1
POST-ANESTHESIA CARE UNIT (PACU) NURSING
EXAM RECOVERY & COMPLICATIONS 2026-27 JUST
RELEASED VERSION
Exam Structure
• Total Questions: 100
• Format: Multiple Choice (Single Best Answer)
• Level: University / RN–BSN / Post-RN
• Time: 120–150 minutes
Introduction
This examination evaluates the nurse’s ability to manage immediate post-anesthesia
recovery with emphasis on airway, breathing, circulation, neurologic status, pain control,
early complication recognition, and safe discharge from PACU. Questions are based on
evidence-based PACU nursing practice and focus on patient safety and clinical judgment.
Question Format
• Four options (A–D)
• One best correct answer
• Scenario-based and priority-focused
Answer & Rationale Format
• Correct Answer: Letter
• Rationale: Brief clinical explanation linked to recovery priorities and complication
prevention.
Level: University / RN–BSN / Post-RN
Focus: Immediate recovery, airway management, hemodynamic stability, pain control,
complications, and safe discharge from PACU.
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SECTION I: IMMEDIATE POST-ANESTHESIA PRIORITIES
(Q1–15)
Q1.
The priority assessment upon PACU admission is:
A. Pain score
B. Surgical dressing
C. Airway patency
D. Urine output
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Airway and breathing take precedence
immediately after anesthesia.
Q2.
Which finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Shivering
B. SpO₂ 88% on room air
C. BP 140/88
D. Pain score 6/10
, 3
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hypoxemia is life-threatening and must be
corrected promptly.
Q3.
The most common cause of airway obstruction in PACU is:
A. Laryngospasm
B. Tongue relaxation
C. Bronchospasm
D. Aspiration
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Loss of muscle tone allows the tongue to occlude
the airway.
Q4.
Best initial intervention for airway obstruction is:
A. Intubation
B. Jaw thrust
C. Suctioning
D. Bag-mask ventilation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Jaw thrust repositions the tongue and opens the
airway.
POST-ANESTHESIA CARE UNIT (PACU) NURSING
EXAM RECOVERY & COMPLICATIONS 2026-27 JUST
RELEASED VERSION
Exam Structure
• Total Questions: 100
• Format: Multiple Choice (Single Best Answer)
• Level: University / RN–BSN / Post-RN
• Time: 120–150 minutes
Introduction
This examination evaluates the nurse’s ability to manage immediate post-anesthesia
recovery with emphasis on airway, breathing, circulation, neurologic status, pain control,
early complication recognition, and safe discharge from PACU. Questions are based on
evidence-based PACU nursing practice and focus on patient safety and clinical judgment.
Question Format
• Four options (A–D)
• One best correct answer
• Scenario-based and priority-focused
Answer & Rationale Format
• Correct Answer: Letter
• Rationale: Brief clinical explanation linked to recovery priorities and complication
prevention.
Level: University / RN–BSN / Post-RN
Focus: Immediate recovery, airway management, hemodynamic stability, pain control,
complications, and safe discharge from PACU.
,2
SECTION I: IMMEDIATE POST-ANESTHESIA PRIORITIES
(Q1–15)
Q1.
The priority assessment upon PACU admission is:
A. Pain score
B. Surgical dressing
C. Airway patency
D. Urine output
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Airway and breathing take precedence
immediately after anesthesia.
Q2.
Which finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Shivering
B. SpO₂ 88% on room air
C. BP 140/88
D. Pain score 6/10
, 3
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hypoxemia is life-threatening and must be
corrected promptly.
Q3.
The most common cause of airway obstruction in PACU is:
A. Laryngospasm
B. Tongue relaxation
C. Bronchospasm
D. Aspiration
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Loss of muscle tone allows the tongue to occlude
the airway.
Q4.
Best initial intervention for airway obstruction is:
A. Intubation
B. Jaw thrust
C. Suctioning
D. Bag-mask ventilation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Jaw thrust repositions the tongue and opens the
airway.
