Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA) Practice Exam

The assessment of a patient’s risk for anesthesia-related complications involves evaluating several critical factors that directly influence how the body may respond to anesthesia and the overall surgical procedure. Among these, age is significant as physiological changes related to aging can affect the way medications are metabolized and the likelihood of co-existing medical conditions. Medical history provides essential information about pre-existing conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory issues, or previous reactions to anesthesia, which can all heighten the risk of complications. The complexity of the surgical procedure is also crucial; more invasive or longer surgeries typically entail greater risks, as they may require higher levels of anesthesia and involve more significant physiological stress on the patient.

In contrast, considerations like gender, ethnicity, height, weight, and hospital policies do not directly correlate with the physiological response to anesthesia in the same manner as age, medical history, and surgical complexity. Additionally, patient preferences, social support, and insurance coverage, while important for overall care and decision-making, do not specifically relate to the risk factors for anesthesia itself. Thus, the choice highlighting age, medical history, and procedure complexity comprehensively captures the essential aspects for assessing anesthesia-related risks.