BCEN Patient Assessment and Diagnosis 2

Question 1

A 45-year-old male presents with sudden onset of tearing chest pain radiating to the back. BP is 180/90 in the right arm and 140/70 in the left arm. Which diagnosis is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Aortic dissection

Answer

Unequal blood pressures between arms combined with tearing back pain are classic signs of aortic dissection.

Question 2

When assessing a trauma patient using the primary survey, which action is performed FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Establish airway with C-spine precautions

Answer

The primary survey follows the ABCDE sequence, starting with airway management while maintaining cervical spine protection.

Question 3

A patient with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning has a pulse oximetry reading of 99%. The nurse should recognize this as:

Accepted Answer

Falsely elevated because SpO2 cannot distinguish oxyhemoglobin from carboxyhemoglobin

Answer

Standard pulse oximetry cannot differentiate carboxyhemoglobin from oxyhemoglobin, giving a falsely normal reading in CO poisoning.

Question 4

The Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale assesses which three components?

Accepted Answer

Facial droop, arm drift, speech abnormality

Answer

The Cincinnati Stroke Scale evaluates facial droop, arm drift, and abnormal speech to rapidly identify stroke.

Question 5

A 60-year-old female presents with right lower quadrant pain, fever of 38.9°C, and a positive Rovsing's sign. Which condition does Rovsing's sign suggest?

Accepted Answer

Appendicitis

Answer

Rovsing's sign — pain in the RLQ when the LLQ is palpated — is a classic physical finding suggestive of appendicitis.

(BCEN) Board of Certification of Emergency Nursing Practice Test

(BCEN) Board of Certification of Emergency Nursing Practice Test

BCEN Patient Assessment and Diagnosis 2