Rock Your CPAN Exam 2025 – Ace the Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse Challenge!

When a patient is found unresponsive in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), it is crucial for the nurse to act promptly and effectively to ensure patient safety and well-being. Initiating emergency protocols and checking airway patency is the most appropriate response in this situation.

An unresponsive patient could be experiencing respiratory compromise, decreased oxygenation, or other critical issues. Assessing airway patency is vital because an obstructed airway can lead to serious complications, such as hypoxia or even arrest. The nurse must ensure that the airway is clear, which may involve repositioning the patient or utilizing airway adjuncts if necessary. Following the assessment, the nurse can activate emergency protocols to mobilize the healthcare team for rapid intervention. This could involve calling for additional help, administering oxygen, or preparing for further resuscitation strategies.

Other potential responses, such as monitoring the patient quietly or waiting for a physician, would delay critical interventions needed for a responsive assessment of the patient's condition. The involvement of family members is not appropriate in this critical setting until the patient is stabilized and can receive appropriate medical attention. Therefore, immediate actions that address the patient’s airway and overall stability are paramount.