CPAN study guide
CPAN · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN®) credential is one of two national perianesthesia nursing certifications sponsored by the American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification, Inc. (ABPANC®), the other being the Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA®). The CPAN study guide has 6 sections and about 1,603 words.
01Perianesthesia Patient Assessment and Evaluation
Begin with a structured history: allergies and reaction type, medications including anticoagulants and GLP-1 agonists, prior anesthetics, family history of malignant hyperthermia, comorbidities, functional capacity, and NPO status. Screen for obstructive sleep apnea with STOP-BANG and assess the airway (Mallampati, mouth opening, thyromental distance, neck mobility).
301 words, about 2 min02Anesthesia and Analgesia Management
General anesthesia produces unconsciousness with volatile agents or total intravenous anesthesia; regional anesthesia blocks sensation; monitored anesthesia care provides sedation and analgesia with airway support as needed. Know that volatile anesthetics and succinylcholine are malignant hyperthermia triggers.
261 words, about 1 min03Airway and Respiratory Management
Assess Mallampati, mouth opening, thyromental distance, dentition, and neck mobility before anesthesia. In the PACU, verify tube position and securement, cuff pressure, and ventilator settings.
252 words, about 1 min04Hemodynamic Monitoring and Cardiovascular Management
Noninvasive blood pressure cuff size matters-too small a cuff falsely raises readings. ECG monitors rate and rhythm; watch for new ST changes, premature beats, and bradyarrhythmias.
262 words, about 1 min05Prevention and Management of Perianesthesia Complications
PONV is multifactorial; use multimodal prophylaxis (ondansetron, dexamethasone, droperidol, scopolamine) and treat with a different class than used prophylactically. Hypothermia causes shivering, coagulopathy, and delayed recovery; use forced-air warming and warmed fluids.
241 words, about 1 min06Patient and Family Education, Advocacy, and Professional Practice
Teach with plain language and teach-back: ask the patient to explain in their own words when to take pain medication, how to care for the incision, activity limits, and warning signs such as fever, bleeding, worsening pain, or shortness of breath. Provide written instructions at an appropriate reading level and include family or caregivers.
286 words, about 1 min