CPAN (PERIANESTHESIA NURSE) – PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF.
Core Domains
- Preoperative Patient Assessment and Preparation
- Phase I Postanesthesia Care and Management
- Phase II Postanesthesia Care and Discharge
- Pharmacologic Agents and Pain Management
, - Anesthesia Techniques and Complications
- Special Populations (Pediatric, Geriatric, OB)
- Emergent Situations and Crisis Management
- Professional Practice and Patient Safety
Introduction
This comprehensive practice assessment is designed to prepare candidates for
the Certified Postanesthesia Nurse (CPAN) examination. The primary purpose
of this exam is to validate the clinical knowledge and critical thinking skills
required to provide safe, high-quality care to patients recovering from
, anesthesia. This assessment evaluates a wide range of competencies,
including physiologic monitoring, pharmacological interventions, and the
management of anesthesia-related complications. Utilizing a mix of multiple-
choice and scenario-based questions, the exam emphasizes real-world
application and clinical decision-making. By focusing on evidence-based
practice and perianesthesia standards, this tool ensures professionals can
effectively manage patients across the life span in the immediate
postanesthesia period. *
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. A patient in the PACU is exhibiting signs of airway obstruction. What is the
priority nursing intervention?
A. Administering supplemental oxygen via non-rebreather mask
B. Performing a head-tilt/chin-lift or jaw-thrust maneuver
C. Notifying the anesthesia provider immediately
D. Suctioning the oropharynx for secretions
🟢 B. Performing a head-tilt/chin-lift or jaw-thrust maneuver
🔴 RATIONALE: The immediate priority in an airway obstruction, often caused by the
, tongue falling back, is a physical maneuver to open the airway. Other interventions
follow once the airway patency is established.
2. Which of the following is an early sign of malignant hyperthermia (MH) in the
immediate postoperative period?
A. Unexplained increase in end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2)
B. Rapid rise in core body temperature
C. Skeletal muscle rigidity in the jaw
D. Profuse diaphoresis and skin mottling
🟢 A. Unexplained increase in end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2)
🔴 RATIONALE: An unexplained rise in ETCO2 is typically the earliest and most
sensitive indicator of MH due to increased metabolic activity, often occurring before a
temperature spike.
3. A geriatric patient is slow to emerge from general anesthesia. Which
physiological change associated with aging most likely contributes to this?
A. Increased hepatic blood flow
B. Decreased body fat percentage
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF.
Core Domains
- Preoperative Patient Assessment and Preparation
- Phase I Postanesthesia Care and Management
- Phase II Postanesthesia Care and Discharge
- Pharmacologic Agents and Pain Management
, - Anesthesia Techniques and Complications
- Special Populations (Pediatric, Geriatric, OB)
- Emergent Situations and Crisis Management
- Professional Practice and Patient Safety
Introduction
This comprehensive practice assessment is designed to prepare candidates for
the Certified Postanesthesia Nurse (CPAN) examination. The primary purpose
of this exam is to validate the clinical knowledge and critical thinking skills
required to provide safe, high-quality care to patients recovering from
, anesthesia. This assessment evaluates a wide range of competencies,
including physiologic monitoring, pharmacological interventions, and the
management of anesthesia-related complications. Utilizing a mix of multiple-
choice and scenario-based questions, the exam emphasizes real-world
application and clinical decision-making. By focusing on evidence-based
practice and perianesthesia standards, this tool ensures professionals can
effectively manage patients across the life span in the immediate
postanesthesia period. *
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. A patient in the PACU is exhibiting signs of airway obstruction. What is the
priority nursing intervention?
A. Administering supplemental oxygen via non-rebreather mask
B. Performing a head-tilt/chin-lift or jaw-thrust maneuver
C. Notifying the anesthesia provider immediately
D. Suctioning the oropharynx for secretions
🟢 B. Performing a head-tilt/chin-lift or jaw-thrust maneuver
🔴 RATIONALE: The immediate priority in an airway obstruction, often caused by the
, tongue falling back, is a physical maneuver to open the airway. Other interventions
follow once the airway patency is established.
2. Which of the following is an early sign of malignant hyperthermia (MH) in the
immediate postoperative period?
A. Unexplained increase in end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2)
B. Rapid rise in core body temperature
C. Skeletal muscle rigidity in the jaw
D. Profuse diaphoresis and skin mottling
🟢 A. Unexplained increase in end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2)
🔴 RATIONALE: An unexplained rise in ETCO2 is typically the earliest and most
sensitive indicator of MH due to increased metabolic activity, often occurring before a
temperature spike.
3. A geriatric patient is slow to emerge from general anesthesia. Which
physiological change associated with aging most likely contributes to this?
A. Increased hepatic blood flow
B. Decreased body fat percentage
