Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) Practice Exam

In a patient arriving at the PACU with tachypnea and oxygen desaturation, what condition should the nurse suspect?

1. Anterioor cervical edema

2. Vocal cord paralysis

3. Tension pneumothorax

4. Cervical facet displacement

The correct answer is: Tension pneumothorax

In the scenario presented, where a patient arrives at the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) with tachypnea and oxygen desaturation, the most appropriate condition to suspect is tension pneumothorax. This condition occurs when air becomes trapped in the pleural space, leading to increased pressure that collapses the lung on the affected side, resulting in respiratory distress. The symptoms of tachypnea and oxygen desaturation are common in patients experiencing this condition due to impaired lung function. Tension pneumothorax can develop rapidly and is often life-threatening if not treated immediately. It typically presents with sudden shortness of breath, increased respiratory rate, decreased breath sounds on the affected side, and potential tracheal deviation away from the affected lung, making it imperative for healthcare providers to recognize and address the situation swiftly. While anterior cervical edema, vocal cord paralysis, and cervical facet displacement can all contribute to respiratory issues, their clinical presentations and progression differ significantly from tension pneumothorax. In particular, anterior cervical edema might lead to airway obstruction but not with the same rapid onset or severity as tension pneumothorax. Vocal cord paralysis could cause stridor and changes in voice but would not typically lead to tachypnea alone. Cervical facet