Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) Exam. Engage with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Succeed in your certification!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What is one of the early indications of complications after a rhytidectomy?

Severe unilateral pain
Ptosis with periorbital edema
A positive Chvostek's sign
Discoloration of facial tissue

The correct answer is: Severe unilateral pain

Severe unilateral pain is a critical indication of potential complications following a rhytidectomy, or facelift surgery. This type of pain may suggest issues such as hematoma formation, nerve injury, or inadequate circulation due to surgical manipulation. It is essential to monitor patients for unilateral pain as it can indicate localized problems that may require prompt intervention. While the other options may also pertain to post-operative observations, they do not serve as early indicators of complications as effectively. Ptosis with periorbital edema might be expected as a part of the healing process but is not as direct an indication of a complication. A positive Chvostek's sign could suggest electrolyte imbalances or nerve issues but is less specific to surgical complications of a rhytidectomy. Discoloration of facial tissue may occur due to bruising or normal healing, but again, it is not as immediate of a concern as severe unilateral pain.