CPEN Basic Exam 2

Question 1

A 4-year-old presents with stridor at rest, drooling, and preference for the tripod position. Which condition is the MOST likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Epiglottitis

Answer

Epiglottitis classically presents with the 'three Ds'—drooling, dysphagia, distress—plus tripod positioning and toxic appearance.

Question 2

During a pediatric resuscitation, you calculate the correct endotracheal tube size for a 6-year-old. Using the formula (Age/4) + 4, which size is correct?

Accepted Answer

5.5 mm cuffed

Answer

The formula (6/4) + 4 = 5.5 mm; cuffed tubes are now acceptable in children over 1 year of age per current PALS guidelines.

Question 3

A 2-year-old with a 3-day history of diarrhea has sunken eyes, dry mucous membranes, and decreased skin turgor. His weight is 12 kg. What is the FIRST priority intervention?

Accepted Answer

Obtain IV access and give a 20 mL/kg NS bolus

Answer

Signs of moderate-to-severe dehydration require prompt IV fluid resuscitation with a 20 mL/kg isotonic saline bolus.

Question 4

Which pain assessment tool is MOST appropriate for a non-verbal 18-month-old?

Accepted Answer

FLACC Scale

Answer

The FLACC scale (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) is a validated behavioral pain tool for non-verbal infants and toddlers.

Question 5

A 10-year-old is brought in after a generalized tonic-clonic seizure lasting 8 minutes that has stopped. He is now postictal. Which intervention is MOST appropriate at this time?

Accepted Answer

Place in a lateral recovery position and monitor airway

Answer

A postictal child who has stopped seizing should be placed laterally to protect the airway and prevent aspiration while being monitored.

CPEN - Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse Practice Test

CPEN - Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse Practice Test

CPEN Basic Exam 2