CAPA Preoperative Evaluation 5

Question 1

A patient discloses a family history of death during general anesthesia in a young relative. Which genetic condition should the perianesthesia nurse MOST suspect?

Accepted Answer

Malignant hyperthermia susceptibility

Answer

Unexplained anesthetic deaths in young family members are a classic red flag for malignant hyperthermia susceptibility, an autosomal dominant condition.

Question 2

Which preoperative NPO guideline applies to clear liquids in a healthy adult before elective general anesthesia per ASA guidelines?

Accepted Answer

2 hours before anesthesia

Answer

ASA guidelines allow clear liquids up to 2 hours before elective procedures in healthy adults to reduce aspiration risk while minimizing patient discomfort.

Question 3

A patient taking SSRIs reports they stopped their medication abruptly three days ago. Which perioperative risk is MOST associated with this history?

Accepted Answer

Withdrawal-induced seizures

Answer

Abrupt SSRI discontinuation can cause withdrawal syndrome including seizures, dizziness, and paresthesias, increasing perioperative instability.

Question 4

During a preoperative phone screening, a patient states she was told she has 'a heart murmur' but has never had a cardiac workup. She is now scheduled for a colonoscopy under MAC. What is the BEST next step?

Accepted Answer

Obtain a cardiology clearance before scheduling

Answer

An uncharacterized heart murmur warrants cardiology evaluation to rule out hemodynamically significant valvular disease before elective sedation.

Question 5

A preoperative nurse reviews that a patient takes varenicline (Chantix) for smoking cessation. Which behavioral consideration should be documented related to this medication?

Accepted Answer

Neuropsychiatric symptoms including mood changes and suicidal ideation

Answer

Varenicline carries an FDA warning for neuropsychiatric adverse effects including depression, agitation, and suicidal ideation that must be documented preoperatively.

(CAPA) Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse Practice Test

(CAPA) Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse Practice Test

CAPA Preoperative Evaluation 5