CPAN, CAPA CERT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS GRADED A+ ASSURED SUCCESS 2026/2027

CPAN, CAPA CERT QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS GRADED A+ ASSURED
SUCCESS 2026/2027

1. Phase I PACU Discharge Criteria
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A patient is being prepared for discharge from Phase I recovery to the inpatient floor. Whi
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ch of the following assessment findings would be the most significant reason to delay tran
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sfer?

A) Heart rate of 88 bpm
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B) Oxygen saturation of 94% on 2L nasal cannula
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C) Inability to move the lower extremities due to residual neuromuscular blockade
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D) Complaint of incisional pain rated as a 4 out of 10
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2. Cardiac Complications
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A postoperative patient in the PACU exhibits new-
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onset atrial fibrillation with a ventricular response of 150 bpm. The patient is hypotensive
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and complains of chest pain. Which of the following interventions should the nurse antici
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pate first? fd




A) Administer Amiodarone IV push
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B) Perform synchronized cardioversion
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C) Administer Metoprolol IV
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D) Apply supplemental oxygen and reassess in 15 minutes
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3. Airway Management
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A patient arrives in the PACU following a thyroidectomy. The nurse notes stridor and signi
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ficant neck swelling. What is the priority action?
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A) Administer racemic epinephrine
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B) Place the patient in the Trendelenburg position
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C) Notify the surgeon immediately and prepare for emergency airway equipment
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D) Apply a cold compress to the neck
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,4. Malignant Hyperthermia (MH)
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Which of the following early clinical signs is the most specific indicator of Malignant Hype
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rthermia in the immediate postoperative period?
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A) Tachycardia
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B) Muscle rigidity
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C) Tachypnea
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D) Elevated temperature (103°F)
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5. Pediatric Considerations
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A 4-year-
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old child is emerging from anesthesia in the PACU. The child is agitated, crying inconsolab
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ly, and is not recognizing the parents. Which of the following is the most appropriate nurs
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ing action?fd




A) Restrain the child to prevent injury
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B) Administer a dose of Midazolam as ordered
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C) Encourage the parents to speak softly and hold the child
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D) Turn off all lights and monitors to decrease stimuli
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6. Ambulatory Surgery Discharge (CAPA Focus)
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A patient is being discharged home after ambulatory surgery. Which of the following disc
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harge instructions is most critical to prevent a delayed complication related to the use of
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general anesthesia? fd




A) "You may resume your regular diet as soon as you get home."
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B) "Do not drive or operate machinery for 24 hours."
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C) "You may remove your dressing in 4 hours."
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D) "You should take your pain medication only if you are in severe pain."
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7. Respiratory Acidosis
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A PACU nurse reviews the ABG results of a postoperative patient: pH 7.28, PaCO2 55 mmH
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g, HCO3 24 mEq/L. These results are consistent with:
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A) Metabolic acidosis
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B) Metabolic alkalosis
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C) Respiratory acidosis
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D) Respiratory alkalosis
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,8. Fluid and Electrolytes
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A patient who underwent a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is showing signs
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of confusion, nausea, and bradycardia. The nurse suspects TURP syndrome. This condition
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is primarily caused by:
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A) Hypernatremia
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B) Hypovolemic shock
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C) Water intoxication (Hyponatremia)
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D) Hyperglycemia
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9. Pain Management
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A patient is receiving patient-
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controlled analgesia (PCA) with morphine. The nurse notes a respiratory rate of 6 breaths/
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min and pinpoint pupils. Which medication should be immediately available for administr
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ation?

A) Flumazenil
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B) Naloxone
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C) Epinephrine
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D) Diphenhydramine
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10. Ophthalmic Surgery (Post-Op Care)
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Following a vitrectomy with a gas bubble, the patient is placed in a specific prone or face-
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down position. What is the primary purpose of this positioning?
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A) To prevent postoperative nausea
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B) To maintain the gas bubble against the retina
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C) To reduce intraocular pressure
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D) To prevent corneal abrasions
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11. Thermoregulation
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A patient in the PACU is shivering intensely. Which of the following is the primary physiol
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ogical concern related to shivering?
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A) Increased patient discomfort
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B) Increased myocardial oxygen demand
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, C) Impaired wound healing
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D) Interference with ECG monitoring
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12. Nausea and Vomiting (PONV)
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A patient is at high risk for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Which combinatio
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n of medications would be most effective to prophylactically address different receptor pa
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thways?

A) Ondansetron (5-HT3 antagonist) and Droperidol (Dopamine antagonist)
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B) Morphine and Zofran
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C) Metoclopramide and Benadryl
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D) Ketorolac and Acetaminophen
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13. Neurological Assessment
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A patient post-
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carotid endarterectomy complains of sudden severe headache and difficulty swallowing. T
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he nurse assesses a blood pressure of 190/100 mmHg. These findings are indicative of:
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A) Hypoglycemia
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B) Cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome
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C) Myocardial infarction
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D) Laryngeal spasm
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14. Ambulatory Discharge Criteria (CAPA)
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According to the Aldrete scoring system (Modified), which of the following parameters is
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not typically scored?
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A) Activity/Motor function
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B) Respiration
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C) Pain level
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D) Circulation
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15. Anaphylaxis
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A patient develops generalized hives, wheezing, and hypotension immediately after IV ant
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ibiotic administration in the PACU. The nurse prepares to administer which medication firs
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t?