Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) Practice Exam

In the Phase I PACU, a patient with streptococcal pharyngitis requires nursing care. What should the nurse to patient ratio be?

1. Two nurses to one patient

2. One nurse to two patients

3. One nurse to one patient

4. One nurse to three patients

The correct answer is: One nurse to one patient

In the context of Phase I Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), the recommended nurse-to-patient ratio is one nurse to one patient. This is critical due to the immediate post-operative recovery needs of the patients, which may include close monitoring of their vital signs, level of consciousness, pain management, and any potential complications arising from anesthesia or the surgical procedure. Patients in Phase I PACU often require comprehensive and continuous assessment and intervention. In the case of a patient with streptococcal pharyngitis, this need is amplified as the patient may experience symptoms like airway obstruction, difficulty swallowing, and significant discomfort, necessitating vigilant observation and frequent nursing interventions. The other ratios, such as one nurse for two patients, three patients, or a more than two nurses for one patient (which implies a clustering of attention), would not provide the necessary level of intense, one-on-one supervision required in this crucial phase of recovery. A one-to-one ratio ensures that the nurse can provide immediate care, respond to any complications, and ensure patient safety effectively.