RELIAS PACU RN A V1 EXAM (2025/2026) COMPLETE
PRACTICE QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS AND
RATIONALES FOR PACU NURSING REVIEW A+
VERIFIED LATEST VERSION
Section 1: Phase I and Phase II Recovery
1. Which patient is most appropriate for discharge from Phase I PACU care?
A. Patient with oxygen saturation of 88% on room air and shallow respirations B. Patient
who is drowsy, oxygen saturation of 96%, able to cough, and move all extremities C.
Patient reporting severe nausea and vomiting D. Patient unable to maintain airway
independently
Answer: B
2. During Phase II recovery, which finding requires immediate nursing
intervention?
A. Mild incisional discomfort rated 3/10 B. Small amount of serosanguinous drainage on
dressing C. Oxygen saturation of 89% despite oxygen administration D. Patient
requesting oral fluids
Answer: C
3. A PACU nurse assesses a postoperative patient who is difficult to arouse
and has snoring respirations. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Encourage oral intake B. Reposition the airway and assess oxygenation C. Administer
opioid pain medication D. Prepare the patient for discharge
Answer: B
4. Which criterion best indicates readiness for discharge after ambulatory
surgery?
A. Stable vital signs and controlled pain B. Ability to tolerate oral intake only C.
Presence of mild dizziness when standing D. Need for supplemental oxygen at home
despite no prior use
Answer: A
, 5. Which assessment finding indicates adequate recovery from anesthesia?
A. Inability to follow commands B. Persistent hypotension C. Return of protective airway
reflexes D. Severe uncontrolled shivering
Answer: C
Section 2: Airway Management
(Answers continue in the same format for Questions 6–25 with the correct option marked
by and a bolded answer listed below each question.)
6. A postoperative patient develops laryngospasm. Which sign would the
nurse most likely observe?
A. Productive cough with sputum B. High-pitched inspiratory stridor and respiratory
distress C. Bradycardia with hypertension only D. Bilateral lower extremity edema
7. Which intervention is most appropriate for a patient with airway obstruction
caused by the tongue after sedation?
A. Place patient flat with no support B. Perform jaw-thrust maneuver C. Encourage
immediate ambulation D. Restrict oxygen administration
8. A PACU patient has oxygen saturation decreasing from 97% to 90%. What
should the nurse assess first?
A. Surgical dressing appearance B. Airway patency and respiratory effort C. Time of last
pain medication D. Urinary output
9. Which patient is at greatest risk for postoperative airway complications?
A. Healthy 20-year-old with local anesthesia B. Patient with obstructive sleep apnea C.
Patient receiving topical anesthetic only D. Patient discharged after minor dermatologic
procedure
10. A patient becomes cyanotic and unresponsive in PACU. What is the
nurse’s first priority?
A. Notify family members B. Assess airway, breathing, and circulation C. Obtain discharge
paperwork D. Document the event before intervening
PRACTICE QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS AND
RATIONALES FOR PACU NURSING REVIEW A+
VERIFIED LATEST VERSION
Section 1: Phase I and Phase II Recovery
1. Which patient is most appropriate for discharge from Phase I PACU care?
A. Patient with oxygen saturation of 88% on room air and shallow respirations B. Patient
who is drowsy, oxygen saturation of 96%, able to cough, and move all extremities C.
Patient reporting severe nausea and vomiting D. Patient unable to maintain airway
independently
Answer: B
2. During Phase II recovery, which finding requires immediate nursing
intervention?
A. Mild incisional discomfort rated 3/10 B. Small amount of serosanguinous drainage on
dressing C. Oxygen saturation of 89% despite oxygen administration D. Patient
requesting oral fluids
Answer: C
3. A PACU nurse assesses a postoperative patient who is difficult to arouse
and has snoring respirations. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Encourage oral intake B. Reposition the airway and assess oxygenation C. Administer
opioid pain medication D. Prepare the patient for discharge
Answer: B
4. Which criterion best indicates readiness for discharge after ambulatory
surgery?
A. Stable vital signs and controlled pain B. Ability to tolerate oral intake only C.
Presence of mild dizziness when standing D. Need for supplemental oxygen at home
despite no prior use
Answer: A
, 5. Which assessment finding indicates adequate recovery from anesthesia?
A. Inability to follow commands B. Persistent hypotension C. Return of protective airway
reflexes D. Severe uncontrolled shivering
Answer: C
Section 2: Airway Management
(Answers continue in the same format for Questions 6–25 with the correct option marked
by and a bolded answer listed below each question.)
6. A postoperative patient develops laryngospasm. Which sign would the
nurse most likely observe?
A. Productive cough with sputum B. High-pitched inspiratory stridor and respiratory
distress C. Bradycardia with hypertension only D. Bilateral lower extremity edema
7. Which intervention is most appropriate for a patient with airway obstruction
caused by the tongue after sedation?
A. Place patient flat with no support B. Perform jaw-thrust maneuver C. Encourage
immediate ambulation D. Restrict oxygen administration
8. A PACU patient has oxygen saturation decreasing from 97% to 90%. What
should the nurse assess first?
A. Surgical dressing appearance B. Airway patency and respiratory effort C. Time of last
pain medication D. Urinary output
9. Which patient is at greatest risk for postoperative airway complications?
A. Healthy 20-year-old with local anesthesia B. Patient with obstructive sleep apnea C.
Patient receiving topical anesthetic only D. Patient discharged after minor dermatologic
procedure
10. A patient becomes cyanotic and unresponsive in PACU. What is the
nurse’s first priority?
A. Notify family members B. Assess airway, breathing, and circulation C. Obtain discharge
paperwork D. Document the event before intervening
