Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which of the following increases a patient's fall risk after anesthesia?

Full mobility
IV access
Clear fluids
Drowsiness and dizziness (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Drowsiness and dizziness

Residual effects of sedatives and opioids impair coordination and increase fall risk.

Question 2: Which factor most increases a child's risk for post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after ambulatory surgery?

Use of total IV anesthesia (TIVA)
Female sex under age 5
Duration of anesthesia under 30 minutes
Age over 3 years with history of motion sickness (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Age over 3 years with history of motion sickness

Children over 3 years with a personal or family history of motion sickness or prior PONV are at highest risk for postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Question 3: A 9-year-old weighing 30 kg requires morphine for post-op pain. What is the appropriate IV dose range?

1–2 mg flat dose regardless of weight
0.01–0.02 mg/kg (0.3–0.6 mg)
0.2–0.4 mg/kg (6–12 mg)
0.05–0.1 mg/kg (1.5–3 mg) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 0.05–0.1 mg/kg (1.5–3 mg)

The standard pediatric IV morphine dose is 0.05–0.1 mg/kg, giving 1.5–3 mg for a 30 kg child, titrated to effect.

Question 4: A 3-year-old in the PACU develops total laryngospasm. After calling for help, what is the immediate nursing priority?

Apply firm jaw thrust and positive pressure ventilation with 100% O2 (Correct answer)
Administer IV succinylcholine immediately
Administer nebulized racemic epinephrine
Place the child in lateral decubitus position

Correct answer: Apply firm jaw thrust and positive pressure ventilation with 100% O2

Immediate management of laryngospasm begins with jaw thrust and gentle positive pressure ventilation with 100% O2 to break the spasm before escalating to succinylcholine.

Question 5: Which symptom may suggest postoperative bleeding?

Elevated blood pressure
Hypotension and tachycardia (Correct answer)
Bradycardia
Dry mucous membranes

Correct answer: Hypotension and tachycardia

A drop in blood pressure and increasing heart rate can be signs of internal bleeding or hypovolemia.

Question 6: Which discharge criterion specifically addresses readiness for home after ambulatory anesthesia in a pediatric patient?

Return to baseline mental status and ability to ambulate independently
Ability to tolerate a full meal without nausea
Modified Aldrete score ≥9 or PADSS ≥18 with stable vital signs (Correct answer)
Complete resolution of any sedation with no drowsiness

Correct answer: Modified Aldrete score ≥9 or PADSS ≥18 with stable vital signs

Most ambulatory centers use a Modified Aldrete score ≥9 or PADSS ≥18 as objective discharge criteria, combined with clinical assessment of the child.

Question 7: What role does continuous improvement play in discharge criteria & planning for CAPA certified professionals?

It drives ongoing enhancement of practices, processes, and outcomes through systematic evaluation (Correct answer)
It focuses exclusively on cost reduction
It is optional and only necessary during certification renewal
It applies only to new professionals in their first year

Correct answer: It drives ongoing enhancement of practices, processes, and outcomes through systematic evaluation

Continuous improvement is fundamental to professional practice in discharge criteria & planning, involving regular evaluation, feedback integration, and process enhancement to maintain high standards.

Question 8: How should CAPA professionals handle confidential information related to pediatric perianesthesia nursing?

Follow established protocols for data protection, access control, and disclosure in accordance with applicable regulations (Correct answer)
Store information without any security measures
Delete all records after project completion
Share freely with all colleagues for transparency

Correct answer: Follow established protocols for data protection, access control, and disclosure in accordance with applicable regulations

Confidential information must be handled according to established protocols, regulatory requirements, and professional ethics standards, including proper access control and disclosure procedures.

Question 9: Which of the following is a known triggering agent for malignant hyperthermia in susceptible individuals?

Nitrous oxide
Propofol
Succinylcholine (Correct answer)
Ketamine

Correct answer: Succinylcholine

Succinylcholine, along with volatile halogenated anesthetic agents, is a known triggering agent for MH in genetically susceptible individuals.

Question 10: What is the most effective way to measure success in nausea & vomiting prevention within CAPA professional practice?

Compare only with industry averages without considering context
Use a combination of quantitative metrics, qualitative assessments, and stakeholder feedback aligned with defined objectives (Correct answer)
Rely solely on supervisor opinion
Count only the number of activities completed

Correct answer: Use a combination of quantitative metrics, qualitative assessments, and stakeholder feedback aligned with defined objectives

Effective measurement combines multiple data sources — quantitative metrics, qualitative assessments, and stakeholder feedback — all aligned with clearly defined objectives for a comprehensive evaluation.

Question 11: Which statement by a preoperative patient MOST indicates the need for additional psychological support?

