CPAN, CAPA Cert UPDATED ACTUAL
Exam Questions and CORRECT Answers
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 ANSWER - 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 ANSWER -
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 ANSWER - 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 ANSWER - 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 ANSWER - 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
Exam Questions and CORRECT Answers
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 ANSWER - 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 ANSWER -
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 ANSWER - 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 ANSWER - 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 ANSWER - 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
