CPAN CAPA CERTIFICATION EXAM QUESTIONS 2026 |
ULTIMATE STUDY GUIDE | HIGH-YIELD Q&A | CORRECT
ANSWERS | COMPREHENSIVE CERTIFICATION PREP
1. If a perianesthesia nurse finds that a patient's pulse oximeter has stopped
working, what should they do next if the patient appears stable?
Continue to monitor the patient closely and prepare to troubleshoot
the equipment.
Notify the physician without assessing the patient.
Move the pulse oximeter to a different site without further assessment.
Immediately increase the oxygen flow rate.
2. Describe the purpose of the stir-up regimen in the context of a patient
recovering from general anesthesia.
The stir-up regimen helps to stimulate the patient to breathe more
effectively and improve oxygen saturation.
The stir-up regimen is a method to prepare the patient for discharge.
The stir-up regimen is used to administer medications for pain relief.
The stir-up regimen involves monitoring vital signs continuously.
3. If a patient in the PACU continues to have low O2 saturation despite
beginning the stir-up regimen, what should the nurse do next?
administer albuterol nebulizer
increase the oxygen flow rate
notify the anesthesia provider
perform a chin lift
,4. Discuss why Ketorolac is considered contraindicated for pregnant patients in
the context of perianesthesia nursing.
Ketorolac is safe for use in all patients, including pregnant ones.
Ketorolac is contraindicated in pregnant patients due to its
potential to cause adverse effects on fetal development and
increase the risk of complications during pregnancy.
Ketorolac is primarily used for treating infections in pregnant patients.
Ketorolac is recommended for pain management in the first trimester
of pregnancy.
5. Why is using pictures, diagrams, and models considered an effective method
for preparing a child for surgery?
This method allows the guardian to explain the procedure, which is
more effective than direct communication with the nurse.
This approach is less effective than verbal explanations from the
nurse.
It provides a distraction for the child, making them less aware of the
surgery.
Using pictures, diagrams, and models helps the child understand
the surgical process and reduces anxiety by familiarizing them with
the equipment.
6. The nurse understands that which of the following is a hallmark sign of
compartment syndrome?
Pain that intensifies with passive range of motion
Skin color changes
Decreased sensation of extremity
, Extremity firm to palpation
7. Your 32 year old patient has been smoking marijuana prior to their dental
hygiene appointment and is obviously under the influence of the drug. For
the purpose of informed consent, your patient is:
Irrational
Incompetent
A little stoned, but can still make competent decisions
Immature
8. Describe the physiological process that leads to diabetic ketoacidosis in
patients with uncontrolled diabetes.
Diabetic ketoacidosis is a direct result of high calcium levels in the
blood.
Diabetic ketoacidosis results from an overproduction of insulin in
response to high glucose levels.
Diabetic ketoacidosis occurs when insulin deficiency leads to
increased fat breakdown, resulting in ketone production and
acidosis.
Diabetic ketoacidosis is caused by excessive hydration and electrolyte
imbalance.
9. When can the nurse can expect a patient's regular insulin (Humulin R) to
peak?
2 to 4 hours
6 to 8 hours
There is no peak.
ULTIMATE STUDY GUIDE | HIGH-YIELD Q&A | CORRECT
ANSWERS | COMPREHENSIVE CERTIFICATION PREP
1. If a perianesthesia nurse finds that a patient's pulse oximeter has stopped
working, what should they do next if the patient appears stable?
Continue to monitor the patient closely and prepare to troubleshoot
the equipment.
Notify the physician without assessing the patient.
Move the pulse oximeter to a different site without further assessment.
Immediately increase the oxygen flow rate.
2. Describe the purpose of the stir-up regimen in the context of a patient
recovering from general anesthesia.
The stir-up regimen helps to stimulate the patient to breathe more
effectively and improve oxygen saturation.
The stir-up regimen is a method to prepare the patient for discharge.
The stir-up regimen is used to administer medications for pain relief.
The stir-up regimen involves monitoring vital signs continuously.
3. If a patient in the PACU continues to have low O2 saturation despite
beginning the stir-up regimen, what should the nurse do next?
administer albuterol nebulizer
increase the oxygen flow rate
notify the anesthesia provider
perform a chin lift
,4. Discuss why Ketorolac is considered contraindicated for pregnant patients in
the context of perianesthesia nursing.
Ketorolac is safe for use in all patients, including pregnant ones.
Ketorolac is contraindicated in pregnant patients due to its
potential to cause adverse effects on fetal development and
increase the risk of complications during pregnancy.
Ketorolac is primarily used for treating infections in pregnant patients.
Ketorolac is recommended for pain management in the first trimester
of pregnancy.
5. Why is using pictures, diagrams, and models considered an effective method
for preparing a child for surgery?
This method allows the guardian to explain the procedure, which is
more effective than direct communication with the nurse.
This approach is less effective than verbal explanations from the
nurse.
It provides a distraction for the child, making them less aware of the
surgery.
Using pictures, diagrams, and models helps the child understand
the surgical process and reduces anxiety by familiarizing them with
the equipment.
6. The nurse understands that which of the following is a hallmark sign of
compartment syndrome?
Pain that intensifies with passive range of motion
Skin color changes
Decreased sensation of extremity
, Extremity firm to palpation
7. Your 32 year old patient has been smoking marijuana prior to their dental
hygiene appointment and is obviously under the influence of the drug. For
the purpose of informed consent, your patient is:
Irrational
Incompetent
A little stoned, but can still make competent decisions
Immature
8. Describe the physiological process that leads to diabetic ketoacidosis in
patients with uncontrolled diabetes.
Diabetic ketoacidosis is a direct result of high calcium levels in the
blood.
Diabetic ketoacidosis results from an overproduction of insulin in
response to high glucose levels.
Diabetic ketoacidosis occurs when insulin deficiency leads to
increased fat breakdown, resulting in ketone production and
acidosis.
Diabetic ketoacidosis is caused by excessive hydration and electrolyte
imbalance.
9. When can the nurse can expect a patient's regular insulin (Humulin R) to
peak?
2 to 4 hours
6 to 8 hours
There is no peak.
