Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) Practice Exam

What is a common occurrence in patients who have received nitrous oxide for anesthesia?

1. Nausea

2. Delayed emergence

3. Memory impairment

4. Confusion

The correct answer is: Memory impairment

The choice that aligns most closely with common occurrences in patients who have received nitrous oxide for anesthesia is memory impairment. Nitrous oxide is known for its properties as a sedative and analgesic, and one of its effects can be a transient alteration in cognitive function, particularly in memory. Patients may experience a temporary decrease in the ability to recall events immediately surrounding the administration of nitrous oxide, which is attributed to its action as a CNS depressant. This occurs because nitrous oxide can impact various neurotransmitters involved in cognitive processing and memory formation. In contrast, while nausea can occur with many anesthetic agents, it is not as commonly reported specifically with nitrous oxide, especially when used in moderate concentrations. Delayed emergence is typically associated with other anesthetics that have a longer half-life and is not a hallmark effect of nitrous oxide. Confusion can happen, but it is often a broader term that encompasses various cognitive effects, and memory impairment is more distinctly recognized as a relevant outcome from its use. Thus, identifying memory impairment as a common occurrence provides insight into the cognitive effects of nitrous oxide that healthcare professionals should be aware of when monitoring patients post-anesthesia.