 7

Report to PACU nurse includes

Answer 7

Surgery performed/ Dx
Anesthesia Used
Meds & Time Given
Amount of Blood Loss
If Pt Intubated
Any Surgical Complications that occurred
MD orders
Vital Signs

Question 8

scoring system that helps determine when a patient can be safely discharged from the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU)

Answer 8

Andrete Score
Pt must score 7-10 to be discharged from PACU

Question 9

What to assess in PACU?

Answer 9

Frequent vital signs (at least q15 or less)
EKG- continuous
Pulse Ox- Continuous
Standard VS q15
Frequent VS spot hemodynamic changed quickly

Question 10

low amount of oxygen in tissues

Answer 10

hypoxia

Question 11

Why is inspection important during PACU assessement?

Answer 11

Assessing surgical dressings for bleeding
Assessing IV lines to ensure the lines are intact, infused and no infiltration (swelling)

Question 12

Common PACU complications

Answer 12

Hypotension
Hypertension
Shock
Hemorrhage
Dysrhythmia

Question 13

Primary pt focus in post op setting is

Answer 13

MAINTAINING PT AIRWAY

Question 14

Maintaining pt airway prevents

Answer 14

hypoxemia and hypercapnia

Question 15

low oxygen levels in the blood

Answer 15

hypoxemia

Question 16

increased CO2 in blood

Answer 16

hypercapnia

Question 17

What can occur if airway is blocked?

Answer 17

Hypoxemia and hypercapnia

Question 18

blockage in the lower throat that can cause breathing problems’ tongue falls back and occludes airway; patient is lacking oxygen

Answer 18

Hypopharangeal Obstruction

Question 19

S&S of hypopharangeal obstruction

Answer 19

choking
noisy, irregular respirations
low pulse ox
cyanosis of skin

Question 20

Treatment for Hypo pharangeal obstruction

Answer 20

Tilting head back and chin lift

Question 21

handheld tool that delivers positive air pressure ventilation to any subject with insufficient breaths

Answer 21

AMBU Bag

Question 22

can results from blood loss, hypoventilation, position changes, pooling of blood in the extremities ; could be from side effects of meds or anesthesia

Answer 22

Shock & Hypotension

Question 23

Most common cause of shock/hypotension

Answer 23

Blood loss greater than 500 cc’s

Question 24

For blood loss — for every 1 cc of blood loss …

Answer 24

give 3 cc’s of IV solutions (until blood is available) *no need for MD order *

Question 25

Common IV fluids that can supplement instances of blood loss

Answer 25

Lactated Ringers
Normal Saline
isotonic solutions

Question 26

Blood pressure reportable to MD in post op setting due to inadequate perfusion

Answer 26

Systolic BP of 90 or less