Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) Practice Exam

What is a consequence of postoperative shivering?

1. Increased O2 consumption, increased ventilatory requirements

2. Decreased O2 consumption, increased ventilatory requirements

3. Minor mechanism of heat production, prolonged PACU Phase 1 time

4. Need for close monitoring for hypotension and diffuse muscle aches

The correct answer is: Increased O2 consumption, increased ventilatory requirements

Postoperative shivering leads to increased oxygen consumption and increased ventilatory requirements due to several physiological responses in the body. Shivering is a thermoregulatory response to hypothermia and occurs when the body attempts to generate heat through involuntary muscle contractions. This muscle activity requires energy, and as a result, the metabolic rate increases, which raises the need for oxygen to support the heightened metabolic processes. Additionally, as the individual begins to shiver, this can lead to discomfort and may prompt the need for higher levels of ventilation to offset increased carbon dioxide production. Consequently, the patient's respiratory drive is augmented, further contributing to the increased ventilatory requirements. Other choices either incorrectly describe the physiological responses to shivering or emphasize conditions that are not the primary consequences. For instance, decreased oxygen consumption would not align with the body's response during shivering, and while shivering may prolong recovery time in the PACU, this is a secondary consideration rather than the main effect.