CPAN Patient Communication Skills 2

Question 1

A post-anesthesia patient with hearing loss is unable to read lips due to your mask. What is the BEST communication strategy?

Accepted Answer

Use a whiteboard or written notes

Answer

Written communication via whiteboard or notepad ensures clear, accurate exchange when auditory and lip-reading methods are unavailable.

Question 2

When explaining discharge instructions to a drowsy post-anesthesia patient, which timing principle is MOST important?

Accepted Answer

Deliver instructions only when the patient is fully alert and oriented

Answer

Residual anesthesia impairs cognition and memory retention, so discharge teaching must occur when the patient is fully alert.

Question 3

A patient asks why they feel so cold after surgery. Which response BEST demonstrates therapeutic communication?

Accepted Answer

'Anesthesia and the cool OR environment lower your body temperature; we are warming you now.'

Answer

Providing a brief, honest explanation addresses the patient's concern and reduces anxiety while demonstrating professional competence.

Question 4

When using the numeric pain scale with a post-anesthesia patient, the nurse should:

Accepted Answer

Ask the patient to rate pain AND describe its quality and location

Answer

A comprehensive pain assessment includes numeric rating, quality, and location to guide appropriate and individualized treatment.

Question 5

A PACU nurse is caring for a patient who only speaks Mandarin. The facility has a telephonic interpreter service. The MOST appropriate action is to:

Accepted Answer

Use the telephonic interpreter for all clinical communication with the patient

Answer

Professional interpreter services ensure accurate clinical communication and protect patient safety and rights better than ad hoc methods.

(CPAN) Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse Practice Test