Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) Practice Exam

A standard of practice for post-anesthesia nursing is established by which acceptable levels of nursing action?

1. Promoting independent nursing judgment

2. Specifying the nursing goal while defining appropriate nursing measures

3. Identifying actions that meet JCAHO criteria

4. Prescribing nursing interventions relative to standing orders

The correct answer is: Specifying the nursing goal while defining appropriate nursing measures

Specifying the nursing goal while defining appropriate nursing measures is essential in establishing a standard of practice for post-anesthesia nursing. This approach ensures that nurses have a clear understanding of the outcomes they are working towards and the specific measures they need to implement to achieve those goals. By setting defined nursing objectives, nurses can effectively evaluate their practice and patient outcomes, leading to improved patient safety and quality of care in the post-anesthesia environment. This goal-oriented framework allows for the customization of nursing interventions based on individual patient needs and circumstances, adhering to evidence-based practices that optimize recovery and comfort after anesthesia. The clear articulation of goals also facilitates effective communication among the healthcare team, ensuring a cohesive approach to patient care. The other options, while important components of nursing practice, do not directly contribute to establishing a uniform standard of practice in the same way. For instance, promoting independent nursing judgment is crucial for professional growth, but it does not alone provide the structure needed for consistent standards. Identifying actions that meet JCAHO criteria emphasizes regulatory compliance, but does not define clinical practice parameters. Likewise, prescribing nursing interventions relative to standing orders can guide actions but lacks the specificity of defined goals and measures necessary for establishing a standard of practice.