'I prefer to have my family present during recovery.'
'I want to know all my discharge instructions before I go.'
'I've had surgery before so I know what to expect.'
'I feel very nervous and I have a bad feeling about this surgery.' (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 'I feel very nervous and I have a bad feeling about this surgery.'

Expressions of dread or 'bad feelings' about surgery may indicate significant preoperative anxiety that warrants additional support and assessment.

Question 12: What is the earliest and most sensitive sign of malignant hyperthermia (MH) in the perioperative setting?

Hyperthermia greater than 40°C
Tachycardia with hypertension
Unexplained rise in end-tidal CO2 (Correct answer)
Masseter muscle rigidity after succinylcholine

Correct answer: Unexplained rise in end-tidal CO2

An unexplained rise in end-tidal CO2 is the earliest and most sensitive indicator of MH, reflecting the hypermetabolic crisis before temperature elevation occurs.

Question 13: How should CAPA professionals handle confidential information related to evidence-based practice in pacu?

Share freely with all colleagues for transparency
Follow established protocols for data protection, access control, and disclosure in accordance with applicable regulations (Correct answer)
Store information without any security measures
Delete all records after project completion

Correct answer: Follow established protocols for data protection, access control, and disclosure in accordance with applicable regulations

Confidential information must be handled according to established protocols, regulatory requirements, and professional ethics standards, including proper access control and disclosure procedures.

Question 14: What is the recommended initial IV dose of dantrolene when treating a confirmed malignant hyperthermia crisis?

0.5 mg/kg IV
2.5 mg/kg IV (Correct answer)
1 mg/kg IV
5 mg/kg IV

Correct answer: 2.5 mg/kg IV

The initial dose is 2.5 mg/kg IV, repeated every 5 minutes as needed to a maximum of 10 mg/kg until symptoms resolve.

Question 15: Which medication class is most commonly used for acute postoperative pain?

Antibiotics
Opioids (Correct answer)
Antihistamines
Laxatives

Correct answer: Opioids

Opioids like morphine or fentanyl are typically used for managing moderate to severe postoperative pain.

Question 16: When a CAPA professional encounters an unfamiliar challenge in discharge criteria & planning, what is the recommended first course of action?

Proceed based on personal intuition alone
Apply the solution used for the most recent similar problem without adaptation
Postpone addressing the issue indefinitely
Research applicable standards, consult with subject matter experts, and document the approach (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Research applicable standards, consult with subject matter experts, and document the approach

Professional practice requires a methodical approach to unfamiliar challenges: research the applicable standards, consult experts when needed, and document the reasoning for the chosen approach.

Question 17: A 6-year-old with a history of severe needle phobia is scheduled for ambulatory surgery. Which premedication is most commonly used to reduce preoperative anxiety in pediatric patients?

IM ketamine 4 mg/kg in the preoperative holding area
IV lorazepam given on arrival to pre-op
Oral midazolam 0.5 mg/kg (max 15 mg) given 20–30 minutes before induction (Correct answer)
Oral diazepam the night before surgery

Correct answer: Oral midazolam 0.5 mg/kg (max 15 mg) given 20–30 minutes before induction

Oral midazolam 0.5 mg/kg (max 15 mg) given 20–30 minutes before induction is the most widely used and effective pediatric anxiolytic premedication.

Question 18: How often should vital signs be assessed in the immediate postoperative period?

Every 2 hours
Every 5–15 minutes (Correct answer)
Every 30 minutes
Once at admission

Correct answer: Every 5–15 minutes

Frequent vital sign monitoring helps identify complications early, typically every 5-15 minutes initially.

Question 19: Which of the following best describes a key competency required for thermoregulation & fluid management in CAPA practice?

Memorization of all relevant regulations without understanding context
Strong analytical skills combined with effective communication and ethical judgment (Correct answer)
Reliance on a single methodology for all situations
The ability to work independently without any oversight

Correct answer: Strong analytical skills combined with effective communication and ethical judgment

CAPA professionals working in thermoregulation & fluid management need analytical skills to assess situations, communication skills to convey findings, and ethical judgment to make sound decisions.

Question 20: How should CAPA professionals handle confidential information related to regional anesthesia recovery care?

Share freely with all colleagues for transparency
Follow established protocols for data protection, access control, and disclosure in accordance with applicable regulations (Correct answer)
Delete all records after project completion
Store information without any security measures

Correct answer: Follow established protocols for data protection, access control, and disclosure in accordance with applicable regulations

Confidential information must be handled according to established protocols, regulatory requirements, and professional ethics standards, including proper access control and disclosure procedures.

Question 21: The CAPA nurse is caring for a patient with a history of PTSD undergoing ambulatory surgery. Which approach is MOST important?

