CPEN Respiratory Emergencies 5

Question 1

A neonate born at 28 weeks gestation requires surfactant therapy. The PRIMARY purpose of surfactant is to:

Accepted Answer

Decrease alveolar surface tension to prevent collapse

Answer

Surfactant reduces alveolar surface tension, preventing alveolar collapse at end-expiration in premature infants with surfactant deficiency (RDS).

Question 2

Which combination of findings is MOST consistent with carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in a child?

Accepted Answer

Normal SpO2, headache, altered mental status

Answer

Pulse oximetry cannot distinguish carboxyhemoglobin from oxyhemoglobin, so SpO2 reads falsely normal despite significant CO poisoning causing neurological symptoms.

Question 3

A 6-year-old with a history of a congenital heart defect presents with a sudden respiratory emergency. Which finding suggests pulmonary hypertensive crisis?

Accepted Answer

Sudden cyanosis, bradycardia, and right heart failure signs

Answer

Pulmonary hypertensive crisis presents with sudden severe cyanosis, bradycardia, and signs of acute right heart failure due to massive rise in pulmonary vascular resistance.

Question 4

When using a non-rebreather mask for a pediatric patient, what minimum flow rate is required to keep the reservoir bag inflated?

Accepted Answer

10–15 L/min

Answer

A non-rebreather mask requires 10–15 L/min flow rate to maintain reservoir bag inflation and deliver approximately 95% FiO2.

Question 5

A child presents with subcutaneous emphysema in the neck, absent breath sounds on the left, and tracheal deviation to the right. These findings indicate:

Accepted Answer

Left tension pneumothorax

Answer

Left tension pneumothorax causes absent breath sounds on the left, tracheal deviation away from the affected side (to the right), and can cause subcutaneous emphysema.

CPEN - Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse Practice Test

CPEN - Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse Practice Test

CPEN Respiratory Emergencies 5