Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA) Practice Exam

What is the most appropriate response if a patient mentions having no caregiver at home prior to leaving the PACU?

1. Inform the surgeon that the patient does not have an adult caregiver

2. Call report to phase II and transfer the patient

3. Insist that the patient provide the telephone number of a friend

4. Ask the surgeon to write an order for the patient to be discharged alone

The correct answer is: Inform the surgeon that the patient does not have an adult caregiver

The most appropriate response, in this case, is to inform the surgeon that the patient does not have an adult caregiver. This approach ensures that the healthcare team is aware of the patient's situation, which is critical for the patient's safety and appropriate discharge planning. When a patient is discharged from the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), it is crucial to ensure that they have a responsible adult available to provide care and support upon return home, particularly following anesthesia or surgical procedures that may impair their functioning. By communicating with the surgeon, the nursing staff can discuss the potential need for additional support or reconsider the discharge plan, which may include arranging for transportation or even extending the patient's stay in a supervised setting if necessary. Other options may not adequately address the patient's needs. For example, transferring the patient to a phase II recovery area without establishing caregiver support neglects the requirement for appropriate aftercare. Requiring a friend’s phone number does not ensure that care is available, and requesting the surgeon to authorize a discharge without a caregiver fails to prioritize patient safety and proper recovery protocols. Thus, notifying the surgeon about the lack of a caregiver is the most responsible course of action, ensuring that the patient’s best interests are taken into account.