Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA) Practice Exam

Monitoring vital signs and neurological status is critical after a patient receives sedative agents because sedation can significantly affect respiratory function, heart rate, blood pressure, and the patient's level of consciousness. Sedatives can lead to respiratory depression, altered mental status, or other potential complications that require immediate attention. Ensuring that the patient's vital signs are stable and that their neurological status is within acceptable limits allows healthcare providers to detect any adverse effects of the sedation early and intervene as needed.

While preparing the patient for discharge, reviewing medication history, and discussing postoperative care instructions are all important components of post-anesthesia care, they follow the priority of ensuring the patient's safety and physiological stability. Monitoring ensures that the patient is in a condition suitable for these subsequent steps, thereby supporting overall patient care and outcomes.