CPAN Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CPAN facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. A patient received intrathecal morphine for postoperative pain. What delayed complication requires monitoring up to 24 hours later? → Delayed respiratory depression
2. What is the difference between a side effect and an adverse reaction? → Side effects are expected; adverse reactions are harmful and unexpected
3. When assessing a PACU patient's fluid status, which combination of findings is most consistent with fluid volume excess? → Hypertension, crackles on auscultation, jugular venous distension
4. When documenting a patient's allergies in the PACU record, which information provides the MOST clinical value beyond just the allergen name? → The specific reaction type (e.g., anaphylaxis, rash, nausea) and severity
5. A patient with a history of malignant hyperthermia is admitted to the PACU. The CPAN knows the most important monitoring parameter specific to this risk is: → End-tidal CO2 and temperature trending
6. Under HIPAA regulations, a PACU nurse may share a patient's medical information with which of the following without the patient's explicit authorization? → A consulting physician directly involved in the patient's care
7. A patient in the PACU after abdominal surgery develops sudden, severe hypotension, tachycardia, and a rigid, distended abdomen. These findings suggest: → Acute hemorrhage or anastomotic leak requiring emergent notification
8. During an initial assessment, what should be documented first? → Chief complaint and history of present illness
9. A PACU nurse notes that a patient has an end-tidal CO2 (EtCO2) waveform that is gradually rising. What does this finding indicate? → Hypoventilation with CO2 retention
10. Droperidol was once widely used for PONV but carries an FDA black box warning. What is the concern? → QTc prolongation and risk of Torsades de Pointes
11. What is one of the financial benefits associated with CPAN certification? → Potential for higher wages due to specialized expertise
12. Which set of conditions is REQUIRED for effective steam sterilization (autoclave) of surgical instruments? → 121°C temperature, 15 psi pressure, 15–30 minute exposure time
13. Which of the following is a key patient-centered benefit of PACU accreditation? → Greater transparency and accountability in care delivery
14. When assessing an epidural catheter in the PACU, the nurse notes the patient has no sensation or motor function below T4. The nurse's priority intervention is: → Stop the epidural infusion and notify the anesthesia provider
15. A post-operative patient is found on the floor after falling from the PACU stretcher. After ensuring patient safety, the nurse's NEXT priority is: → Completing a full head-to-toe assessment for injury
16. A post-anesthesia patient's wound dressing is saturated with serous drainage. The nurse should: → Reinforce the dressing and notify the surgeon
17. Which accreditation standard most directly addresses PACU nurse staffing and competency requirements? → Human Resources and Workforce standards
18. What is the purpose of a professional code of ethics? → To establish standards of conduct and protect the public
19. When caring for a patient with a regional nerve block in the PACU, the nurse's primary neurovascular assessment should include: → Capillary refill, pulses, sensation, and motor function distal to the block
20. What is the correct order for donning personal protective equipment (PPE)? → Gown, mask, goggles, gloves
21. What is the correct sequence for a physical assessment? → Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation
22. In addition to monitoring vital signs, which of the following is an important responsibility for a CPAN during the post-anesthesia recovery phase? → Assessing for signs of anesthesia complications
23. Which temperature monitoring site provides the most accurate reflection of core body temperature in PACU patients? → Pulmonary artery (PA catheter)
24. Accreditation bodies that review PACU infection control practices are MOST concerned with which of the following? → Hand hygiene compliance rates and prevention of healthcare-associated infections
25. The CPAN exam is administered in which format? → Computer-based testing at approved testing centers or via remote proctoring
26. Which of the following is the MOST effective strategy to prevent wrong-site surgery in the perioperative period? → Conducting a standardized surgical time-out immediately before incision
27. Which action by a PACU nurse BEST supports a culture of safety within the unit? → Participating in root cause analysis and quality improvement following adverse events
28. What is the single most effective method for preventing the spread of infection? → Proper hand hygiene
29. A PACU nurse is preparing to administer ketorolac 30 mg IV for pain management. Which patient condition is a contraindication to this medication? → Estimated GFR of 25 mL/min/1.73m²
30. When a PACU loses accreditation, the MOST immediate consequence is typically: → Loss of Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement eligibility