CAPA CAPA Anxiety & Psychological Support

Question 1

Which nursing intervention is MOST effective in reducing preoperative and emergence anxiety in ambulatory surgery patients?

Accepted Answer

Providing clear, honest information and allowing questions

Answer

Limiting family presence to reduce distractions

Answer

Administering sedatives as a first-line measure

Answer

Avoiding discussion of anesthesia risks

Question 2

A patient in the PACU is agitated and confused upon emergence. The nurse's FIRST priority is to:

Accepted Answer

Ensure patient safety and assess for physiologic causes

Answer

Apply physical restraints

Answer

Administer a sedative immediately

Answer

Ask family members to leave the room

Question 3

Which factor is MOST likely to contribute to postoperative psychological distress in ambulatory surgery patients?

Accepted Answer

Lack of preoperative teaching

Answer

Short surgical duration

Answer

Use of regional anesthesia

Answer

Adequate postoperative analgesia

Question 4

The CAPA nurse recognizes that a patient is exhibiting signs of acute anxiety. The MOST therapeutic initial response is:

Accepted Answer

Stay with the patient, use a calm voice, and acknowledge feelings

Answer

Leave the patient alone to self-calm

Answer

Immediately call for the charge nurse

Answer

Administer prescribed anxiolytic without conversation

Question 5

Which pediatric pain/anxiety assessment tool is appropriate for a school-age child in the PACU?

Accepted Answer

FACES Pain Scale-Revised

Answer

FLACC scale

Answer

Visual Analog Scale

Answer

CRIES scale

Question 6

The CAPA nurse is caring for a patient with a history of PTSD undergoing ambulatory surgery. Which approach is MOST important?

Accepted Answer

Coordinate with the care team to use trauma-informed care principles

Answer

Avoid discussing the surgical experience

Answer

Increase sedation to prevent distress

Answer

Limit sensory input by keeping the room dark and silent