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. In evidence-based PACU practice, which strategy best supports early discharge readiness in ambulatory surgical patients? → Using validated discharge scoring tools such as the Modified Aldrete or PADSS
2. Which postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) score tool is commonly used to identify high-risk ambulatory surgery patients requiring prophylaxis? → Apfel Simplified Risk Score
3. Which strategy BEST promotes psychological safety for patients in the ambulatory PACU setting? → Maintaining consistent, respectful communication and preserving patient dignity
4. A PACU nurse notes a patient's end-tidal CO2 waveform has a 'shark fin' appearance with a prolonged expiratory phase. This pattern is MOST associated with: → Bronchospasm or obstructive airway disease
5. Which medication class is most commonly implicated in delayed awakening from general anesthesia in the elderly ambulatory patient? → Benzodiazepines
6. A nurse is preparing to administer IV acetaminophen (Ofirmev) 1000 mg. For which patient population should the dose be reduced to 650 mg every 8 hours? → Patients weighing less than 50 kg
7. Which element of the STOP-BANG questionnaire specifically addresses the BANG component for OSA screening? → Gender (male)
8. 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
9. Which colloid solution is CONTRAINDICATED in patients with known renal dysfunction undergoing ambulatory procedures? → Hetastarch (HES 6%)
10. Which PACU alarm condition should prompt the nurse to assess for laryngospasm? → Sudden SpO2 drop with high-pitched inspiratory stridor and sternal retraction
11. Which temperature monitoring site provides the MOST accurate core temperature reading in an ambulatory surgery patient? → Tympanic membrane
12. 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
13. A CAPA nurse notes a patient has jugular venous distension and bilateral crackles post-op. These findings are MOST consistent with: → Acute pulmonary edema
14. A patient who received midazolam for procedural sedation wants to sign a consent form for a future procedure before leaving. How should the nurse respond? → Advise the patient to wait 24 hours before signing legal documents
15. Evidence-based practice for preventing emergence delirium in pediatric PACU patients most strongly supports which intervention? → Parental presence during emergence from anesthesia
16. A patient develops urticaria, hypotension, and wheezing minutes after receiving IV antibiotics in the PACU. What is the FIRST-LINE treatment? → Epinephrine 0.3 mg IM into the anterolateral thigh
17. When monitoring a patient's respiratory rate in the PACU, the nurse should count respirations for at least: → A full 60 seconds without the patient's knowledge
18. A patient with a core temperature of 36.0°C complains of feeling cold and requests more blankets in Phase I PACU. The BEST response is to: → Apply forced-air warming and recheck temperature in 15 minutes
19. A patient taking metformin is scheduled for a procedure requiring IV contrast dye. What is the standard preoperative instruction? → Hold metformin 48 hours before and after contrast administration
20. Which of the following represents an appropriate MINIMUM criterion for oral fluid tolerance before ambulatory discharge? → Patient tolerates a small amount of fluid or crackers without nausea or vomiting
21. When appraising a research study for PACU practice change, which study design provides the highest level of evidence? → Randomized controlled trial
22. Which capnography waveform pattern indicates bronchospasm in a PACU patient? → Shark-fin or oblique upstroke pattern
23. Which condition is MOST likely responsible for a PACU patient with a respiratory rate of 6 breaths per minute and miosis? → Opioid-induced respiratory depression
24. Which opioid characteristic makes methadone particularly challenging to use for acute postoperative pain management in the ambulatory setting? → Prolonged and unpredictable half-life up to 150 hours
25. 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
26. Which condition is an ABSOLUTE contraindication for ambulatory surgery in most facilities? → Former premature infant less than 60 weeks postconceptual age
27. A patient recovering from a femoral nerve block reports inability to flex the knee 4 hours post-procedure. What is the PRIORITY nursing action? → Assess for signs of compartment syndrome and notify the anesthesia provider
28. According to evidence-based postoperative care, which practice reduces the risk of postoperative urinary retention (POUR) in ambulatory patients? → Avoiding routine mandatory voiding requirements for low-risk procedures
29. A post-thyroidectomy patient develops inspiratory stridor, neck swelling, and dysphagia 2 hours post-op. What is the priority action? → Open the neck wound at bedside to relieve hematoma pressure
30. 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