CPAN Roles and Responsibilities 2

Question 1

A PACU nurse is caring for a patient who was discharged from Phase I recovery but is now being returned due to respiratory distress. What is the nurse's first priority?

Accepted Answer

Reassess airway patency and oxygen saturation

Answer

Reassessing airway patency and oxygen saturation addresses the immediate life threat before escalating to the provider.

Question 2

According to ASPAN standards, which of the following best describes the PACU nurse's role in patient advocacy?

Accepted Answer

Representing the patient's interests when they cannot speak for themselves

Answer

Patient advocacy in the PACU involves representing the patient's best interests, especially when they are sedated and unable to self-advocate.

Question 3

A PACU nurse receives a patient from the OR. During hand-off, the CRNA mentions a difficult intubation requiring three attempts. What is the nurse's most important responsibility based on this information?

Accepted Answer

Document the difficult airway and ensure airway equipment is readily available

Answer

Documenting the difficult airway and keeping emergency airway equipment nearby prepares the PACU team for potential re-intubation needs.

Question 4

Which collaborative responsibility does the PACU nurse share with the surgical team regarding wound management?

Accepted Answer

Assessing and documenting dressing status and reporting abnormal drainage

Answer

The PACU nurse assesses and documents dressing status and reports abnormal findings to the surgical team within the scope of collaborative practice.

Question 5

A Phase II PACU patient expresses that she does not want her husband notified of her diagnosis. The husband arrives and demands information. What should the nurse do?

Accepted Answer

Inform him that patient privacy cannot allow disclosure without the patient's consent

Answer

HIPAA mandates that patient information not be disclosed without consent regardless of the relationship of the requesting party.

(CPAN) Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse Practice Test

(CPAN) Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse Practice Test

CPAN Roles and Responsibilities 2