Question of the Week

Question of the Week

Study questions cover content in the five domains of perianesthesia patient care:

  • Anesthesia
  • Physiology
  • Perianesthesia Monitoring and Intervention
  • Perianesthesia Care Considerations
  • Professional Nursing Practice and Guidelines

The nursing knowledge domains are the same for both the CPAN® and CAPA® certification programs, but some knowledge topics and testable tasks differ between the two exams. 

Best practice: Review both CPAN and CAPA study questions. 

All CPAN Questions All CAPA Questions

Question of the Week

July 29, 2026

One hour after initiation of continuous epidural morphine at 6 mL/hr, the catheter dressing has become saturated with a clear fluid and the patient is very somnolent, with BP = 92/56, HR = 62, R = 6 to 8, and SpO2 = 89%. The appropriate intervention is to:

  1. decrease the infusion rate to 2 mL/hr and assess motor and sensory levels.
  2. stop the infusion and call anesthesia to assess possible catheter migration into the subarachnoid space.
  3. decrease the infusion rate to 4 mL/hr and administer naloxone.
  4. continue the infusion and call anesthesia to assess the need to change the infusion settings.
View The Answer

Question of the Week

July 22, 2026

A patient who had a surgical procedure with Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) is now ready for discharge. The designated driver has not arrived, and the patient wants to drive home. The perianesthesia nurse's best response is to:

  1. ask the patient to wait in the lobby.
  2. call a taxi for the patient.
  3. allow the patient to drive home.
  4. call the patient's designated driver.
View The Answer

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Important Information (Study Tool Disclaimer)

The CPAN® and CAPA® Practice Exams and Question of the Week Program are study tools only. ABPANC’s practice examinations should be regarded as a tool to assess strengths and weaknesses. They are not intended to serve as a study guide nor should they be used as a substitute for studying. While content may be representative of the type of knowledge and skills tested on the CPAN® and CAPA® certification examinations, these materials are not identical to the content of the examinations.

A passing score on a practice examination does not in any way guarantee a passing score on any ABPANC certification examination. Use of a practice examination or Question of the Week is not a requirement for eligibility or for success in passing any ABPANC certification examination.

The Practice Exams and Questions of the Week are copyrighted materials owned by ABPANC. Requests to reproduce or otherwise use these materials should be directed to: abpanc@cpancapa.org
© 2019 American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification, Inc. All rights reserved.