Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN®) Exam
Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN®) Exam is a trademark of its owner, which is not affiliated with and does not endorse Test Treasure Publication or TTP Prep.
Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN®) Exam is a trademark of its owner, which is not affiliated with and does not endorse Test Treasure Publication or TTP Prep.
10 sample questions for the Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN®) Exam, with the correct answer and an explanation for each. No account needed. Try each one before you open the answer.
Sections covered on the exam: Anesthesia, Perianesthesia Monitoring and Intervention, Physiology, Perianesthesia Care Considerations, Professional Nursing Practice and Guidelines.
Question 1 · Anesthesia
Answer: C. Temporary loss of consciousness
General anesthesia produces a reversible loss of consciousness and protective reflexes. Temporary loss of consciousness is the defining characteristic that distinguishes it from other anesthesia types. Topic Name: Types of Anesthesia
Question 2 · Professional Nursing Practice and Guidelines
If you are ready, say “Continue”, and I will proceed with
Practice Test 1 – Section 2: Physiology (Questions 21–40).
Answer: D. Decreased systemic vascular resistance
Anesthetic agents cause vasodilation, leading to decreased systemic vascular resistance and potential hypotension in the PACU. Topic Name: Cardiovascular Physiology
Question 3 · Professional Nursing Practice and Guidelines
Say “Continue” when ready, and I will proceed with
Practice Test 1 – Section 3: Perianesthesia Monitoring and Intervention (Questions 41–60).
Practice Test 1 – Section 3: Perianesthesia Monitoring and Intervention
Answer: D. Shallow respirations with snoring sounds
Snoring respirations indicate partial airway obstruction, which requires immediate intervention to maintain airway patency. Topic Name: Airway Management
Question 4 · Perianesthesia Care Considerations
Say “Continue” when ready, and I will proceed with
Practice Test 1 – Section 4: Perianesthesia Care Considerations (Questions 61–80).
Practice Test 1 – Section 4: Perianesthesia Care Considerations
Topic Name: Immediate Post-Anesthesia Assessment
Answer: B. Airway patency
Airway patency is the top priority during Phase I recovery due to the risk of obstruction from residual anesthesia. Topic Name: Neurologic Assessment
Question 5 · Professional Nursing Practice and Guidelines
Say “Continue” when ready, and I will proceed with
Practice Test 1 – Section 5: Professional Nursing Practice and Guidelines (Questions 81–100).
Practice Test 1 – Section 5: Professional Nursing Practice and Guidelines
Answer: A. Implementing provider-ordered interventions
Registered nurses implement prescribed interventions and monitor patient response but do not diagnose or prescribe. Topic Name: Patient Safety
Question 6 · Anesthesia
Practice Test 1 is now complete (Questions 1–100).
When ready, say “Start Practice Test 2”, and I will begin
Practice Test 2 – Section 1: Anesthesia (Questions 101–120) with all new, non-repeated questions.
Answer: C. Monitored anesthesia care
Monitored anesthesia care combines local anesthesia with IV sedatives and analgesics while maintaining spontaneous breathing. Topic Name: Anesthetic Pharmacology
Question 7 · Physiology
Say “Continue” when ready, and I will proceed with
Practice Test 2 – Section 2: Physiology (Questions 121–140).
Answer: B. Activation of the sympathetic nervous system
The sympathetic nervous system compensates for vasodilation by increasing heart rate and vascular tone to maintain blood pressure. Topic Name: Cardiovascular Assessment
Question 8 · Professional Nursing Practice and Guidelines
Say “Continue” when ready, and I will proceed with
Practice Test 2 – Section 3: Perianesthesia Monitoring and Intervention (Questions 141–160).
Practice Test 2 – Section 3: Perianesthesia Monitoring and Intervention
Answer: B. Shallow respirations with snoring
Snoring respirations indicate soft tissue airway obstruction and require immediate airway repositioning. Topic Name: Airway Interventions
Question 9 · Professional Nursing Practice and Guidelines
Say “Continue” when ready, and I will proceed with
Practice Test 2 – Section 4: Perianesthesia Care Considerations (Questions 161–180).
Practice Test 2 – Section 4: Perianesthesia Care Considerations
Topic Name: Immediate Post-Anesthesia Assessment
Answer: B. Airway patency
Airway patency is the highest priority due to the risk of obstruction from residual anesthetic effects. Topic Name: Neurologic Recovery
Question 10 · Professional Nursing Practice and Guidelines
Say “Continue” when ready, and I will proceed with
Practice Test 2 – Section 5: Professional Nursing Practice and Guidelines (Questions 181–200) to complete Practice Test 2.
Practice Test 2 – Section 5: Professional Nursing Practice and Guidelines
Answer: A. Monitoring patient response to anesthesia
Registered nurses monitor patient status and response to treatment but do not prescribe, diagnose, or modify anesthesia plans. Topic Name: Patient Safety
TTP Prep has 200 Certified Post Anesthesia practice questions with explanations, timed and mock-exam modes, 357 flashcards, interactive lessons, a printable cheat sheet and a readiness score. Start free, no card needed.
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