Respiratory Complications Affecting the Heart
This common PACU problem can lead to tachycardia and hypertension if untreated.
What is hypoxia?
This medication is commonly administered to reverse opioid-induced respiratory depression.
What is naloxone?
Patients with a history of coronary artery disease are at increased risk for this complication when myocardial oxygen demand exceeds supply during the postoperative period.
What is myocardial ischemia?
This is the most common cause of postoperative hypotension related to surgical loss of circulating blood volume.
What is hypovolemia?
Obstruction of the airway after anesthesia most commonly occurs due to this structure falling backward.
What is the tongue?
This opioid side effect can cause decreased respiratory drive and hypoventilation in the PACU
What is respiratory depression?
A sudden drop in blood pressure accompanied by tachycardia and decreasing urine output may indicate this condition.
What is shock?
This PACU assessment helps determine adequacy of perfusion and includes evaluating skin color, temperature, and capillary refill.
What is peripheral perfusion assessment?
A sudden constriction (tightening) of the smooth muscles in the bronchi and bronchioles, which narrows the airways and makes it difficult for air to move in and out of the lungs.
What is a bronchospasm?
This complication results from inhalation of gastric contents during or after anesthesia.
What is aspiration?
This reversal drug is used for benzodiazepine overdose.
What is flumazenil?
This emergency reaction includes hypotension, bronchospasm, and rash following exposure to an allergen.
What is anaphylaxis?
A narrowing difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure may indicate this condition.
What is decreased cardiac output?
May be a result of upper airway obstruction, laryngospasm, incomplete reversal of neuromuscular blockade or significant period of hypoxia with cough and frothy sputum.
What is noncardiogenic pulmonary edema?
This condition occurs when alveoli collapse, leading to impaired oxygen exchange.
What is atelectasis?
This anesthetic agent frequently causes vasodilation and hypotension during induction.
What is propofol?
Rigid chest muscles and inability to ventilate may indicate this rare but serious anesthetic complication.
What is malignant hyperthermia?
This medication class is commonly used to treat hypotension by causing vasoconstriction and increasing blood pressure.
What are vasopressors?
A sudden, involuntary spasm of the vocal cords that causes partial or complete closure of the airway, preventing air from moving into the lungs.
What is laryngospasm?
Severe oxygen deprivation may eventually lead to this lethal cardiac rhythm.
What is asystole?
Excessive administration of local anesthetics may cause this serious systemic toxicity affecting the CNS and cardiovascular system.
What is local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST)?
This PACU complication presents with agitation, confusion, and disorientation during emergence from anesthesia.
What is emergence delirium?
This monitoring parameter reflects left ventricular preload and may be decreased with hypovolemia.
What is central venous pressure (CVP)?