Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) Practice Exam

What is the major objective when caring for a diabetic patient in a perianesthesia setting?

1. Fluid volume excess

2. Fluid volume deficit

3. Hyperglycemia

4. Hypoglycemia

The correct answer is: Hypoglycemia

The major objective when caring for a diabetic patient in a perianesthesia setting is to prevent hypoglycemia. Patients with diabetes require careful management of their blood glucose levels, particularly around the time of surgery and anesthesia. During surgical procedures, their usual intake and medication schedule may be altered, which can lead to unexpected drops in blood glucose levels. Monitoring and maintaining appropriate glucose levels is crucial to avoid hypoglycemia, which can result in symptoms such as confusion, weakness, excessive sweating, and even loss of consciousness. Because patients may be fasting before surgery, insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents may need to be adjusted to prevent this complication. In this context, while fluid volume excess and deficit, as well as hyperglycemia, are important considerations in the overall perioperative care of diabetic patients, ensuring that blood sugar does not drop to dangerously low levels is often seen as the most urgent priority. Thus, the emphasis on preventing hypoglycemia underlines its critical nature in providing safe and effective care for diabetic patients in a perianesthesia setting.