Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA) Practice Exam

What should be monitored closely in a patient who has received high doses of sedative medications?

1. Heart rate only

2. Oxygen saturation only

3. Blood pressure only

4. All vital signs

The correct answer is: All vital signs

Monitoring all vital signs in a patient who has received high doses of sedative medications is essential because sedatives can affect multiple physiological systems. High doses can lead to respiratory depression, bradycardia, hypotension, and altered mental status. Oxygen saturation is critical to assess the adequacy of respiratory function, as sedation can depress respiratory drive. Heart rate provides insight into cardiovascular response, which may become compromised. Blood pressure monitoring is vital since sedatives can lead to hypotension due to their vasodilatory effects. By tracking all vital signs, healthcare providers can promptly identify and address any complications arising from the sedative administration, thus ensuring the patient’s safety and well-being. This comprehensive approach allows for early intervention when adverse effects occur, thereby enhancing patient outcomes in the ambulatory perianesthesia setting.