Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) Practice Exam

When assessing a patient’s level of consciousness postoperatively, what scale is typically used?

1. Glasgow Coma Scale

2. Aldrete Score

3. Confirmatory Scale

4. Braden Scale

The correct answer is: Glasgow Coma Scale

The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is the most widely accepted tool for assessing a patient's level of consciousness, particularly in postoperative settings. This scale evaluates a patient based on three parameters: eye opening, verbal response, and motor response. Each category is scored, and the total score ranges from 3 to 15, with higher scores indicating a better level of consciousness. This systematic approach allows nurses and healthcare providers to objectively monitor changes in a patient's neurological status and responsiveness after anesthesia, which is crucial after surgical procedures. While the Aldrete Score is also utilized in postoperative care, particularly in the recovery room to determine readiness for discharge, it assesses recovery from anesthesia based on factors such as oxygen saturation, respiration, circulation, consciousness, and mobility rather than solely focusing on the level of consciousness. The Confirmatory Scale and Braden Scale serve different purposes and are not appropriate for evaluating consciousness levels post-surgery. The Confirmatory Scale is not a widely recognized assessment tool in this context, and the Braden Scale is specifically designed to assess a patient's risk for pressure ulcers, further highlighting the relevance of the Glasgow Coma Scale in the postoperative setting.