Pharmacologic Considerations
Scenarios and items in this section focus on the pharmacologic concerns encountered in the practice of perianesthesia nursing. These concepts are considered together because: • Anesthetic medications alter and usually…
Neurologic, Neurovascular, and Musculoskeletal Systems
Scenarios and items in this section focus on perianesthesia concepts related to intracranial and musculoskeletal considerations of neurologic function and orthopedics. These concepts are considered together because: • Vascular and…
Professional Issues Applied to Perianesthesia Nursing Practice
Scenarios and items in this section reflect the legal dimensions of professional nursing practice in the perianesthesia environment. These issues represent only a small portion of the diverse situations encountered…
Maxillofacial, Nasopharyngeal, Ophthalmic, Otologic, and Reconstructive Concepts
The content of this section focuses on perianesthesia considerations related to ophthalmic (eye), otologic (ear), rhinologic (nasal), maxillofacial (oral), laryngologic (neck or throat), and reconstructive (plastic) surgical procedures. These issues…
Perianesthesia Considerations Across the Life Span
Caring for pediatric, adolescent, obstetric, and older adult patients in the perianesthesia setting can be challenging. Pregnancy and age—either young or old—challenge the perianesthesia nurse to look closely at the…
The Spectrum of Perianesthesia Clinical Practice
Scenarios and items in this section represent situations that exemplify perianesthesia nursing practice. This specialty is defined by a set of knowledge and skills related to anesthetic medications, techniques, and…
Intraabdominal and Retroperitoneal Observations
Scenarios and items in this section focus on the renal, genitourinary, gynecologic, hepatic, and gastrointestinal systems. Though specific functions of these systems vary, these concepts are considered together because: •…
Physiologic Balance
Scenarios and items in this section focus on issues of physiologic balance of the body’s internal chemical (acid-base, oxygen, and electrolyte), fluid, coagulation, endocrine, and thermal environment. These concepts are…
Certification of Perianesthesia Nurses
For the most up-to-date information about the Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) and Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA) certification programs, contact the American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification, Inc. (ABPANC)…
Cardiac, Vascular, and Pulmonary Systems
Scenarios and questions in this section focus on the cardiac, vascular, and pulmonary systems. These concepts are considered together because of their interconnectedness and interdependence. The concepts reviewed in the…
