CPAN, CAPA Cert questions With
correct answers 2025/2026 update
The nurse providing conscious sedation to a patient:
1. will not have duties that interfere with monitoring of the patient.
2. may circulate as long as monitor alarms are set.
3. may administer propofol for short procedures.
4. may monitor ASA IV patients correct answers 1.
Domain: Safety Needs
Content Area: Protect patient from harm and take preventive measures related to the
use of protective safety devices and equipment (including, but not limited to, padded
side rails, safety straps, restraints)
Reference: American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses. Perianesthesia Nursing
Standards, Practice Recommendations, and Interpretive Statements 2015 - 2017.
ASPAN, Cherry Hill, NJ, 2015. Pg 63.
In caring for a patient at risk for noncardiogenic pulmonary edema, the perianesthesia
nurse understands that the best method for prevention is to:
1. elevate head in high fowler's position.
2. maintain blood pressure below 180 systolic.
3. prevent fluid overload by limiting IV fluids in the elderly.
4. maintain airway and administer supplemental O2. correct answers
A patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus is admitted the day of surgery with a glucose of
610 mg/dl. The perianesthesia nurse is aware that the patient may be at risk for:
1. diabetic ketoacidosis.
2. hypercalcemia.
3. diabetes insipidus.
4. hyperkalemia. correct answers 1. DKA
Domain: Physiological Needs
Content Area: Stability of Endocrine System
Reference: Fleisher, L. and Roizen, M. Essence of Anesthesia Practice, 3rd Ed.
Elsevier Health Sciences, December, 2011. Pg 122.
The perianesthesia nurse is aware that which drug is contraindicated in the pregnant
patient?
1. Acetaminophen
2. Famotidine
3. Ondansetron
4. Ketorolac correct answers 4. Ketolorac
Domain: Physiological Needs
Content Area: an appropriate medication regimen (including, but not limited to, minimal
interruption of normal medication regimen, preemptive interventions)
, Reference: Hodgson, B., and Kizior, R. Saunders Nursing Drug Handbook 2015.
Saunders (Elsevier), 2015. Pg 660-661
During discharge planning of a patient who has received 6 units of regular recombinant
human insulin (Humulin) subcutaneously, the perianesthesia nurse recognizes that the
PEAK action will occur in:
1. 1-5 hours.
2. 5-7 hours.
3. 10-20 minutes.
4. 30-45 minutes correct answers 1. 1 to 5 hours
Domain: Physiological Needs
Content Area: stability of endocrine system
Reference: Hodgson, B., and Kizior, R. Saunders Nursing Drug Handbook 2015.
Saunders (Elsevier), 2015.pg 622-623.
A patient in the PACU who received general anesthesia is awake and alert with stable
vital signs. When the perianesthesia nurse removes the patient's oxygen the O2
saturation periodically drops to 88%. The perianestheisa nurse's next best action is to:
1. notify the anesthesia provider
2. administer albuterol nebulizer
3. begin the stir-up regimen
4. perform chin lift correct answers 3. begin the stir-up regimen
Domain: Physiological Needs
Content Area: Stability of respiratory system
Reference: Urden, L., et al. Thelan's Critical Care Nursing, Diagnosis and Management,
7th Ed. Elsevier, 2014. pg 1103.
During a pre-op assessment, a patient reports taking his morning dose of medical
marijuana. The perianesthesia nurse understands that:
1. recent use may impair ability to give consent.
2. no action is needed due to home medication regimen.
3. it is acceptable if there are no physical signs of marijuana intoxication
4. recent use will decrease post-op agitation correct answers 1. recent use may impair
ability to give consent
Domain: Safety Needs
Content Area: Deliver, document, and communicate care based on accepted national
standards of perianesthesia nursing practice and applicable laws, guidelines, and
regulations
Reference: Fleisher, L. and Roizen, M. Essence of Anesthesia Practice, 3rd Ed.
Elsevier Health Sciences, December, 2011. pg 616-617.
Of the following patients, which is MOST APPROPRIATE for fast track to the Phase II
area?
