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A patient in mild respiratory distress is in Phase I PACU. Another patient is a 6-year- old child
whose parents have left to eat. A third patient has just arrived from the operating room. There are
two patients waiting for discharge to Phase II, and one who is ready for discharge but waiting to
void. According to the ASPAN Standards there should be at least:
-two nurses.
-three nurses.
-four nurses.
-five nurses.
#3 four nurses
(CPAN/CAPA Test Blueprint
Domain:
Content Area: Content Area: 3. A. Metadata: Knowledge : 38 / Population Served : 1 Pediatric /
Cognitive level : 1)
The perianesthesia nurse verifies patient understanding regarding post-operative opioid use
postoperatively when the patient states that using opioids after surgery can cause:
-diarrhea.
-nausea and vomiting.
-hypotension.
-insomnia.
#2 nausea and vomiting
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(Content Area: Content Area: 2. E. Metadata: Knowledge : 17 / Population Served : 2 Adult
Reference: Reference: 11C Drain's PeriAnesthsia Nursing Page(s): 445)
The perianesthesia nurse instructs a patient who received a brachial plexus nerve block to:
-immediately report numbness and burning sensation.
-be aware all blocks last only for 8 hours.
-not apply a brace on the affected arm.
-be proactive with pain medication to avoid uncontrollable discomfort.
#4 be proactive with pain meds to avoid uncontrollable discomfort (Content Area: Content Area:
2. E. Metadata: Knowledge : 19 / Population Served : 2 Adult / Cognitive level : 2
Reference: Reference: 11C Drain's PeriAnesthsia Nursing Page(s): 340)
The perianesthesia nurse is aware that which of the following drugs blocks the 5HT3 serotonin
receptor?
-Haloperidol
-Fosaprepitant
-Promethazine
-Ondansetron
#4 Ondansetron (Content Area: Content Area: 1. N. Metadata: Knowledge : 17 / Population
Served : 2 Adult / Cognitive level : 1
Reference: Reference: 11C Drain's PeriAnesthsia Nursing Page(s): 251)
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A pediatric patient is admitted to the PACU after repair of a fractured humerus. The arm is
splinted, bent at the elbow, and lying across his chest. He is awake and whimpering, refuses to
answer questions, and cries out when touched. Based on FLACC scale of 5, the perianesthesia
nurse's first action is to:
-apply 2 liters O2 by nasal cannula.
-evaluate for pain medication.
-apply an arm sling immediately.
-ask permission from patient to take medicine.
#2 (Content Area: Content Area: 1. M. Metadata: Knowledge : 13 / Population Served : 1
Pediatric / Cognitive level : 3
Reference: Reference: 11C Drain's PeriAnesthsia Nursing Page(s): 723)
In caring for a patient receiving a blood transfusion, the perianesthesia nurse is aware that the
most likely cause of a nonhemolytic febrile transfusion is:
-WBC or platelet antibodies.
-anti-E-anti-C interaction.
-blood type incompatibility.
-nonpyrogenic bacteria.
#1 WBC or platelet antibodies (Content Area: Content Area: 1. J. Metadata: Knowledge : 11 /
Population Served : 2 Adult / Cognitive level : 2
Reference: Reference: 11C Drain's PeriAnesthsia Nursing Page(s): 414 Reference: 7B
Perianesthesia Nursing Core Curriculum Page(s): 578 )
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A patient complains of tingling in the toes and fingers following a parathyroidectomy;
Chvostek's sign is positive. Pending postoperative orders, the PACU nurse should expect to:
-administer dilantin, 100 mg IV slow push.
-administer prednisone, 100 mg IV stat.
-request stat ionized calcium.
-hyperventilate the patient.
#3 (Content Area: Content Area: 1. H. Metadata: Knowledge : 22 / Population Served : 2 /
Cognitive level : 3
Reference: Reference: Nagelhout, J. and Sass, E. Nurse Anesthesia. Sixth Edition, p 920
A patient is admitted to the PACU following a small-bowel resection. The patient is extremely
lethargic, confused, and has the following vital signs: BP = 100/50, R = 8 and shallow, T =
34.8°C (94.6°F). Myxedema coma is diagnosed. Initially, the nurse prepares to:
-provide fluid challenge.
-administer calcium chloride IV.
-rapidly rewarm the patient.
-administer levothyroxine IV.
