Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) Practice Exam

What is a primary focus in pre-admission assessment by a perianesthesia nurse?

1. Evaluate fitness for anesthesia and surgery

2. Reduce the mortality and morbidity rate

3. Establish the necessity of the procedure

4. Order laboratory and other diagnostic tests

The correct answer is: Reduce the mortality and morbidity rate

The primary focus in pre-admission assessment by a perianesthesia nurse is to evaluate the fitness for anesthesia and surgery. This assessment involves gathering comprehensive information about the patient's medical history, current medications, and any comorbid conditions that may impact anesthetic and surgical outcomes. The nurse interacts with the patient to identify any risk factors or potential complications that could arise during the perioperative period. Addressing the patient’s overall fitness for anesthesia and surgery is critical because it directly influences the safety and efficacy of the procedures planned. This evaluation helps to ensure that the patient is in optimal condition, which can significantly reduce the likelihood of adverse events during anesthesia or surgery. The other options, while relevant to the overall perioperative process, are not the primary focus of the pre-admission assessment. Reducing mortality and morbidity rates is a long-term goal of the entire healthcare team, but the immediate task of the perianesthesia nurse is specifically centered on the patient’s readiness for anesthesia. Establishing the necessity of the procedure is more aligned with the surgical team’s responsibilities, and ordering laboratory and diagnostic tests, while important, is an ancillary task that supports the assessment of fitness but is not the primary focus itself.