Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) Practice Exam 2025 - Free CPAN Practice Questions and Study Guide

For a patient to be considered ready for discharge from the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), several critical criteria must be met ensuring their safety and readiness for recovery outside the monitored environment. The correct choice highlights essential parameters: stable vital signs indicate that the patient is physiologically stable, which is crucial for safe discharge. Adequate pain control ensures that the patient is comfortable enough to manage recovery at home, minimizing the risk of complications or the need for immediate medical attention. An appropriate level of alertness is necessary for the patient to safely engage in self-care and to communicate effectively. The ability to follow commands demonstrates cognitive function and responsiveness, which are vital for ensuring that the patient can comply with discharge instructions and seek help if needed.

In contrast, other options touch on important aspects of recovery but do not encompass the comprehensive criteria required for PACU discharge. Familiarity with home care instructions adds to the overall discharge process but does not directly reflect the patient's immediate physiological state. Completion of physical therapy exercises may be relevant for specific procedures, but it is not a universal requirement for discharge readiness after anesthesia. Together, these parameters in the correct option provide a holistic view of a patient's readiness for discharge, ensuring they are stable, comfortable, and capable of safely transitioning