Emergence/PACU Exam Questions and
Answers with Verified Solutions | Latest
Updated 2026
What triggers time for emergence? Final counts
Suturing
Communication from surgical team
Beginning of PACU/post-op orders from
team
Awake extubation advantages Return of airway reflexes
decreased risk fo aspiration
spontaneous ventilation
Disadvantages of awake Increased CV stimulation
extubation Increased coughing and straining
Advantages of deep extubation Decreased CV stimulation
Decreased coughing and straining
Disadvantages of deep extubation Absent or obtunded airway reflexes
Increased risk of aspiration
Airway obstruction
Hypoventilation
Is extubation of trachea elective? yes
, Standard emergence sequence Stepwise process for safely emerging a
overview patient
from anesthesia
Reversal of non-depolarizing Given after muscle layers are closed
muscle
relaxant
Remove excess monitors/lines Includes temp probe and OGT/NGT
removal
Discontinue anesthetic agent Turn off volatile agent or titrate down TIVA;
switch
N2O/air to O2 to re-oxygenate FRC
Untape eyes Done while awaiting wear-off of anesthesia
Assess extubation criteria Evaluate readiness for safe extubation
Spontaneous ventilation Patient demonstrates regular spontaneous
breathing
Adequate tidal volume Sufficient volume with each breath
Follows commands / head lift Indicates adequate neurologic recovery
Full train-of-four with sustained Indicates adequate neuromuscular
tetany recovery
Answers with Verified Solutions | Latest
Updated 2026
What triggers time for emergence? Final counts
Suturing
Communication from surgical team
Beginning of PACU/post-op orders from
team
Awake extubation advantages Return of airway reflexes
decreased risk fo aspiration
spontaneous ventilation
Disadvantages of awake Increased CV stimulation
extubation Increased coughing and straining
Advantages of deep extubation Decreased CV stimulation
Decreased coughing and straining
Disadvantages of deep extubation Absent or obtunded airway reflexes
Increased risk of aspiration
Airway obstruction
Hypoventilation
Is extubation of trachea elective? yes
, Standard emergence sequence Stepwise process for safely emerging a
overview patient
from anesthesia
Reversal of non-depolarizing Given after muscle layers are closed
muscle
relaxant
Remove excess monitors/lines Includes temp probe and OGT/NGT
removal
Discontinue anesthetic agent Turn off volatile agent or titrate down TIVA;
switch
N2O/air to O2 to re-oxygenate FRC
Untape eyes Done while awaiting wear-off of anesthesia
Assess extubation criteria Evaluate readiness for safe extubation
Spontaneous ventilation Patient demonstrates regular spontaneous
breathing
Adequate tidal volume Sufficient volume with each breath
Follows commands / head lift Indicates adequate neurologic recovery
Full train-of-four with sustained Indicates adequate neuromuscular
tetany recovery
