Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA) Practice Exam

During a nursing assessment for a postoperative patient, which of the following findings should prompt further evaluation for complications?

1. Stable vital signs

2. Decreased urine output

3. Moderate pain manageable with medication

4. No signs of respiratory distress

The correct answer is: Decreased urine output

Decreased urine output is a significant finding during a postoperative assessment that warrants further evaluation for potential complications. In the postoperative context, urine output is a critical indicator of kidney function and overall fluid balance. A drop in urine output can suggest several issues, such as dehydration, potential renal impairment, or complications like hypovolemia, obstructive uropathy, or effects from anesthesia. Monitoring kidney function is crucial, as it can directly link to overall patient recovery and may indicate that additional interventions are needed to address a potential complication. In the postoperative setting, healthcare providers must quickly identify and respond to such findings to prevent serious outcomes. On the other hand, stable vital signs, moderate pain that is manageable with medication, and the absence of respiratory distress can be considered less urgent findings. While these are important to monitor, they typically do not indicate an immediate risk for complications in the same way that decreased urine output does. Therefore, decreased urine output stands out as a critical assessment finding that requires prompt further evaluation.