CPAN Roles and Responsibilities

Question 1

What is the primary responsibility of a Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU)?

Accepted Answer

Monitoring the patient's recovery from anesthesia

Answer

Administering anesthesia

Answer

Performing surgery

Answer

Assisting with pre-anesthesia preparation

Question 2

In addition to monitoring vital signs, which of the following is an important responsibility for a CPAN during the post-anesthesia recovery phase?

Accepted Answer

Assessing for signs of anesthesia complications

Answer

Administering post-surgery medication

Answer

Coordinating surgery schedules

Answer

Performing pre-operative assessments

Question 3

How does a Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) contribute to patient care in terms of pain management?

Accepted Answer

Administers pain relief based on physician orders

Answer

Prescribes pain medications

Answer

Conducts physical therapy for pain relief

Answer

Diagnoses the type of pain a patient may have

Question 4

Which of the following is a key responsibility of a CPAN when interacting with other members of the healthcare team?

Accepted Answer

Collaborating with anesthesiologists and surgeons for patient recovery

Answer

Directing surgical procedures

Answer

Providing postoperative care instructions to patients

Answer

Coordinating anesthesia protocols

Question 5

Which of the following would be a situation where a Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) must provide immediate intervention?

Accepted Answer

A patient shows signs of respiratory distress after awakening from anesthesia

Answer

A patient's family requesting information on surgery times

Answer

A patient experiencing mild nausea before anesthesia

Answer

A patient requesting a second dose of anesthesia