CAPA Discharge Criteria & Planning 3

Question 1

Which postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) score tool is commonly used to identify high-risk ambulatory surgery patients requiring prophylaxis?

Accepted Answer

Apfel Simplified Risk Score

Answer

The Apfel Simplified Risk Score uses four predictors (female sex, non-smoker, history of PONV/motion sickness, opioid use) to stratify PONV risk.

Question 2

A patient is unable to void 4 hours after ambulatory urological surgery under spinal anesthesia. What is the MOST appropriate intervention?

Accepted Answer

Perform bladder ultrasound; if >400 mL, perform straight catheterization

Answer

Bladder scan followed by catheterization for volumes >400 mL prevents overdistension injury in patients with urinary retention after spinal anesthesia.

Question 3

Which element is REQUIRED on an ambulatory surgery discharge instruction sheet per ASPAN standards?

Accepted Answer

Emergency contact information and when to seek emergency care

Answer

ASPAN standards mandate discharge instructions include symptoms requiring emergency evaluation and how to access emergency services.

Question 4

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?

Accepted Answer

Advise the patient to wait 24 hours before signing legal documents

Answer

Benzodiazepines cause anterograde amnesia and impaired judgment; patients should not sign legal documents for 24 hours post-sedation.

Question 5

What is the primary purpose of a structured telephone follow-up call 24 hours after ambulatory surgery?

Accepted Answer

Assess for complications, answer questions, and reinforce discharge instructions

Answer

The 24-hour follow-up call identifies early complications, reinforces instructions, and provides an opportunity to triage concerns that require medical attention.

(CAPA) Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse Practice Test

(CAPA) Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse Practice Test

CAPA Discharge Criteria & Planning 3