Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA) Practice Exam

Before performing a regional block, which of the following should also be considered by the anesthesia provider?

1. The patient's pain scale rating

2. History of anticoagulation therapy

3. Patients' weight

4. Duration of previous anesthesia

The correct answer is: History of anticoagulation therapy

The consideration of a patient's history of anticoagulation therapy before performing a regional block is essential for patient safety and effective management. Anticoagulants can significantly increase the risk of bleeding at the site of the block, potentially leading to complications such as hematoma or nerve injury. Understanding the patient's anticoagulation history helps the anesthesia provider to assess these risks and make informed decisions about whether to proceed with the block, how to manage anticoagulation therapy before the procedure, and what monitoring may be necessary afterward. The other factors, while relevant to overall patient assessment and management, do not specifically address the critical bleeding risk associated with regional anesthesia in patients on anticoagulant therapy. Pain scale rating, patient weight, and the duration of previous anesthesia provide valuable information but do not have the same direct impact on the immediate safety and technique of performing a regional block as the history of anticoagulation therapy does.