PACU CRNA Exam Questions And Correct
Answers
History of anesthesia recovery - answerRecovery rooms have been in existence for less than 40
years in most medical centers. Prior to that time there was an increased number of postoperative
deaths that occurred immediately after anesthesia and surge...
History of anesthesia recovery - answer✔Recovery rooms have been in existence for less than 40
years in most medical centers. Prior to that time there was an increased number of postoperative
deaths that occurred immediately after anesthesia and surgery
Now a PACU is used for a place to stay for the postoperative patient until the effects of
anesthesia have worn off. This period of time is generally characterized by a high incidence of
potentially life-threatening respiratory and/or circulatory complications
PACU RNs may not be accustomed to these complications, so YOU MUST BE!
Two phases of anesthesia recovery - answer✔Phase I: from emergence to PACU discharge
criteria are met
Phase II: lower level of care that ensures the patient is ready to go home
-Fast-tracking in this phase for outpatients that may bypass phase I
-Common with eye procedures, local/MAC cases, endoscopies
Requirements of a PACU - answer✔Staff should have special training in:
Maintenance of airway
ACLS
Hypertension
Hypotension
Post operative pain
Nausea & Vomiting
Malignant Hyperthermia
Drainage catheters/post op bleeding
The average PACU stay - answer✔1 hour, with the average procedure about 2 hours
PACU location - answer✔should be close to OR to facilitate rapid access by anesthesia
personnel
Equipment at every bedside - answer✔Oxygen
Suction
ECG monitor
Blood pressure monitor
Pulse oximetry
Equipment readily available - answer✔Thermometer
Advanced organ support - vent, intravascular tranducers, code cart, IV, Bair Hugger
Transport from OR to PACU - answer✔Patient should NOT leave the OR unless they have a
stable and patent airway, adequate ventilation AND oxygenation, and are hemodynamically
stable
Most patients should be transported with supplemental oxygen
Transient hypoxemia (SpO2 < 90%) may develop in as many as 30-50% of patients on room air
from - answer✔Unstable patients, or those with questionable ventilation/oxygenation, should be
left intubated & maybe transported to ICU
PACU admission - answer✔a.The first responsibility is to evaluate respiratory and circulatory
function
b. Report to PACU RN begins with a report including history, medical conditions, type of
surgey, type of anesthetic, intraoperative events, blood loss, UO, fluid intake, any anticipated
post-op problems, and any post-op orders
c. VS monitored minimum of every 15 mins
PACU discharge and criteria - answer✔d.Policy may require 2nd evaluation by anesthesia
services
e. Most common discharge scoring is the Aldrete Score, or the Modified
Aldrete Scorei. Looks at activity, respiration, circulation, consciousness and oxygen saturation
ii. Each area is given a 0, 1, or 2 (total 10 points)
iii. Minimum score of "9" is usual for discharge
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