Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) Practice Exam

What is the anticipated intervention for a 5-year-old with croupy cough and stridor in the PACU?

1. Administration of nebulizer racemic epinephrine

2. Assist the patient's breathing with BMV

3. Maintain the patient's head in a sniff position

4. Suctioning the patient's oropharynx

The correct answer is: Administration of nebulizer racemic epinephrine

Administering nebulizer racemic epinephrine is critical for a 5-year-old presenting with a croupy cough and stridor. Croup is often characterized by airway inflammation and narrowing, leading to these specific symptoms due to increased airway resistance and edema. The use of nebulized racemic epinephrine can provide rapid relief by causing vasoconstriction and subsequent reduction of airway edema, thus improving airflow and relieving stridor. In the postoperative setting, particularly in the PACU, ensuring adequate respiratory function is vital, and addressing potential airway compromise immediately is paramount. The swift delivery of racemic epinephrine ensures that any acute respiratory distress related to croup can be effectively managed, promoting a safer recovery. Other interventions, while relevant in various situations, would not be the primary focus in this case. BMV, for example, involves an entirely different set of criteria and would generally be considered if there are significant concerns about the patient’s ability to maintain airway patency or adequate ventilation, which may not be the immediate primary concern in a case specifically indicative of croup. Similarly, maintaining a sniffing position and oropharyngeal suctioning may provide benefit in other scenarios, but in this case, the priority is to