Which of the following is a postoperative component of CRNA scope?

• A. Administering inhaled anesthetics during induction
• B. Selecting, obtaining, and administering anesthetics during surgery
• C. Discharging the patient from PACU and providing post-anesthesia follow-up care
• D. Managing airway during surgery

Answer: (C)

Postoperative recovery and discharge activities fall under the CRNA’s post-anesthesia care responsibilities. After surgery, the CRNA evaluates recovery in the PACU, ensures airway patency and adequate ventilation, monitors hemodynamic stability, and manages pain, nausea, and other residual effects of anesthesia. They determine when the patient meets discharge criteria from PACU and coordinate the transition to an appropriate postoperative setting, along with providing post-anesthesia follow-up care to monitor for complications and document the recovery course.

The other tasks are performed during the operation: selecting or administering anesthetics and managing the airway are intraoperative duties, as is administering inhaled agents during induction and throughout surgery.