CPAN Thermoregulation and Temperature Management 2

Question 1

Forced-air warming blankets achieve warming primarily through which mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Convection via warm air flow over skin

Answer

Forced-air warming blankets warm the patient through convection, circulating warm air across a large skin surface area.

Question 2

Which temperature monitoring site provides the most accurate reflection of core body temperature in PACU patients?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary artery (PA catheter)

Answer

PA catheter temperature directly measures blood in the central circulation and is the gold standard for core temperature, though less practical; esophageal and nasopharyngeal are close alternatives in clinical settings.

Question 3

Which condition is characterized by muscle rigidity, rapidly rising hyperthermia, and autonomic instability following anesthetic exposure?

Accepted Answer

Malignant hyperthermia

Answer

Malignant hyperthermia presents with hypercapnia, muscle rigidity, rapidly rising temperature, and autonomic instability triggered by volatile anesthetics or succinylcholine.

Question 4

Perioperative hypothermia is most directly associated with which post-operative complication?

Accepted Answer

Increased wound infection risk

Answer

Hypothermia impairs immune function and reduces tissue oxygen delivery, significantly increasing the risk of surgical site infection.

Question 5

At approximately what core temperature does the risk of serious cardiac arrhythmias significantly increase?

Accepted Answer

Below 32.0°C (89.6°F)

Answer

Below 32°C (89.6°F), the risk of ventricular fibrillation and other life-threatening arrhythmias increases substantially.

(CPAN) Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse Practice Test

(CPAN) Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse Practice Test

CPAN Thermoregulation and Temperature Management 2