Postoperative nursing management, the
PACU (exam #2) Questions Answered
(Latest Update 2024)
What are the 3 phases of recovery that occur in the PACU? -
Correct Answer ✅1)Immediate recovery phase: intensive
nursing care provided. 2) less intensive care: patient
prepared for self care in PACU or transfer to an inpatient unit
or outpatient unit. 3) exntended care/observation unit:
patient prepared for discharge.
What specific information does the OR nurse give the PACU
nurse? - Correct Answer ✅overall tolerance, type of
surgery, type of anesthetics, results, complications, I&O's.
What should the nurse remember about the patient
psychological equilibrium in the PACU? - Correct Answer
✅speak calmly, orient, quiet atmosphere body alignment,
explain, remember hearing is last to go.
What are the PACU nurse's priority of concerns when the
patient arrives from the OR? - Correct Answer
✅assessment: VS, respiratory status, color, fluid intake,
special equipment, dressing. Positioning of the head to side
or lateral sims.
,Postoperative nursing management, the
PACU (exam #2) Questions Answered
(Latest Update 2024)
What respiratory functions is the nurse responsible for
managing? - Correct Answer ✅airway until gag reflex is ok.
position, suction, cough/deep breathe, O2, mechanical
support, check breath sounds, prevent aspirations.
What does the PACU nurse monitor regarding fluid status? -
Correct Answer ✅blood loss, IV rate, outputs, bladder
distention, electrolyte, hydration, character of drainage, NG
tube, N&V.
What does the nurse assess on the incisional site? - Correct
Answer ✅drainage, record output from drains.
when can the client leave the PACU? - Correct Answer ✅VS
ok, awake, dressings ok, airway ok.
What are signs of a pulmonary embolism postoperatively? -
Correct Answer ✅chest pain, dyspnea, increase resp. rate,
tachycardia, increased anxiety, diaphoresis, decreased
orientation, decreased BP, blood gas changes.
, Postoperative nursing management, the
PACU (exam #2) Questions Answered
(Latest Update 2024)
What are post op complications regarding the urinary
system? - Correct Answer ✅urinary retention, unable to
void 8-10 hrs post op, palpable bladder, frequent small
amount of voiding, pain suprapubic area.
What are signs of hypovolemic shock postoperatively? -
Correct Answer ✅decrease urine, decrease BP, weak pulse,
cool clammy, restless, increase bleeding, increase thirst,
decrease cvp.
What signs of Atelectasis postoperatively? - Correct Answer
✅dyspnea, tachypnea, decrease breath sounds,
asymmetrical chest movement, tachycardia, increase
restlessness.
What are signs of pneumonia postoperatively? - Correct
Answer ✅rapid respirations, shallow respirations, fever, wet
breath sounds, asymmetrical chest movements, productive
cough, hypoxia, tachycardia, leukocytosis.