CAPA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CAPA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which strategy BEST promotes psychological safety for patients in the ambulatory PACU setting? → Maintaining consistent, respectful communication and preserving patient dignity
2. Which of the following best describes a key competency required for discharge criteria & planning in CAPA practice? → Strong analytical skills combined with effective communication and ethical judgment
3. In the context of CAPA certification, what is the most important consideration when implementing pediatric perianesthesia nursing? → Ensuring alignment with established standards, stakeholder needs, and best practices
4. A CAPA nurse notes a patient has jugular venous distension and bilateral crackles post-op. These findings are MOST consistent with: → Acute pulmonary edema
5. A toddler's caregiver reports the child has a loose tooth. What is the priority perianesthesia concern? → Risk of aspiration of a dislodged tooth during intubation or emergence
6. The CAPA nurse recognizes that a patient is exhibiting signs of acute anxiety. The MOST therapeutic initial response is: → Stay with the patient, use a calm voice, and acknowledge feelings
7. Which non-pharmacologic method can aid in pain control postoperatively? → Deep breathing exercises
8. Which of the following best describes a key competency required for regional anesthesia recovery care in CAPA practice? → Strong analytical skills combined with effective communication and ethical judgment
9. A patient in the PACU develops a new arrhythmia. The nurse's FIRST action should be to: → Assess the patient's hemodynamic status
10. In the context of CAPA certification, what is the most important consideration when implementing discharge criteria & planning? → Ensuring alignment with established standards, stakeholder needs, and best practices
11. Which patient history finding requires further evaluation before surgery? → Recent myocardial infarction
12. In the context of CAPA certification, what is the most important consideration when implementing nausea & vomiting prevention? → Ensuring alignment with established standards, stakeholder needs, and best practices
13. Which pediatric pain/anxiety assessment tool is appropriate for a school-age child in the PACU? → FACES Pain Scale-Revised
14. A 4-year-old weighing 16 kg is to receive ketamine for procedural sedation. What is the appropriate IV sedation dose? → 1–2 mg/kg (16–32 mg)
15. What is the primary focus in the immediate postanesthesia period? → Monitoring airway and vital signs
16. What is a common side effect of opioid administration? → Respiratory depression
17. A patient develops a sudden drop in SpO2 and BP with tachycardia after a lower extremity procedure. The nurse should suspect: → Pulmonary embolism
18. Which statement about pediatric IV fluid tonicity in the perianesthesia period is correct? → Hypotonic fluids are avoided due to risk of hyponatremia and cerebral edema
19. The CAPA nurse identifies a patient in atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response. Priority assessment includes: → Hemodynamic stability and patient symptoms
20. In the context of CAPA certification, what is the most important consideration when implementing respiratory assessment & management? → Ensuring alignment with established standards, stakeholder needs, and best practices
21. In a CAPA setting, which ECG change is MOST concerning for hypokalemia? → Flattened T waves and U waves
22. Which sign is the earliest indicator of respiratory compromise in a 3-year-old child recovering from general anesthesia? → Increased respiratory rate
23. Which discharge criterion specifically addresses readiness for home after ambulatory anesthesia in a pediatric patient? → Modified Aldrete score ≥9 or PADSS ≥18 with stable vital signs
24. What is a priority when administering IV pain medications? → Observe response and side effects
25. A 6-year-old child arrives in the PACU after adenoidectomy with a FLACC score of 7. Which analgesic approach is most appropriate as a first step? → IV opioid titration
26. The CAPA nurse uses motivational interviewing techniques primarily to: → Facilitate patient-centered conversations that support behavior change
27. Which of the following best describes a key competency required for phase i & phase ii recovery care in CAPA practice? → Strong analytical skills combined with effective communication and ethical judgment
28. Which intervention should the CAPA nurse prioritize for a patient with new-onset PVCs in the PACU? → Assess and correct underlying causes such as hypoxia or electrolyte imbalance
29. Which nursing action helps prevent hypothermia in the PACU? → Using warm blankets
30. A 9-year-old weighing 30 kg requires morphine for post-op pain. What is the appropriate IV dose range? → 0.05–0.1 mg/kg (1.5–3 mg)