Free CPEN Basic Exam Question and Answers

Question 1

An abdominal mass that can be felt in the right lower quadrant is present in a 17-year-old cystic fibrosis patient who frequently experiences constipation and complains of weight loss, abdominal cramps, pain, and distension. The patient is vulnerable to:

Accepted Answer

distal intestinal obstruction syndrome

Answer

A 17-year-old cystic fibrosis patient with a history of constipation, weight loss, abdominal cramps, pain, distension, and a palpable abdominal mass in the right lower quadrant is highly susceptible to distal intestinal obstruction syndrome (DIOS). DIOS is a common complication in cystic fibrosis, caused by thick, inspissated (dried and hardened) fecal material obstructing the ileocecum. This can often mimic appendicitis or intussusception.

Question 2

A teen who was inebriated tried to pick up a rattlesnake and got bitten on the wrist. The first course of action ought to be to:

Accepted Answer

immobilize the limb and keep it below the heart

Answer

For a rattlesnake bite, the limb should be immobilized and kept below the heart to slow the spread of venom through the lymphatic system and bloodstream. Elevating the limb or applying a tourniquet can increase venom absorption or cause tissue damage, respectively. Cleansing with alcohol is not the primary first course of action for venom management.

Question 3

A 20-day-old male child who has poor eating, bile vomiting, and signs of abdominal pain, but whose abdomen is not swollen, has recently passed small amounts of liquid stool. A small abdominal mass is palpable, the stool guaiac tests positive for blood, and the double bubble sign is shown on the radiograph. What diagnosis do these results imply?

Accepted Answer

Malrotation defect with volvulus

Answer

The combination of bile vomiting, abdominal pain, a palpable mass, positive guaiac stool, and the 'double bubble sign' on a radiograph in a neonate is highly indicative of a malrotation defect with volvulus. This condition involves abnormal intestinal rotation leading to twisting of the bowel, which obstructs the intestine and compromises blood supply, causing the described symptoms and characteristic radiographic finding.

Question 4

An ankle sprain occurs while a 16-year-old is playing basketball (grade II, inversion injury). Which type of therapy is the MOST likely?

Accepted Answer

RICE therapy (rest, ice, compress, and elevate)

Answer

RICE therapy (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) is the standard initial treatment for most acute musculoskeletal injuries, including a Grade II ankle sprain. This approach helps to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation, promoting healing. Surgical repair is typically reserved for severe sprains or chronic instability, while analgesia alone doesn't address the physical injury, and a cast is usually for more severe injuries like fractures or Grade III sprains.

Question 5

A 3-year-old child has several bruises on her arms, legs, and face that range in color from purple to yellow-green to brown, as well as a spiral fracture of the shaft of her right humerus. The toddler reportedly fell off a swing set the day before while playing, according to the mother. The best suitable course of action is:

Accepted Answer

contact the local child protective services agency

Answer

The presence of multiple bruises in various stages of healing (purple to yellow-green to brown) and a spiral fracture of the humerus, especially when inconsistent with the reported mechanism of injury (falling off a swing set), are strong indicators of potential child abuse. Healthcare professionals have a legal and ethical obligation to report suspected child abuse to the local child protective services agency to ensure the child's safety.

CPEN - Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse Practice Test

CPEN - Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse Practice Test

Free CPEN Basic Exam Question and Answers