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. The Magnet Recognition Program® encourages certification as a reflection of nurses’ commitment to attaining the highest level of professional standards. 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.

OUTLINE:

Module One 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

Module Two Outline

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

OBJECTIVES:

1. Discuss the importance of critical thinking in preparing for examinations.
2. Describe the importance of using national perianesthesia nursing standards of care to guide perianesthesia nursing practice.
3. Evaluate the pharmacodynamics/pharmacokinetics of drugs used for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia.
4. Examine the stages of general anesthesia induction and reversal.
5. Analyze the risks and benefits of regional anesthesia techniques.
6. Compare the needs of special patient populations in perianesthesia care.
7. Relate the preoperative preparation process to the effects of anesthesia and surgery.
8. Prioritize Phase I care of the post-anesthetic patient.
9. List important discharge criteria for the Phase II post-operative patient.
10. Identify the appropriate treatment for common post-anesthetic emergencies.
11. Give examples of the common medications used to treat post-operative emergencies.
12. Explore advanced monitoring techniques used in the PACU.