#4 (Content Area: Content Area: 1. H. Metadata: Knowledge : 18 / Population Served : 2 /
Cognitive level : 2
Reference: Reference: 7B Perianesthesia Nursing Core Curriculum Page(s): 500 ; Urden -Critical
Care Nursing, pg. pg.759-761)
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The perianesthesia nurse is aware that the older adult's tolerance to cold is decreased because of:
-loss of subcutaneous fat.
-vascular fragility.
-ineffective piloerection.
-decreased dermal vascularity
#1 (Content Area: Content Area: 1. G. Metadata: Knowledge : 12 / Population Served : 3 /
Cognitive level : 1
Reference: Reference: 7B Perianesthesia Nursing Core Curriculum Page(s): 210)
The patient with a pneumonectomy should never be positioned:
-on the non-operative side.
-on the operative side.
-supine.
-in semi-Fowler's position.
#1 (Content Area: Content Area: 1. D. Metadata: Population Served : 2 Adult / Cognitive level :
3
Reference: Reference: Drain's PeriAnesthesia Nursing pg. 486)
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A perianesthesia nurse assesses cranial nerve VII in a patient post mastoidectomy by asking the
patient to:
-wrinkle the forehead.
-stick out the tongue.
-lift the head.
-shrug shoulders.
#1 ( Content Area: Content Area: 1. C. Metadata: Knowledge : 15 / Population Served : 2 Adult /
Cognitive level : 1
Reference: Reference: 7B Perianesthesia Nursing Core Curriculum Page(s): 458; Urden -Critical
Care Nursing, pg.536)
A patient admitted postoperatively following a Hickman catheter placement becomes pulseless,
unresponsive, and apneic. The perianesthesia nurse begins CPR at the following ratio:
-15 compressions and 1 breaths.
-15 compressions and 2 breaths.
-30 compressions and 1 breath.
-30 compressions and 2 breaths.
#4
A patient who received spinal anesthesia and has postoperative hypothermia is rewarmed by
radiant heat and experiences a drop in blood pressure. The etiology of this finding is:
-vasodilation
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-myocardial depression
-basal metabolic rate
-parasympathetic response
#1 (Content Area: Content Area: 1. B. Metadata: Knowledge : 12 / Population Served : 2 /
Cognitive level : 2
Reference: Reference: 11C Drain's PeriAnesthsia Nursing Page(s): 334)
The nurse is caring for a patient following an electroconvulsive therapy procedure. The patient is
observed closely for bradycardia and:
-hyperkalemia
-metabolic alkalosis
-respiratory acidosis
-hypotension
#4 (Content Area: Content Area: 1. B. Metadata: Knowledge : 10 / Population Served : 2 Adult /
Cognitive level : 2
Reference: Reference: 7B Perianesthesia Nursing Core Curriculum Page(s): 841)
When a partial non-rebreather mask is used, the O2 flow rate should be sufficient to:
-prevent the reservoir bag from collapsing during inspiration.
-prevent the reservoir bag from collapsing during exhalation.
-allow the reservoir bag to collapse between inspiration and exhalation.
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-keep the reservoir bag fully inflated during inspiration and exhalation.
#1 (Content Area: Content Area: 1. A. Metadata: Knowledge : 14 / Population Served : 2 Adult /
Cognitive level : 1
Reference: Reference: 7B Perianesthesia Nursing Core Curriculum Page(s): 371)
A patient's wound is positive for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The
perianesthesia nurse is aware that the patient requires which type of isolation precautions?
-Respiratory
-Contact
-Droplet
-Standard
#2 (Content Area: Domain: 3 Content Area/Task: B.
Reference: Reference: Drain 52)
After extubating a patient, which of the following symptoms should be immediately reported to
the anesthesia provider?
-sore throat
-dry mouth
-stridor
-hoarseness
#3
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Tidal volume is defined as the amount of air:
-exchanged in one minute.
-passing into or out of the lungs in each respiratory cycle.
-remaining within the chest after maximal expiration.
-exchanged with full inspiration and expiration.
#2 (Content Area: Domain: 1 Content Area/Task: B.
Reference: Reference: Drain 161)
In caring for a toddler, the perianesthesia nurse is aware that the primary cause of anxiety prior to
surgery is:
-fear of the medical equipment.
-striving for approval.
-loss of privacy.
-separation from parents.
