CAPA Preoperative Evaluation 3

Question 1

A preoperative nurse is assessing a patient's airway. Which finding is MOST predictive of a difficult intubation?

Accepted Answer

Mallampati Class IV with limited neck extension

Answer

Mallampati Class IV combined with limited neck extension significantly predicts difficult laryngoscopy and intubation.

Question 2

A 45-year-old female patient reports menstrual irregularity and hot flashes. The surgeon orders a pregnancy test. She refuses, stating she cannot be pregnant. What is the nurse's BEST response?

Accepted Answer

Explain that facility policy requires the test for patient safety

Answer

The nurse should explain institutional policy and the safety rationale because pregnancy significantly alters anesthetic risk and medication safety.

Question 3

Which preoperative laboratory test is considered routine for a healthy 25-year-old male scheduled for arthroscopic knee surgery?

Accepted Answer

No routine labs are indicated

Answer

Evidence-based guidelines indicate that routine preoperative laboratory testing is not indicated for healthy patients undergoing minor procedures.

Question 4

A patient's ECG shows a new left bundle branch block (LBBB) compared to a prior tracing. What is the APPROPRIATE preoperative action?

Accepted Answer

Notify the surgeon and anesthesiologist for cardiology evaluation

Answer

A new LBBB may indicate acute myocardial injury and requires urgent cardiology evaluation before proceeding with elective surgery.

Question 5

During preoperative history taking, a patient discloses recreational cocaine use within the past 48 hours. Which anesthetic concern is MOST relevant?

Accepted Answer

Coronary vasospasm and cardiovascular instability

Answer

Recent cocaine use causes coronary vasospasm, tachycardia, and hemodynamic instability, significantly elevating perioperative cardiovascular risk.

(CAPA) Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse Practice Test

(CAPA) Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse Practice Test

CAPA Preoperative Evaluation 3