CPAN Skills and Competencies 2

Question 1

A PACU patient receiving supplemental oxygen via nasal cannula has an SpO2 of 91% and is difficult to arouse. What is the priority intervention?

Accepted Answer

Apply jaw-thrust maneuver and reassess airway patency

Answer

Airway obstruction is the most common cause of hypoxia in the immediate post-anesthesia period and must be corrected before pharmacologic intervention.

Question 2

Which medication is the first-line reversal agent for residual neuromuscular blockade from rocuronium or vecuronium?

Accepted Answer

Sugammadex

Answer

Sugammadex selectively encapsulates and reverses aminosteroid neuromuscular blocking agents such as rocuronium and vecuronium.

Question 3

A post-thyroidectomy patient in the PACU develops stridor and increasing respiratory distress 2 hours after surgery. The nurse's priority action is to:

Accepted Answer

Notify the surgeon immediately and prepare for emergency airway management

Answer

Post-thyroidectomy stridor may indicate hematoma compressing the trachea, a surgical emergency requiring immediate provider notification and potential airway intervention.

Question 4

When assessing adequacy of neuromuscular reversal, the CPAN should confirm the patient can:

Accepted Answer

Sustain a head lift for 5 seconds

Answer

A sustained 5-second head lift indicates adequate respiratory muscle strength and reliable reversal of neuromuscular blockade.

Question 5

A patient in Phase I recovery has a blood pressure of 86/50 mmHg after spinal anesthesia for knee replacement. The most appropriate initial intervention is:

Accepted Answer

Infuse a 500 mL normal saline bolus rapidly

Answer

Spinal-induced hypotension is commonly caused by vasodilation and reduced preload; a fluid bolus is the first-line treatment to restore hemodynamic stability.

(CPAN) Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse Practice Test

(CPAN) Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse Practice Test

CPAN Skills and Competencies 2