Practice Test GeeksCPEN - Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse Practice Test
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Respiratory Emergencies Flashcards

7 cards from real CPEN practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Respiratory Emergencies flashcards as text

  1. Which capnography waveform pattern is most consistent with severe bronchospasm in an intubated child?

    Answer: Shark fin (upsloping plateau)

    The 'shark fin' pattern on capnography indicates incomplete exhalation due to bronchospasm, causing a prolonged, upsloping expiratory phase.

  2. A 4-year-old is found apneic. After 2 rescue breaths fail to produce chest rise, the next step is:

    Answer: Attempt to ventilate again with head repositioned

    If initial rescue breaths do not produce chest rise, the head-tilt/chin-lift should be repositioned before a second attempt, as poor positioning is the most common cause.

  3. For a 2-year-old (10 kg) in status asthmaticus requiring magnesium sulfate, the correct IV dose is:

    Answer: 25–50 mg/kg (max 2 g)

    IV magnesium sulfate for pediatric asthma is dosed at 25–75 mg/kg (max 2 g) infused over 20–30 minutes.

  4. Which clinical sign BEST indicates impending respiratory failure in an infant with bronchiolitis?

    Answer: Apneic episodes

    Apneic episodes indicate exhaustion and central respiratory compromise — a sign of impending respiratory failure requiring immediate intervention.

  5. A 9-year-old with cystic fibrosis presents with acute hemoptysis, fever, and increased sputum. The PRIORITY nursing action is:

    Answer: Position the patient with the affected side down

    Positioning the patient with the bleeding (affected) lung down prevents blood from flooding the contralateral lung and maintains ventilation.

  6. Which parameter is the MOST sensitive early indicator of respiratory decompensation in a pediatric patient?

    Answer: Rising respiratory rate (tachypnea)

    Tachypnea is the earliest compensatory response to hypoxia and hypercarbia, appearing before SpO2 drops or visible cyanosis develops.

  7. Racemic epinephrine administered to a child with croup requires a minimum observation period of how long after treatment?

    Answer: 2 hours

    Children must be observed for a minimum of 2 hours after racemic epinephrine due to the risk of rebound airway edema as the medication wears off.