FREE ABPANC Behavioral Health/Cognitive Needs Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient in the PACU is waking up after anesthesia and begins crying and asking repeatedly, “What happened to me?” What is the nurse’s best response?

Accepted Answer

“You’re safe here; you had surgery, and you are recovering well.”

Answer

Patients waking from anesthesia often experience confusion, anxiety, and disorientation, a state known as emergence delirium. The best nursing response is to provide simple, clear, and reassuring information that reorients them to their current situation. Stating "You’re safe here; you had surgery, and you are recovering well" addresses their immediate concerns about safety and what happened, without overwhelming them with too much detail, helping to calm and reorient them.

Question 2

A child scheduled for ambulatory surgery begins to cry and refuse to go into the operating room. What is the most appropriate intervention by the nurse?

Accepted Answer

Allow a parent to accompany the child to the OR if permitted.

Answer

Children often experience significant anxiety and fear when separated from their parents, especially before surgery. Allowing a parent to accompany the child to the operating room, if hospital policy permits, provides comfort and reduces distress, promoting a smoother induction of anesthesia. This approach supports the child's emotional well-being and can lead to better cooperation.

Question 3

A post-anesthesia patient begins exhibiting signs of delirium, including restlessness and pulling at IV lines. What is the nurse's priority action?

Accepted Answer

Assess for hypoxia, hypoglycemia, or pain as contributing factors.

Answer

Post-anesthesia delirium is often a symptom of an underlying physiological imbalance rather than a primary psychiatric issue. Hypoxia, hypoglycemia, and uncontrolled pain are common and reversible causes that can manifest as agitation and confusion. Prioritizing assessment for these factors allows for targeted intervention and resolution of the delirium, ensuring patient safety and appropriate care.

Question 4

A patient recovering from surgery is anxious and expresses concern about returning to work due to financial stress. What is the nurse’s most appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

“I understand your concern. Would you like to talk to a social worker for assistance?”

Answer

This response acknowledges the patient's anxiety and validates their concerns about financial stress, which can significantly impact recovery. Offering a referral to a social worker demonstrates empathy and provides practical support by connecting the patient with resources specifically designed to address such issues. This holistic approach supports the patient's overall well-being beyond immediate medical care.

Question 5

An elderly patient in Phase I recovery becomes agitated and repeatedly asks for their spouse, who has passed away. What is the most therapeutic nursing response?

Accepted Answer

“I can see you’re worried. I’m here with you, and you’re safe.”

Answer

In situations of post-anesthesia confusion or delirium, especially when a patient is disoriented to time and reality, direct confrontation or correction can increase agitation. A therapeutic response involves validating their emotion, providing reassurance of safety and presence, and gently reorienting them to the current environment. This approach promotes comfort and reduces distress without reinforcing false realities.

ABPANC - American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification Practice Test

ABPANC - American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification Practice Test

FREE ABPANC Behavioral Health/Cognitive Needs Questions and Answers