Free CPAN® Practice Test Questions

A 9-year-old patient is in the PACU after an adenoidectomy. The perianesthesia nurse observes the child is quietly sitting up in bed with a slightly furrowed brow and refuses to talk or make eye contact. Which of the following is the nurse's most appropriate action to assess the child's pain level effectively?

A 68-year-old patient with a history of liver cirrhosis is scheduled for a knee arthroscopy. The anesthesiologist discusses the potential use of regional anesthesia. Which of the following considerations should be prioritized by the perianesthesia nurse in the context of multidisciplinary collaboration?

A 47-year-old male presents to the emergency department with signs of septic shock. Upon examination, his blood pressure is 85/55 mmHg, heart rate is 110 beats/min, and lactate level is elevated. The perianesthesia nurse prepares to initiate fluid resuscitation. Which of the following strategies should be prioritized to optimize his hemodynamic status?

A 28-year-old female who underwent a tonsillectomy is in the PACU. During the nursing assessment, the patient states she experiences significant pain when swallowing. In discussing discharge instructions, which of the following cultural considerations is most important for the nurse to address?

A 52-year-old patient with a history of severe allergies is undergoing surgery for hernia repair under general anesthesia. During the preoperative assessment, the perianesthesia nurse notes that the patient has a documented history of anaphylaxis to certain anesthetic agents. Which of the following actions is the most appropriate in ensuring patient safety?

A 60-year-old male with a history of epilepsy has just transitioned from Phase I to Phase II PACU after undergoing a laparoscopic hernia repair. The nurse notes the patient has not yet voided since surgery and appears restless. Vital signs are stable, and the patient denies pain but seems increasingly disoriented. Which of the following interventions should the perianesthesia nurse prioritize to address the patient's condition?

A 52-year-old female with a history of Cushing's syndrome is undergoing a laparoscopic hysterectomy under general anesthesia. Upon emergence from anesthesia, the patient exhibits confusion, hypertension, and hyperglycemia. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial intervention to manage these symptoms in this patient?

A 36-year-old female with no significant past medical history is recovering from a gynecological procedure under general anesthesia. In the PACU, the patient begins complaining of dizziness and is found to have a heart rate of 130 bpm and a blood pressure of 85/50 mmHg. The perianesthesia nurse suspects the patient may be experiencing hypovolemia. Which of the following interventions should be prioritized to stabilize the patient's hemodynamic status?

A 65-year-old male with a history of peptic ulcer disease is in the PACU following a laparoscopic gastrectomy. He starts complaining of severe abdominal pain and his abdomen appears rigid. As a perianesthesia nurse, what is the most appropriate initial action to address this situation?

A 50-year-old female with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is undergoing a laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy. In the PACU, she reports significant joint pain and stiffness. Considering her condition, which of the following interventions should the perianesthesia nurse prioritize to manage her symptoms?

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Question

A PACU patient develops muscle rigidity, hypercapnia, tachycardia, and rapidly rising temperature. Which medication must be administered immediately?

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Answer
Dantrolene. Rationale: Dantrolene inhibits calcium release from skeletal muscle, stopping the hypermetabolic crisis characteristic of malignant hyperthermia.
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About CPAN Certification

CategoryDetails

Exam Name

CPAN stands for Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse

Exam Description

A comprehensive certification exam for registered nurses specializing in postanesthesia care.

Credentials Earned

Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN®).

Eligibility Requirements

Active RN license and a minimum of 1,200 hours in Postanesthesia Phase 1 care within the last two years.

Completion Time

3 hours to complete exam.

Subjects Covered in the Exam

Five main categories, including anesthesia (24%), physiology (18%), perianesthesia monitoring and intervention (35%), perianesthesia care considerations (14%), and professional nursing practice and guidelines (9%).

Number of Questions

185 multiple-choice questions (140 scored, 45 unscored pretest).

Exam Format

Multiple-choice, computer-based test.

Exam Proctoring

Exam can be taken at PSI test centers or via live remote proctoring (LRP).

Recertification Details

Required every 3 years; includes proof of 900 practice hours and 70 contact hours of continuing education, or recertification by examination.

Pass/Fail Rates

Pass rates vary annually but historically it ranges between 57%-68%.

Difficulty Level

Hard.

Study Material

BoardCerts CPAN Question Bank.

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