Full Course Description

Perianesthesia Nurse Certification Review Course

Specialty certification is a goal of many perianesthesia nurses. The CPAN® and CAPA® credentials validate clinical expertise and demonstrate a commitment to professional development and life-long learning. Many nurses, however, are unsure of how to study, and wonder if their current level of knowledge is sufficient to pass the examinations.

This seminar is designed to assist the perianesthesia nurse seeking certification in attaining the knowledge necessary to successfully pass the CPAN® and/or CAPA® examinations. Nancy McGushin, MSN, RN, CNL, CPAN, will lead you through a review of key areas of study, test-taking strategies, and critical thinking processes that will enhance your ability to formulate a successful course of study and ultimately achieve your goal of becoming a certified perianesthesia nurse.

Program Information

Objectives

Consider the importance of critical thinking in preparing for examinations.
Suggest the importance of using national perianesthesia nursing standards of care to guide perianesthesia nursing practice.
Evaluate the pharmacodynamics/pharmacokinetics of drugs used for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia.
Prepare for the stages of general anesthesia induction and reversal.
Analyze the risks and benefits of regional anesthesia techniques.
Assess the needs of special patient populations in perianesthesia care.
Characterize the preoperative preparation process to the effects of anesthesia and surgery.
Prioritize Phase I care of the post-anesthetic patient.
Measure important discharge criteria for the Phase II post-operative patient.
Select the appropriate treatment for common post-anesthetic emergencies.
Administer the common medications used to treat post-operative emergencies.
Incorporate advanced monitoring techniques used in the PACU.

Outline

Critical Thinking & Test Taking Tips
ASPAN Guidelines

Perianesthesia Practice Recommendations
Ethical Practice

Medications for General Anesthesia

Sedation Drugs
Induction Agents
- Hypnotics
- Dissociative Agents
- Alpha-2 Agonists
Inhalation Agents
Opioids
Neuromuscular Blocking Drugs
Reversal Agents

Stages of General Anesthesia & Reversal

Stage I - Anesthesia & Amnesia
Stage II - Delirium/Excitation
Stage III - Surgical Anesthesia
Stage IV - Overdose
Reversal of Anesthesia

Pharmacodynamics of Local Anesthetic Agents

Amide Agents
Ester Agents
Complications of Local Anesthetics

Risks & Benefits of Regional Anesthesia

Spinal Anesthesia
Epidural Anesthesia
Peripheral Nerve Blocks
IV Blocks
Ultrasound-Guided Nerve Blocks

Special Populations

Pediatric Patients
Geriatric Patients
Pregnant Patients
Obese Patients
Diabetic Patients
Asthmatic Patients

Perioperative Preparation Process
Pre-Admission Preparation

Effects of Timing of Surgery on PAT Process
Pre-Admission Testing
Medical, Surgical, and Anesthetic History
Medication Reconciliation
- Prescription Medications
- Herbal Preparations
- OTC Medications

Preoperative Preparation

Physical Assessment
Procedural/Anesthetic Preparation

Phase I Care of the Post-Anesthetic Patient

Admission Critical Elements
Airway Management
Physical Assessment
Standard Monitoring Techniques
Post-anesthetic Scoring Systems
Phase I Discharge Criteria

Phase II Care of the Postoperative Patient

Physical Assessment
Post-anesthesia Scoring
Control of Pain
Control of Nausea
Patient/Family Teaching
Transportation Concerns
Legal Standards

Post-anesthetic Emergencies

Hypothermia
Pain
Respiratory Complications
Cardiovascular Complications
Emergence Disorders
Fluid & Electrolyte Imbalances
Malignant Hyperthermia

Medications Used to Treat Emergencies

Oxygen
Cardiovascular Medications
Respiratory Medications
Sedatives
Anesthetic Agents

Advanced Monitoring in the PACU

Arterial Line
Pulmonary Artery Catheter
Central Venous Pressure

Target Audience

Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists