CPAN Roles and Responsibilities 3

Question 1

A PACU nurse is orienting a new graduate nurse. Which statement best reflects the professional responsibility of perianesthesia nursing?

Accepted Answer

Perianesthesia nurses practice autonomously within defined standards to promote safe recovery

Answer

Perianesthesia nursing involves autonomous professional practice guided by ASPAN standards to ensure safe recovery from anesthesia.

Question 2

Which action best demonstrates the PACU nurse's responsibility for maintaining professional competency?

Accepted Answer

Pursuing CPAN certification and participating in ongoing specialty education

Answer

CPAN certification and ongoing specialty education demonstrate active commitment to maintaining and advancing professional competency.

Question 3

During a busy shift, a PACU nurse is simultaneously caring for two Phase I patients. One patient begins showing signs of malignant hyperthermia. What is the nurse's immediate responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Activate the MH protocol and call for additional help while initiating treatment

Answer

Malignant hyperthermia is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate protocol activation and team assistance without delay.

Question 4

A surgeon calls the PACU and gives a verbal order for a medication that seems unusually high dose. The PACU nurse should:

Accepted Answer

Clarify the order with the surgeon and verify against references before administration

Answer

The nurse is professionally and legally responsible for any medication administered and must verify questionable orders before proceeding.

Question 5

A PACU nurse discovers that a colleague made a medication error on the previous shift but did not document or report it. What is the nurse's professional obligation?

Accepted Answer

Encourage the colleague to self-report and, if necessary, report through appropriate channels

Answer

Professional accountability requires supporting reporting of errors through appropriate channels to ensure patient safety and system improvement.

(CPAN) Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse Practice Test

(CPAN) Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse Practice Test

CPAN Roles and Responsibilities 3