Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of instructing a post-operative patient to flex and extend their lower extremities?

1. Ensure that the patient follows commands

2. Prevent the complication of venous stasis

3. Accelerate emergence from anesthesia

4. Assess if the patient is ready for discharge

The correct answer is: Prevent the complication of venous stasis

The primary purpose of instructing a post-operative patient to flex and extend their lower extremities is to prevent the complication of venous stasis. After surgery, patients may have reduced mobility due to anesthesia, pain, or surgical restrictions, which can lead to stagnant blood flow in the veins of the legs. This stagnation can result in venous stasis, increasing the risk of thrombosis (the formation of blood clots). Engaging in movements like flexing and extending the legs promotes venous return by encouraging muscle contraction, which helps push blood back toward the heart. This action decreases the risk of clots forming in the deep veins of the legs and contributes to overall circulation and healing in the post-operative period. While following commands, accelerating emergence from anesthesia, and assessing discharge readiness are all important aspects of post-operative care, they do not specifically address the risk of venous stasis, which is the direct focus of encouraging lower extremity movement.