1. A 50 year old female who underwent a screening colonoscopy who is responsive to
verbal stimuli
2. A 40 year old who is awake, alert and pain free following a spermatocelectomy
correct answers 2025/2026 update
The nurse providing conscious sedation to a patient:
1. will not have duties that interfere with monitoring of the patient.
2. may circulate as long as monitor alarms are set.
3. may administer propofol for short procedures.
4. may monitor ASA IV patients correct answers 1.
Domain: Safety Needs
Content Area: Protect patient from harm and take preventive measures related to the
use of protective safety devices and equipment (including, but not limited to, padded
side rails, safety straps, restraints)
Reference: American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses. Perianesthesia Nursing
Standards, Practice Recommendations, and Interpretive Statements 2015 - 2017.
ASPAN, Cherry Hill, NJ, 2015. Pg 63.
In caring for a patient at risk for noncardiogenic pulmonary edema, the perianesthesia
nurse understands that the best method for prevention is to:
1. elevate head in high fowler's position.
2. maintain blood pressure below 180 systolic.
3. prevent fluid overload by limiting IV fluids in the elderly.
4. maintain airway and administer supplemental O2. correct answers
A patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus is admitted the day of surgery with a glucose of
610 mg/dl. The perianesthesia nurse is aware that the patient may be at risk for:
1. diabetic ketoacidosis.
2. hypercalcemia.
3. diabetes insipidus.
4. hyperkalemia. correct answers 1. DKA
Domain: Physiological Needs
Content Area: Stability of Endocrine System
Reference: Fleisher, L. and Roizen, M. Essence of Anesthesia Practice, 3rd Ed.
Elsevier Health Sciences, December, 2011. Pg 122.
The perianesthesia nurse is aware that which drug is contraindicated in the pregnant
patient?
1. Acetaminophen
2. Famotidine
3. Ondansetron
4. Ketorolac correct answers 4. Ketolorac
Domain: Physiological Needs
Content Area: an appropriate medication regimen (including, but not limited to, minimal
interruption of normal medication regimen, preemptive interventions)
, Reference: Hodgson, B., and Kizior, R. Saunders Nursing Drug Handbook 2015.
Saunders (Elsevier), 2015. Pg 660-661
During discharge planning of a patient who has received 6 units of regular recombinant
human insulin (Humulin) subcutaneously, the perianesthesia nurse recognizes that the
PEAK action will occur in:
1. 1-5 hours.
2. 5-7 hours.
3. 10-20 minutes.
4. 30-45 minutes correct answers 1. 1 to 5 hours
Domain: Physiological Needs
Content Area: stability of endocrine system
Reference: Hodgson, B., and Kizior, R. Saunders Nursing Drug Handbook 2015.
Saunders (Elsevier), 2015.pg 622-623.
A patient in the PACU who received general anesthesia is awake and alert with stable
vital signs. When the perianesthesia nurse removes the patient's oxygen the O2
saturation periodically drops to 88%. The perianestheisa nurse's next best action is to:
1. notify the anesthesia provider
2. administer albuterol nebulizer
3. begin the stir-up regimen
4. perform chin lift correct answers 3. begin the stir-up regimen
Domain: Physiological Needs
Content Area: Stability of respiratory system
Reference: Urden, L., et al. Thelan's Critical Care Nursing, Diagnosis and Management,
7th Ed. Elsevier, 2014. pg 1103.
During a pre-op assessment, a patient reports taking his morning dose of medical
marijuana. The perianesthesia nurse understands that:
1. recent use may impair ability to give consent.
2. no action is needed due to home medication regimen.
3. it is acceptable if there are no physical signs of marijuana intoxication
4. recent use will decrease post-op agitation correct answers 1. recent use may impair
ability to give consent
Domain: Safety Needs
Content Area: Deliver, document, and communicate care based on accepted national
standards of perianesthesia nursing practice and applicable laws, guidelines, and
regulations
Reference: Fleisher, L. and Roizen, M. Essence of Anesthesia Practice, 3rd Ed.
Elsevier Health Sciences, December, 2011. pg 616-617.
Of the following patients, which is MOST APPROPRIATE for fast track to the Phase II
area?
1. A 50 year old female who underwent a screening colonoscopy who is responsive to
verbal stimuli
2. A 40 year old who is awake, alert and pain free following a spermatocelectomy