#4
One of the most frequent side effects of ketamine anesthesia is:
-hallucination
-nausea
CPAN Certification Exam (Latest
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-muscle fasciculations
-bradycardia
#1
In the event that a pharmacologically paralyzed patient is inadvertently extubated, the first
priority of the PACU nurse is to:
-administer a muscarinic anticholinergic drug immediately
-establish and maintain the airway and ventilation
-administer an anticholinesterase drug immediately.
-assess for muscle recovery before reintubating.
#2 (Content Area: Domain: 1 Content Area/Task: C.
Reference: Reference: Drain 430)
The perianesthesia nurse is giving discharge instructions to a patient when the patient states, "I
do not think I will be able to empty this drain by myself." The perianesthesia nurse should start
with:
-"Would you like me to show you how?"
-"You can do it. It's not that hard."
-"Your doctor will remove it in the office."
-"What do you know about the drain?"
#4
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A patient was treated for laryngospasm with positive pressure and administration of
succinylcholine. The perianesthesia nurse's plan for this patient is to:
-observe patient for another hour before transfer to the floor.
-continue ventilation until complete respiratory functioning has returned.
-install a dehumidifier in the patient's room.
-limit the patient's visitors in the room.
#2 Reference: Reference: 11C Drain's PeriAnesthsia Nursing Page(s): 159 ( Drain 7th Ed 2018)
The patient was brought to PACU post left pneumonectomy. The perianesthesia nurse should
position the patient:
-prone.
-on the left side.
-on the right side.
-Trendelenburg.
#2 Reference: Reference: 11C Drain's PeriAnesthsia Nursing Page(s): 486
A patient in mild respiratory distress is in Phase I PACU. Another patient is a 6-year- old child
whose parents have left to eat. A third patient has just arrived from the operating room. There are
two patients waiting for discharge to Phase II, and one who is ready for discharge but waiting to
void. According to the ASPAN Standards there should be at least:
CPAN Certification Exam (Latest
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-two nurses.
-three nurses.
-four nurses.
-five nurses.
# 3 Reference: Reference: (Inactive) 6D American Society of PeriAnesthesia Page(s): (6E)
Standards Book 2019- 2020 pages 36-37
The perianesthesia nurse verifies patient understanding regarding post-operative f opioid use
postoperatively when the patient states that using opioids after surgery can cause:
-diarrhea.
-nausea and vomiting.
-hypotension.
-insomnia.
#2
The perianesthesia nurse instructs a patient who received a brachial plexus nerve block to:
-immediately report numbness and burning sensation.
-be aware all blocks last only for 8 hours.
-not apply a brace on the affected arm.
-be proactive with pain medication to avoid uncontrollable discomfort.
#4 Reference: Reference: 11C Drain's PeriAnesthsia Nursing Page(s): 340
CPAN Certification Exam (Latest
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The perianesthesia nurse is aware that which of the following drugs blocks the 5HT3 serotonin
receptor?
-Haloperidol
-Fosaprepitant
-Promethazine
-Ondansetron
# 4 Reference: Reference: 11C Drain's PeriAnesthsia Nursing Page(s): 251
A pediatric patient is admitted to the PACU after repair of a fractured humerus. The arm is
splinted, bent at the elbow, and lying across his chest. He is awake and whimpering, refuses to
answer questions, and cries out when touched. Based on FLACC scale of 5, the perianesthesia
nurse's first action is to:
-apply 2 liters O2 by nasal cannula.
-evaluate for pain medication.
-apply an arm sling immediately.
-ask permission from patient to take medicine.
#2 Reference: Reference: 11C Drain's PeriAnesthsia Nursing Page(s): 723
In caring for a patient receiving a blood transfusion, the perianesthesia nurse is aware that the
most likely cause of a nonhemolytic febrile transfusion is:
CPAN Certification Exam (Latest
Update 2026 / 2027) Questions &
verified Answers | Grade A | 100%
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-WBC or platelet antibodies.
-anti-E-anti-C interaction.
-blood type incompatibility.
-nonpyrogenic bacteria.
#1 Reference: Reference: 11C Drain's PeriAnesthsia Nursing Page(s): 414 Reference: 7B
Perianesthesia Nursing Core Curriculum Page(s): 578
A patient complains of tingling in the toes and fingers following a parathyroidectomy;
Chvostek's sign is positive. Pending postoperative orders, the PACU nurse should expect to:
-administer dilantin, 100 mg IV slow push.
-administer prednisone, 100 mg IV stat.
-request stat ionized calcium.
-hyperventilate the patient.