Increase sedation to prevent distress
Limit sensory input by keeping the room dark and silent
Avoid discussing the surgical experience
Coordinate with the care team to use trauma-informed care principles (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Coordinate with the care team to use trauma-informed care principles

Trauma-informed care — including safety, trust, and choice — minimizes retraumatization and supports psychological safety in the perioperative setting.

Question 22: What is a priority when administering IV pain medications?

Observe response and side effects (Correct answer)
Remove IV immediately after
Check lab values
Ignore patient feedback

Correct answer: Observe response and side effects

Monitoring for adverse reactions and effectiveness is crucial after administering IV analgesics.

Question 23: What role does continuous improvement play in respiratory assessment & management for CAPA certified professionals?

It focuses exclusively on cost reduction
It applies only to new professionals in their first year
It drives ongoing enhancement of practices, processes, and outcomes through systematic evaluation (Correct answer)
It is optional and only necessary during certification renewal

Correct answer: It drives ongoing enhancement of practices, processes, and outcomes through systematic evaluation

Continuous improvement is fundamental to professional practice in respiratory assessment & management, involving regular evaluation, feedback integration, and process enhancement to maintain high standards.

Question 24: Which of the following best describes a key competency required for pediatric perianesthesia nursing in CAPA practice?

Strong analytical skills combined with effective communication and ethical judgment (Correct answer)
Reliance on a single methodology for all situations
The ability to work independently without any oversight
Memorization of all relevant regulations without understanding context

Correct answer: Strong analytical skills combined with effective communication and ethical judgment

CAPA professionals working in pediatric perianesthesia nursing need analytical skills to assess situations, communication skills to convey findings, and ethical judgment to make sound decisions.

Question 25: A PACU patient develops complete laryngospasm after extubation. What is the FIRST-LINE nursing intervention?

Apply firm positive pressure with jaw thrust and 100% oxygen (Correct answer)
Prepare for emergency surgical airway
Insert an oral airway immediately
Administer atropine IV to reduce secretions

Correct answer: Apply firm positive pressure with jaw thrust and 100% oxygen

Sustained positive pressure with jaw thrust is the first-line intervention to mechanically break laryngospasm while providing 100% oxygen.

Question 26: What is the primary focus in the immediate postanesthesia period?

Changing surgical dressings
Initiating discharge paperwork
Reviewing dietary needs
Monitoring airway and vital signs (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Monitoring airway and vital signs

Airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs) are top priorities to ensure patient stability after anesthesia.

Question 27: Why is continuous pulse oximetry important in the PACU?

Checks hydration status
Measures blood pressure
Calculates glucose levels
Monitors oxygen saturation (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Monitors oxygen saturation

Continuous pulse oximetry detects changes in oxygen saturation early, allowing timely interventions.

Question 28: Which of the following best describes a key competency required for evidence-based practice in pacu in CAPA practice?

The ability to work independently without any oversight
Reliance on a single methodology for all situations
Memorization of all relevant regulations without understanding context
Strong analytical skills combined with effective communication and ethical judgment (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Strong analytical skills combined with effective communication and ethical judgment

CAPA professionals working in evidence-based practice in pacu need analytical skills to assess situations, communication skills to convey findings, and ethical judgment to make sound decisions.

Question 29: Continuous cardiac monitoring in the PACU is MOST critical for patients who received which type of anesthesia?

General anesthesia or neuraxial blockade (Correct answer)
Local infiltration only
Minimal sedation
Topical anesthesia

Correct answer: General anesthesia or neuraxial blockade

General anesthesia and neuraxial blockade can cause significant cardiovascular depression, making continuous cardiac monitoring essential in PACU.

Question 30: Which developmental stage consideration is most important when preparing a 7-year-old for ambulatory surgery?

Providing honest, simple explanations of what they will see and feel (Correct answer)
Avoiding all pre-op discussion to minimize fear
Using only medical terminology to build confidence
Delegating all education to parents only

Correct answer: Providing honest, simple explanations of what they will see and feel

School-age children benefit from honest, age-appropriate explanations of procedures as they are in a concrete operational stage and understand cause and effect.

Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA)

The CAPA certification exam, administered by ABPANC, validates the specialized knowledge and skills of registered nurses working in ambulatory perianesthesia settings, covering anesthesia care, patient monitoring, physiology, and professional nursing practice across the perioperative continuum.

Questions

35 min

Time Limit

65%

To Pass

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No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
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10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
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These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

cpancapa.org — Fees, registration, test dates, retake fee, exam information · verified Nov 2026
abpanc.org — Score validity, eligibility, test delivery, exam format, retake policy, passing score, score release, time limit · verified Oct 2026