CEN Practice Test 2026 | Free Questions

A 10-year-old child is being treated by the emergency department staff. He or she has a normal systolic blood pressure, a rapid heartbeat, somewhat delayed capillary refill, and chilly, pale complexion. How much shock is the child most likely experiencing?

<label class="wq_answerTxtCtr">Compensated shock</label>

<label class="wq_answerTxtCtr">Decompensated shock</label>

<label class="wq_answerTxtCtr">Hypotensive shock</label>

<label class="wq_answerTxtCtr">None of the above</label>

Correct! Wrong!

The impact of shock on systolic blood pressure is frequently used to describe shock severity. The shock is referred to as ""compensated"" when the compensatory mechanisms are active and keep the systolic blood pressure constant. Shock is categorized as ""hypotensive"" (formerly called ""decompensated"") when the mechanisms can no longer support the blood pressure.

<button class="wq-continue-btn wq_btn-continue" type="button">Continue >></button>

A 24-year-old guy with gunshot wounds to his abdomen and left groin area has been transported by emergency medical services to the emergency department. His heart rate is 120 beats per minute, and his blood pressure is 84/52. His skin is pale, cold, and diaphoretic. The procedure for which the nurse should get ready is:

<label class="wq_answerTxtCtr">Endotracheal intubation</label>

<label class="wq_answerTxtCtr">Administration of verapamil</label>

<label class="wq_answerTxtCtr">Rapid administration of a crystalloid solution</label>

<label class="wq_answerTxtCtr">Chest compressions</label>

Correct! Wrong!

The young man's symptoms and gunshot wounds suggest that he has suffered from hypovolemia as a result of severe blood loss. A quick intravenous infusion of a crystalloid solution is used to treat hypovolemia.

<button class="wq-continue-btn wq_btn-continue" type="button">Continue >></button>

The following are all indications of respiratory failure, WITH THE EXCEPTION

<label class="wq_answerTxtCtr">Decreased level of consciousness</label>

<label class="wq_answerTxtCtr">Nasal flaring and retractions</label>

<label class="wq_answerTxtCtr">Bradypnea</label>

<label class="wq_answerTxtCtr">Diminished air movement</label>

Correct! Wrong!

Not respiratory failure, although respiratory discomfort is indicated by nasal flaring and retractions. You can recognize respiratory failure by the following symptoms: diminished air movement, central and peripheral cyanosis, decreased level of consciousness, and decreased breathing effort with late bradypnea.

<button class="wq-continue-btn wq_btn-continue" type="button">Continue >></button>

All of the typical assessments listed below can be used to quickly assess a child's neurological condition, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF:

<label class="wq_answerTxtCtr">The Glasgow Coma Scale.</label>

<label class="wq_answerTxtCtr">Pupillary responses to light.</label>

<label class="wq_answerTxtCtr">The Epworth Scale.</label>

<label class="wq_answerTxtCtr">The AVPU scale.</label>

Correct! Wrong!

The Epworth Scale is a drowsiness test that is not typically evaluated as part of a child's neurological examination. The neural state of a child can be assessed using the AVPU and Glasgow Coma measures. It's important to assess the size and reaction of the pupil. (zolpidem)

<button class="wq-continue-btn wq_btn-continue" type="button">Continue >></button>

A patient who is experiencing respiratory distress is receiving positive pressure ventilation through an ET tube from you. Aside from: All of the following are signs that you are breathing too quickly.

<label class="wq_answerTxtCtr">Tension pneumothorax</label>

<label class="wq_answerTxtCtr">Aspiration</label>

<label class="wq_answerTxtCtr">Increasing waveform capnography readings</label>

<label class="wq_answerTxtCtr">Stomach insufflation</label>

Correct! Wrong!

Aspiration, stomach insufflation, and tension pneumothorax are latrogenic consequences of hyperventilation with an ET tube. Waveform capnography readings that are rising are a sign of effective CPR.

<button class="wq-continue-btn wq_btn-continue" type="button">Continue >></button>

A patient who is in cardiogenic shock is under your care. You are aware that one of this condition's likely causes is:

<label class="wq_answerTxtCtr">Spinal cord injury</label>

<label class="wq_answerTxtCtr">Congestive heart failure</label>

<label class="wq_answerTxtCtr">Infection</label>

<label class="wq_answerTxtCtr">Dehydration</label>

Correct! Wrong!

The most common cause of cardiogenic shock is congestive heart failure. Cardiogenic shock can also be brought on by acute myocardial infarction and other cardiac disorders. Hypovolemic shock can be brought on by dehydration. Injury to the spinal cord may result in neurogenic shock. Septic shock can result from infection.

<button class="wq-continue-btn wq_btn-continue" type="button">Continue >></button>

The optimum method to confirm and maintain tracheal tube position, when available, is described by the American Heart Association ACLS guidelines as:

<label class="wq_answerTxtCtr">Clinical examination and quantitative waveform capnography.</label>

<label class="wq_answerTxtCtr">Clinical examination only.</label>

<label class="wq_answerTxtCtr">Quantitative waveform capnography.</label>

<label class="wq_answerTxtCtr">Clinical examination and Pulse oximetry.</label>

Correct! Wrong!

To establish and maintain ET tube position, the AHA advises using clinical evaluation and continuous waveform capnography.

Advanced nursing candidates can reinforce their specialty knowledge and critical reasoning with our TCRN trauma nurse exam 2026, aligned to national certification standards.

<button class="wq-continue-btn wq_btn-continue" type="button">Continue >></button>

CEN - Certified Emergency Nurse Practice Test

CEN - Certified Emergency Nurse Practice Test

A 10-year-old child is being treated by the emergency department staff. He or she has a normal systolic blood pressure, a rapid heartbeat, somewhat delayed capillary refill, and chilly, pale complexion. How much shock is the child most likely experiencing?

The following are all indications of respiratory failure, WITH THE EXCEPTION

All of the typical assessments listed below can be used to quickly assess a child's neurological condition, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF:

A patient who is experiencing respiratory distress is receiving positive pressure ventilation through an ET tube from you. Aside from: All of the following are signs that you are breathing too quickly.

A patient who is in cardiogenic shock is under your care. You are aware that one of this condition's likely causes is:

The optimum method to confirm and maintain tracheal tube position, when available, is described by the American Heart Association ACLS guidelines as:

CEN Practice Test Questions