# 3 Reference: Reference: Nagelhout, J. and Sass, E. Nurse Anesthesia. Sixth Edition, p 920
A patient is admitted to the PACU following a small-bowel resection. The patient is extremely
lethargic, confused, and has the following vital signs: BP = 100/50, R = 8 and shallow, T =
34.8°C (94.6°F). Myxedema coma is diagnosed. Initially, the nurse prepares to:
-provide fluid challenge.
-administer calcium chloride IV.
-rapidly rewarm the patient.
-administer levothyroxine IV.
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# 4 Reference: Reference: 7B Perianesthesia Nursing Core Curriculum Page(s): 500
The perianesthesia nurse is aware that the older adult's tolerance to cold is decreased because of:
-vascular fragility.
-neffective piloerection.
-loss of subcutaneous fat.
-decreased dermal vascularity.
# 3 Reference: Reference: 7B Perianesthesia Nursing Core Curriculum Page(s): 210
The patient with a pneumonectomy should never be positioned:
-on the non-operative side.
-on the operative side.
-supine.
=in semi-Fowler's position.
# 1 Reference: Reference: 11C Drain's PeriAnesthsia Nursing Page(s): 486
A perianesthesia nurse assesses cranial nerve VII in a patient post mastoidectomy by asking the
patient to:
-wrinkle the forehead.
-stick out the tongue.
CPAN Certification Exam (Latest
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-lift the head.
-shrug shoulders.
# 1 Reference: Reference: 7B Perianesthesia Nursing Core Curriculum Page(s): 458
A patient admitted postoperatively following a Hickman catheter placement becomes pulseless,
unresponsive, and apneic. The perianesthesia nurse begins CPR at the following ratio:
-15 compressions and 1 breaths.
-15 compressions and 2 breaths.
-30 compressions and 1 breath.
-30 compressions and 2 breaths.
#4
A patient who received spinal anesthesia and has postoperative hypothermia is rewarmed by
radiant heat and experiences a drop in blood pressure. The etiology of this finding is:
-vasodilation.
-myocardial depression.
-basal metabolic rate.
-parasympathetic response.
# 1. Reference: Reference: 11C Drain's PeriAnesthsia Nursing Page(s): 334
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The nurse is caring for a patient following an electroconvulsive therapy procedure. The patient is
observed closely for bradycardia and:
-hyperkalemia.
-metabolic alkalosis.
-respiratory acidosis.
-hypotension.
# 4 Reference: Reference: 7B Perianesthesia Nursing Core Curriculum Page(s): 841
When a partial non-rebreather mask is used, the O2 flow rate should be sufficient to:
-prevent the reservoir bag from collapsing during inspiration.
-prevent the reservoir bag from collapsing during exhalation.
-allow the reservoir bag to collapse between inspiration and exhalation.
-keep the reservoir bag fully inflated during inspiration and exhalation.
# 1 Reference: Reference: 7B Perianesthesia Nursing Core Curriculum Page(s): 371
On arrival in the PACU, an open cholecystectomy patient is experiencing severe right abdominal
pain, tachypnea, diaphoresis, tachycardia, and anxiety. The initial vital signs are: BP = 90/50, HR
= 126, R = 30, SpO2 = 88%. The PACU nurse expects to initially treat the patient for:
-tachycardia.
-hypotension.
-tachypnea.
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-hypoxemia.
# 4 Reference: 7B Perianesthesia Nursing Core Curriculum Page(s): 366-367
In Phase I recovery, a child presents with crowing respirations and a bark-like cough.
Administration of 40% cool humidified O2 does not relieve the symptoms. The perianesthesia
nurse anticipates the need for:
-aerosolized albuterol.
-subcutaneous epinephrine.
-theophylline infusion.
-nebulized racemic epinephrine.
# 4 Reference: 7B Perianesthesia Nursing Core Curriculum Page(s): 162
One of the most frequent side effects of ketamine anesthesia is:
-muscle fasciculations
-nausea
-hallucination
-bradycardia
#3
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In the event that a pharmacologically paralyzed patient is inadvertently extubated, the first
priority of the PACU nurse is to:
-assess for muscle recovery before reintubating.
-administer a muscarinic anticholinergic drug immediately.
-administer an anticholinesterase drug immediately.
-establish and maintain the airway and ventilation.
#4
December 2, 2020
A patient's wound is positive for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The
perianesthesia nurse is aware that the patient requires which type of isolation precautions?
-Respiratory
-Contact
-Droplet
-Standard
# 2 Reference: Drain 52