CPAN Practice Exam – Comprehensive Guide for Exam Prep

In the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), monitoring vital signs is critical to ensure the safe recovery of patients who have undergone anesthesia. Blood pressure, pulse, and respiratory rate are foundational indicators of a patient's hemodynamic status and respiratory function.

Blood pressure is essential for assessing the patient's cardiovascular stability; fluctuations can indicate potential complications such as hypotension or hypertension following anesthetic administration.

Pulse provides insights into the heart rate and rhythm, helping to detect issues like bradycardia, tachycardia, or irregular heart rhythms that may arise from surgical stress or anesthesia effects.

Respiratory rate is a key measurement as it indicates the patient's ability to breathe adequately following sedation or general anesthesia. Changes in respiratory rate may signal respiratory distress or apnea, both of which require immediate attention.

In contrast, the other options do not encompass the comprehensive monitoring required in the PACU. Temperature, while important, is typically monitored after assessing the more critical vital signs. Weight has no relevance in the immediate post-anesthesia context. Monitoring solely heart rate and oxygen saturation neglects other vital signs that provide a complete picture of the patient's recovery. Peripheral circulation checks are also significant but are not sufficient on their own to ensure the patient's overall health post-anesthesia.