CAPA Discharge Criteria & Planning 2

Question 1

A patient scores 9 on the Modified Aldrete Score after ambulatory surgery. Which single criterion is most likely keeping the score below 10?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen saturation of 94% on room air

Answer

An SpO2 of 94% on room air scores 1 instead of 2, commonly preventing a perfect Modified Aldrete Score.

Question 2

Which of the following is the MOST appropriate pain criterion for ambulatory discharge readiness?

Accepted Answer

Pain controlled with oral analgesics and rated ≤4/10

Answer

Discharge pain criteria require pain manageable with oral analgesics and rated at or below a moderate level (≤4/10).

Question 3

A patient who received spinal anesthesia is ready for discharge when which of the following criteria is met?

Accepted Answer

Return of perianal sensation, plantar flexion, and proprioception

Answer

Return of perianal (S4-S5) sensation, plantar flexion, and proprioception confirms adequate regression of spinal block for safe discharge.

Question 4

Which instruction is MOST critical to include when discharging an ambulatory surgery patient who received general anesthesia?

Accepted Answer

Avoid alcohol for 24 hours and do not drive or make legal decisions

Answer

Residual anesthetic effects impair judgment and psychomotor function for 24 hours, making driving and legal decisions unsafe.

Question 5

A Phase I PACU nurse is evaluating a patient for fast-tracking directly to Phase II. Which finding would EXCLUDE fast-tracking?

Accepted Answer

PONV requiring IV antiemetics every 15 minutes

Answer

Persistent PONV requiring frequent IV antiemetics indicates the patient is not stable enough to bypass Phase I monitoring.

(CAPA) Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse Practice Test