CRNA Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Study Guide

Monitoring recovery from anesthesia and managing complications is a fundamental responsibility of the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) during the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) phase. Once a patient is brought to the PACU, the CRNA's role shifts to ensuring that the patient safely transitions from the effects of anesthesia to a state of full recovery. This involves vigilant assessment of the patient’s vital signs, level of consciousness, and overall stability while watching for any complications that may arise from the surgical procedure or anesthesia itself.

The CRNA must be skilled at recognizing signs of complications such as respiratory distress, hypoxia, or adverse reactions to anesthetic agents. Immediate interventions may be necessary, and the CRNA must be prepared to administer medications or provide supportive care as needed. Continuous monitoring in the PACU helps ensure that any issues are addressed promptly, facilitating a safer recovery process and ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.

Other options such as conducting pre-operative assessments and documenting initial patient history pertain to stages that occur prior to the actual administration of anesthesia and do not relate to the specific responsibilities of the CRNA in the PACU. Administering anesthetic agents for the next procedure is also outside the PACU's focus, as this phase