Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) Practice Exam

What is the main purpose of follow-up calls to ambulatory postoperative patients within 24 hours of discharge?

1. Transfer after care to a public health nurse

2. Give the patient a chance to ask questions and identify problems in the care given

3. Advertise the center's ambulatory surgery program

4. Facilitate readmission in the event of complications

The correct answer is: Give the patient a chance to ask questions and identify problems in the care given

The main purpose of follow-up calls to ambulatory postoperative patients within 24 hours of discharge is to give the patient a chance to ask questions and identify problems in the care given. This communication serves several critical functions. It provides patients an opportunity to voice any concerns or confusion they may have regarding their recovery, medication, or any signs of complications they might be experiencing. Additionally, follow-up calls can help healthcare providers assess the effectiveness of the discharge instructions, reinforce education on wound care, pain management, and activity restrictions, and ensure that patients feel supported during their recovery phase. By encouraging questions and discussion, healthcare providers can also enhance patient satisfaction and encourage adherence to postoperative guidelines, ultimately leading to better recovery outcomes. For context, transferring aftercare to a public health nurse is typically not a primary goal of the follow-up call; instead, these calls are more focused on patient engagement and support. Advertising the center's ambulatory surgery program does not directly benefit the patient’s recovery process and is not the purpose of clinical follow-ups. While facilitating readmission in case of complications is important, the direct intent of the follow-up call focuses on proactive communication rather than reactive measures.