CEN Certified Emergency Nurse MCQ 5

Question 1

A patient with a suspected ectopic pregnancy has a positive beta-hCG of 2,800 mIU/mL with no intrauterine pregnancy seen on transvaginal ultrasound. She is hemodynamically stable. What is the expected management?

Accepted Answer

Methotrexate administration after OB/GYN evaluation if criteria are met

Answer

Hemodynamically stable ectopic pregnancy may be managed with methotrexate if the patient meets criteria (no cardiac activity, tube < 3.5 cm, compliant); OB/GYN must evaluate.

Question 2

During a mass casualty incident, which triage category is assigned to patients with survivable injuries requiring immediate intervention?

Accepted Answer

Red (immediate)

Answer

Red tag (immediate) is assigned to patients with life-threatening but survivable injuries who need urgent treatment within 60 minutes.

Question 3

A patient with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis presents with peaked T-waves on ECG, muscle weakness, and potassium of 6.8 mEq/L. What is the FIRST intervention?

Accepted Answer

Administer calcium gluconate IV to stabilize the cardiac membrane

Answer

Calcium gluconate is the first-line intervention because it immediately stabilizes the cardiac membrane and protects against life-threatening arrhythmias while other potassium-lowering measures take effect.

Question 4

Which assessment is most important before administering thrombolytics (tPA) to a patient with ischemic stroke?

Accepted Answer

CT scan of the head without contrast to exclude hemorrhage

Answer

Non-contrast CT of the head must be performed before tPA to rule out hemorrhagic stroke, which is an absolute contraindication to thrombolytic therapy.

Question 5

A nurse is caring for a patient restrained due to violent behavior. Which action is a priority to prevent positional asphyxia?

Accepted Answer

Ensure the patient is never placed prone and monitor breathing continuously

Answer

Positional asphyxia occurs when a restrained person cannot breathe effectively, most commonly in the prone position; continuous monitoring and supine/lateral positioning are essential.

CEN - Certified Emergency Nurse Practice Test

CEN - Certified Emergency Nurse Practice Test

CEN Certified Emergency Nurse MCQ 5