CPAN Practice Exam – Comprehensive Guide for Exam Prep

Having airway equipment readily available is crucial for post-anesthesia nurses as it ensures they can quickly and effectively respond to any airway complications that may arise after anesthesia. In the post-anesthesia care unit, patients are often at risk for airway obstructions due to residual effects of anesthesia, sedation, or muscle relaxants. Being prepared with the necessary equipment—such as suction devices, bag-valve masks, and oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airways—enables nurses to act swiftly to secure the airway and maintain adequate oxygenation.

While continuous monitoring of vital signs is important for overall patient safety, and administering prophylactic medications can be part of comprehensive care, these actions do not directly address airway emergencies. Training staff in CPR is also essential, but it relates more to responding when respiratory or cardiac arrest occurs rather than the proactive preparation needed for airway management. Therefore, ensuring that airway equipment is readily accessible stands out as the most direct and essential measure for managing potential airway issues post-anesthesia.