CPAN Safety and Infection Control 4

Question 1

A PACU nurse cares for a patient with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a wound. In addition to standard precautions, which additional precautions are required?

Accepted Answer

Contact precautions

Answer

MRSA wound infections require contact precautions — gown and gloves — in addition to standard precautions to prevent transmission through direct or indirect contact.

Question 2

Which PACU nursing intervention MOST directly reduces the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in a mechanically ventilated patient?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining head-of-bed elevation at 30–45 degrees

Answer

Elevating the head of the bed 30–45 degrees is a core VAP bundle intervention that reduces aspiration of oropharyngeal secretions into the lower respiratory tract.

Question 3

A PACU nurse is about to draw blood from a central line. Which of the following represents the highest-priority aseptic technique?

Accepted Answer

Scrubbing the hub with 70% alcohol for at least 15 seconds and allowing to dry

Answer

'Scrub the hub' technique — vigorously scrubbing with 70% alcohol for ≥15 seconds and allowing it to dry — is the critical step to prevent central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI).

Question 4

When is it MOST appropriate for a PACU nurse to use a surgical mask instead of an N95 respirator?

Accepted Answer

When a patient has influenza transmitted by large respiratory droplets

Answer

Influenza is transmitted via large respiratory droplets, so a surgical mask provides adequate protection; N95 respirators are reserved for airborne precautions or aerosol-generating procedures.

Question 5

A post-operative patient is found on the floor after falling from the PACU stretcher. After ensuring patient safety, the nurse's NEXT priority is:

Accepted Answer

Completing a full head-to-toe assessment for injury

Answer

After securing the patient's immediate safety, a thorough physical assessment for injury takes priority over documentation or notification activities.

(CPAN) Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse Practice Test

(CPAN) Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse Practice Test

CPAN Safety and Infection Control 4