Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA) Practice Exam

Which finding should the perianesthesia nurse closely assess in patients with a history of respiratory issues during recovery?

1. Heart rate variability

2. Fluid balance

3. Respiratory patterns

4. Gastrointestinal motility

The correct answer is: Respiratory patterns

In patients with a history of respiratory issues, closely assessing respiratory patterns during recovery is crucial. This focus is essential because individuals with a predisposition to respiratory complications may exhibit altered breathing patterns, such as shallow breathing or respiratory distress, particularly after anesthesia. Anesthesia can depress respiratory drive and may also affect airway patency, leading to potential complications such as hypoxemia or hypercapnia. By monitoring respiratory patterns, the perianesthesia nurse can identify early signs of respiratory compromise, which requires prompt intervention to ensure the patient maintains adequate oxygenation and ventilation. In contrast, while heart rate variability, fluid balance, and gastrointestinal motility are important considerations in recovery, they do not directly reflect the immediate respiratory status of patients with pre-existing respiratory concerns. Therefore, the focus on respiratory patterns aligns with the need for vigilant monitoring in this particular population, facilitating timely access to necessary respiratory support or interventions.