CPAN Practice Exam – Comprehensive Guide for Exam Prep

The ability to read a book is the least likely to indicate a complication during recovery in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). This activity suggests that the patient has a sufficient level of consciousness and cognitive function to engage in a task that requires focus and comprehension, indicating either a stable or improving condition after anesthesia.

In contrast, extremely low blood pressure, uncontrolled pain, and decreased level of consciousness are all parameters that raise concerns about the patient's recovery. Low blood pressure can signal inadequate perfusion, leading to possible organ dysfunction. Uncontrolled pain may point to insufficient pain management or complications such as bleeding or nerve damage. A decreased level of consciousness could suggest inadequate recovery from anesthesia, which might be due to a variety of causes, including medication effects or hypoxia. Hence, while the other options represent potential complications that require swift evaluation and intervention, the ability to read a book reflects a positive status in recovery.