Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA) Practice Exam

What action should a nurse consider first when complications arise following a spinal anesthetic?

1. Review the patient's surgical history

2. Assess the patient's vital signs

3. Initiate a fluid bolus

4. Evaluate postoperative medications

The correct answer is: Assess the patient's vital signs

When complications arise following a spinal anesthetic, the priority action for the nurse is to assess the patient's vital signs. This is critical because vital signs provide immediate insight into the patient’s hemodynamic status and overall physiological response to the anesthesia and the surgical procedure. Changes in vital signs can indicate potential complications such as hypotension, bradycardia, or respiratory depression, which are paramount to identify quickly for patient safety. Timely assessment of vital signs allows the nurse to detect and respond to any alarming changes, facilitating prompt interventions that could prevent further deterioration of the patient's condition. Following this initial assessment, the nurse can then implement necessary interventions or notify the physician based on the findings. While reviewing the patient's surgical history, initiating a fluid bolus, or evaluating postoperative medications are important components of patient care, they do not take precedence over the immediate assessment of vital signs in a situation where sudden complications may arise. The immediate evaluation of the patient's medical stability takes center stage in ensuring their safety and well-being.