CPAN Professional Ethics and Standards 5

Question 1

A PACU nurse is aware that a colleague is diverting opioids from the medication dispensing cabinet. The nurse's ethical and legal obligation is to:

Accepted Answer

Report the suspected diversion to the charge nurse and appropriate authority immediately

Answer

Drug diversion is illegal and a serious patient safety threat; nurses are legally and ethically obligated to report suspected diversion immediately through the chain of command.

Question 2

The principle of 'veracity' as applied to PACU nursing practice means:

Accepted Answer

Being truthful with patients about their condition and care

Answer

Veracity is the ethical obligation to be truthful and honest with patients, which is foundational to trust and informed decision-making in the nurse-patient relationship.

Question 3

A CPAN nurse disagrees with a discharge order but all clinical criteria are met. After voicing concerns to the surgeon, the most appropriate next step if still concerned is to:

Accepted Answer

Document the concern thoroughly and escalate to the charge nurse or patient safety officer

Answer

When clinical concerns persist after initial advocacy, escalation through the chain of command and thorough documentation ensures patient safety and professional accountability.

Question 4

According to ASPAN standards, the recommended nurse-to-patient ratio in Phase I PACU for a patient just emerging from general anesthesia is:

Accepted Answer

1:1

Answer

ASPAN recommends a 1:1 nurse-to-patient ratio in Phase I PACU for patients emerging from general anesthesia due to the intensity of monitoring required during this critical period.

Question 5

A PACU nurse receives a social media request from a former patient to connect and share post-operative tips. The most ethical response is to:

Accepted Answer

Decline and explain that professional boundaries prohibit personal social media relationships with patients

Answer

Professional boundaries extend beyond the clinical setting; nurses should not engage in personal social media relationships with patients or former patients as it can blur professional boundaries.

(CPAN) Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse Practice Test

(CPAN) Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse Practice Test

CPAN Professional Ethics and Standards 5