What is the primary difference between a phase I PACU and a phase II PACU?

Correct answer: Phase I focuses on higher acuity patients and complex cases, while phase II is for patients needing less acute support.

Explanation

The question aims to differentiate between the two types of postanesthesia care units based on patient acuity and the level of care provided, a key concept in understanding postoperative settings.

Other questions

Question 1

In a postanesthesia care unit (PACU), what is the primary nursing priority immediately after a patient is admitted from surgery?

Question 2

According to the standard for interval frequency of checking vital signs in the PACU, how often should a nurse assess a stable patient after the initial fifteen minutes?

Question 3

A patient in the PACU is experiencing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Which medication, a 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonist, is commonly used to treat this condition?

Question 4

What communication format is recommended for nurses to use during patient transfers, such as from the PACU to an inpatient surgical unit, to ensure clear and structured information exchange?

Question 6

Which of the following is considered a nonpharmacological approach for postoperative pain management?

Question 7

A postoperative patient's urinary output is being monitored. What is the minimum hourly urine output that is reflective of adequate kidney perfusion?

Question 8

What is the term for the separation of the edges of a surgical wound, which can appear as a fully open wound with visible tissue underneath?

Question 9

A nurse is educating a postoperative patient on preventing respiratory complications. Which device's use helps prevent atelectasis and pneumonia?

Question 10

What is the primary rationale for keeping the head of the bed elevated to 30 degrees or more for a postoperative patient?

Question 11

What is the most common cause of a pulmonary embolism (PE) in a postoperative patient?

Question 12

When assessing a patient who has had prior opioid sensitivity, what is an appropriate nursing action for managing postoperative pain?

Question 13

What is the primary purpose of a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) system in the postoperative setting?

Question 14

In the context of the ABCs of PACU assessment, what does the 'C' primarily involve assessing?

Question 15

Which nursing action is essential for preventing a postoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) according to the chapter?

Question 16

What is the term for the postoperative complication characterized by excessive nausea and vomiting associated with anesthesia administration?

Question 17

When a nurse is transferring a patient from the PACU, which member of the interdisciplinary team is primarily responsible for ordering durable medical equipment (DME) for the patient's home?

Question 18

Which of the following is a classic manifestation of dehydration in a postoperative patient who is not recovering well?

Question 19

What is the primary mechanism of action for nonpharmacological pain management techniques like guided imagery and deep breathing exercises?

Question 20

If a patient who underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy at 0700 has stable vital signs and is recovering well, what time is the earliest they could be ready for transfer from the PACU, based on the example in the text?

Question 21

A postoperative patient is found to have a temperature greater than 101 degrees Fahrenheit. According to the postoperative complications table, which nursing action is appropriate?

Question 22

What is the primary reason that a urinary catheter placed during surgery is generally removed within six hours postoperatively?

Question 23

In the context of QSEN competencies for preventing postoperative complications, tailoring pain management according to a patient's cultural background is an example of which competency?

Question 24

What is the primary physiological reason that postoperative pain can interfere with the healing process?

Question 25

A postoperative patient has developed swelling, pain, warmth, and redness in one leg, along with a positive Homan's sign. According to Table 27.4, these clinical presentations are indicative of what complication?

Question 26

When managing a patient with postoperative urinary retention (POUR), what is the last resort intervention if noninvasive measures prove ineffective?

Question 27

What is the primary role of the admitting PACU nurse when a patient is transferred from the operating room?

Question 28

A patient is recovering from abdominal surgery and has a nasogastric tube inserted. What complication listed in Table 27.4 would this intervention help manage?

Question 29

Which factor is a primary contributor to the development of postoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE)?

Question 30

In addition to female sex and motion sickness, what is another significant risk factor for developing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV)?

Question 31

What type of medication is metoclopramide, which is used to treat postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV)?

Question 32

A nurse is caring for a patient experiencing pain that rates as a 9 out of 10 on the pain scale. What would be an appropriate initial pain medication to administer intravenously based on the provider's orders in the case study?

Question 33

What is the primary goal of using techniques like deep breathing exercises and early ambulation in postoperative patients?

Question 34

When does the postoperative phase of patient care officially begin?

Question 35

Which patient is at highest risk for postoperative wound dehiscence?

Question 36

What is the primary focus of nursing care when a patient first arrives in the Phase I PACU?

Question 37

Which nursing intervention is most crucial for identifying early signs of potential respiratory complications like atelectasis in a postoperative patient?

Question 38

In the ISBAR communication for the patient Kathy Johnson, what information is provided in the 'B' (Background) section?

Question 39

What is the main reason a nurse must carefully assess a patient's cultural beliefs regarding pain?

Question 40

Which condition is a direct cause of postoperative urinary retention (POUR)?

Question 41

Based on the case study, what was the patient's heart rate in the PACU immediately following extubation and before transfer?

Question 42

A postoperative patient's lab results on 3/13/24 at 06:00 show a potassium (K+) level of 3.2 mEq/L. What nursing action from the case study directly addresses this finding?

Question 43

Why must nurses collaborate with an interdisciplinary team, including physical therapists and dietitians, for postoperative care?

Question 44

What is the most likely reason for administering Ketorolac 30 mg IV every 6 hours to the postoperative patient in the case study?

Question 45

A patient experiences a cough, absent breath sounds, shortness of breath, and chest pain postoperatively. What is the priority nursing action according to Table 27.4?

Question 46

Which statement best describes the role of pain assessment in postoperative care?

Question 47

What is the primary objective of providing emotional and spiritual support to postoperative patients and their families?

Question 48

A patient recovering from an appendectomy has a temperature of 96.0 degrees Fahrenheit post-intubation. This finding, while a single data point, could be an early indicator of what postoperative complication?

Question 49

When is it most appropriate to administer an antiemetic medication like ondansetron to a patient with several risk factors for PONV?

Question 50

What is a primary nursing action when managing a patient with a known history of severe PONV, as seen in the case study?