CPEN Psychosocial Emergencies 2

Question 1

A 14-year-old presents after ingesting 20 acetaminophen tablets. She states she 'just wanted to sleep.' Which initial nursing action is the priority?

Accepted Answer

Assess suicide intent using a validated tool such as the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale

Answer

A structured suicide risk assessment using a validated tool is the priority to determine immediate safety needs and guide management.

Question 2

Which behavior in a 10-year-old brought to the ED after a house fire is MOST consistent with acute stress disorder?

Accepted Answer

Repeatedly re-enacting the fire in play

Answer

Repetitive trauma re-enactment in play is a hallmark dissociative/intrusive symptom of acute stress disorder in school-age children.

Question 3

A 7-year-old with autism spectrum disorder arrives in the ED in behavioral crisis, screaming and hitting staff. The FIRST intervention should be:

Accepted Answer

Place the child in a quiet, low-stimulation room

Answer

Reducing environmental sensory stimuli is the first non-pharmacological intervention for children with ASD in behavioral crisis.

Question 4

During triage, a mother states her 5-year-old 'has not been the same' since witnessing domestic violence last month. The nurse recognizes this as a potential sign of:

Accepted Answer

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Answer

Behavioral change following a traumatic event such as witnessing domestic violence is a classic presentation of PTSD in young children.

Question 5

A 16-year-old male with depression is being discharged after a suicidal ideation evaluation. Which discharge instruction is MOST important for lethal means reduction?

Accepted Answer

Ensure all firearms and medications are secured or removed from the home

Answer

Lethal means counseling, specifically securing or removing firearms and medications, is the most evidence-based strategy to reduce suicide risk at home.

CPEN - Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse Practice Test

CPEN - Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse Practice Test

CPEN Psychosocial Emergencies 2