CPAN Phases of Perianesthesia Care and Discharge Criteria 5

Question 1

Per ASA guidance, a patient with obstructive sleep apnea should not be discharged to an unmonitored setting until:

Accepted Answer

Room-air SpO2 returns to baseline and no hypoxemia or obstruction occurs when the patient is left undisturbed

Answer

OSA patients should show stable room-air saturation without hypoxemia or obstruction, ideally while observed asleep, before discharge.

Question 2

Which finding best shows that spinal anesthesia has resolved enough for ambulatory discharge?

Accepted Answer

Return of perianal (S4-S5) sensation, plantar flexion, and proprioception of the great toe

Answer

Perianal sensation, plantar flexion, and great-toe proprioception indicate block regression adequate for safe ambulation.

Question 3

A patient is discharged home with a functioning interscalene block and an insensate arm. Which action is most important?

Accepted Answer

Protect the limb in a sling and teach injury precautions and when pain will return

Answer

Patients may go home with an insensate limb if it is protected and they understand precautions and the transition to oral analgesia.

Question 4

Under ASA guidelines, a PACU RN may discharge a patient without a separate physician evaluation when:

Accepted Answer

Discharge criteria approved by the medical staff are met and the responsible provider's name is documented

Answer

Nurse-driven discharge is acceptable when medical staff-approved criteria are applied and documented.

Question 5

A patient who received midazolam and fentanyl insists on driving home alone. What is the nurse's most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Explain the risks, notify the anesthesia provider/surgeon, and document thoroughly

Answer

The nurse must educate, escalate to the provider, and document, without unlawfully restraining a competent patient.

(CPAN) Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse Practice Test