Which of the following is NOT an intraoperative component of CRNA scope of practice?

• A. Performing anesthesia techniques
• B. Discharging the patient from PACU
• C. Managing a patient's airway and pulmonary status
• D. Selecting, obtaining, and administering the anesthetics, drugs, and fluids

Answer: (B)

The key idea here is distinguishing what a CRNA does during the operation versus after it. Intraoperative responsibilities include performing anesthesia techniques, managing the patient’s airway and pulmonary status, and selecting, obtaining, and administering the anesthetics, drugs, and fluids needed to maintain anesthesia throughout the procedure. Discharging the patient from the PACU, however, happens after the surgery when recovery from anesthesia is assessed and criteria are met; that discharge is a postoperative activity rather than an intraoperative one. So the action described as leaving the PACU is not part of the intraoperative scope.