10 free, exam-style Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA) practice questions with answers and explanations. No signup required. Work through them below, then take the full free CAPA practice test to study every exam domain.
A perianesthesia nurse is monitoring a patient who received sevoflurane and succinylcholine during general anesthesia for signs of malignant hyperthermia. Which finding is the EARLIEST and most sensitive indicator of malignant hyperthermia?
Correct answer: B - Increased end-tidal carbon dioxide
A patient who received morphine becomes oversedated with a respiratory rate of 6 breaths per minute. After naloxone is administered, the patient becomes alert and respirations improve. Which nursing action is MOST important over the next several hours?
Correct answer: A - Monitor for recurrent sedation and respiratory depression
An ambulatory surgery patient is being evaluated for discharge home using the Modified Post Anesthesia Discharge Scoring System (PADSS). The patient has stable vital signs, minimal pain, no nausea or vomiting, no surgical bleeding, and is ambulating steadily, but has not yet voided. Which statement is correct regarding discharge readiness?
Correct answer: B - Voiding is not a required Modified PADSS criterion
A 35-year-old female nonsmoker with a history of motion sickness is scheduled for an ambulatory procedure with anticipated postoperative opioid use. Using the Apfel simplified risk score, what is this patient's approximate risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting?
Correct answer: D - 79%
During emergence from general anesthesia, a patient becomes restless with irregular breathing and involuntary movements. The perianesthesia nurse recognizes this as Stage II of anesthesia. Which nursing action is MOST appropriate?
Correct answer: C - Minimize stimulation and prevent injury
A patient who received spinal anesthesia for an ambulatory procedure is being prepared for discharge home. Which finding MUST be present before the patient can be safely discharged?
Correct answer: A - Return of motor and sensory function
During preadmission screening, a patient with a BMI of 36 reports loud snoring, witnessed pauses in breathing during sleep, daytime sleepiness, and a history of hypertension. These findings place the patient at HIGHEST risk for which postoperative complication?
Correct answer: A - Respiratory depression and airway obstruction
An ambulatory surgery patient who received IV sedation meets physiologic discharge criteria but insists on driving himself home because he 'feels fine.' What is the MOST appropriate nursing action?
Correct answer: C - Arrange transport with a responsible adult before discharge
The perianesthesia nurse provides discharge instructions to a patient and caregiver. Which method BEST confirms that they understood the instructions?
Correct answer: B - Have them restate the instructions in their own words
Just before an ambulatory procedure, a patient tells the nurse, 'I'm not really sure what they're going to do or what the risks are.' The patient has already signed the consent form, and the surgeon has left the unit. What is the nurse's MOST appropriate action?
Correct answer: D - Notify the surgeon that the patient needs more information
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