CPEN Practice Questions & Rationales
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1. Which of the following is a component of the Pediatric Assessment Triangle
(PAT)?
A. vital signs
B. circulation
C. Glasgow Coma Scale
D. history - Correct Answer: B. The components of the Pediatric
Assessment Triangle are appearance, breathing, and circulation.
2. A child presents with lethargy and bilateral ptosis after eating home canned
vegetables. Which of the following additional findings would the nurse
expect?
A. excessive salivation
B. Leg weakness
C. constricted pupils
D. elevated temperature - Correct Answer: B. Botulism is a
neurotoxin that is acquired by eating canned goods that are not
properly prepared. Symptoms include ptosis, dry mouth, and muscle
flaccid muscles leading to paralysis
,3. A nurse is caring for a 3-year-old that has a decrease in hearing and pain to
right ear. Upon exam, the nurse notes impacted cerumen. The nurse should
question an order for irrigation if the caregiver mentions a history of
A. gingivitis.
B. tympanic membrane rupture
C. nasal septum deviation.
D. a fever greater than 39.4 (103F̊). - Correct Answer: B. If the
patient has a tympanic membrane rupture, the warm irrigation
solution could become trapped and provide an environment that
could produce bacterial or fungal growth. While a fever may be
present due to an ear infection, it should not prevent the use of
irrigation. Gingivitis and a nasal septum deviation do not prevent the
use of irrigation.
4. A 2-year-old presents with a left thigh deformity after tripping over a toy.
Further assessment and diagnostic studies show a left femur fracture,
multiple healed fractures to bilateral legs, and blue-tinted sclera. The nurse
is suspicious for
A. child maltreatment.
B. medical child abuse.
C. osteogenesis imperfecta.
D. juvenile arthritis. - Correct Answer: C. Osteogenesis imperfecta is
a connective tissue disorder that causes osteoporosis in children.
Clinical features include varying degrees of bone fragility, deformity,
fracture, blue sclerae, hearing loss, and discolored teeth. It is an
inherited autosomal dominant gene.
5. What is a PRIORITY treatment for Ludwig's angina?
A. administrating analgesics as ordered
B. administrating antibiotics as ordered
C. preparing the patient for a CT scan
, D. preparing the patient for placement of a central line - Correct
Answer: B. Ludwig's angina a rapidly progressive gangrenous cellulitis
of the soft tissues of the neck and floor of the mouth that can lead to
airway management problems if not treated promptly. Treatment of
the infection should be initiated as soon as possible, which often
includes a combination of penicillin, clindamycin and metronidazole.
The other options are not appropriate for the treatment of Ludwig's
angina.
6. Which of the following congenital conditions might benefit from the use of
High-frequency chest compression (HFCC) to assist with mucus breakdown?
A. Pierre-Robin
B. Cystic Fibrosis
C. Pulmonary atresia
D. Tracheal Malesia - Correct Answer: B. High-frequency chest
compression (HFCC) is a "vest that is worn by the patient that helps
by using mechanical "shaking" of the chest." It helps with providing
rapid entry of air along with rapid exit of air to help loosen and
breakdown mucus in the lungs. Patients with Tracheal Malesia,
Pierre-Robin syndrome, and pulmonary atresia do not require the use
of HFCC
7. Which of the following is MOST indicative of compartment syndrome?
A. decreased pulse pressure distal to the injury site
B. pain out of proportion to the severity of the injury
C. sensory deficit at the injury site
D. compartment pressure of 8 mmHg - Correct Answer: B. Pain is
the hallmark sign of compartment syndrome. Pain out of proportion
to the extent of the injury or pain on passive range of motion of the
, affected compartment can indicate development of or existing
compartment syndrome. Generally pressures should be >20.
8. A 10-year-old who was playing soccer arrives complaining of right shoulder
pain. A diagnosis of a clavicle fracture is made. The nurse understands the
discharge instructions are effective when the patient states
A. "I will use a heat pack four times a day."
B. "I will be able to play soccer next week."
C. "I need to take my pain medication every time it is due."
D. "I will wear my sling every day until the doctor says I don't have to." -
Correct Answer: D. The sling should be worn until a physician
deems it appropriate to discontinue. Ice should be used, not heat.
Activity should be restricted until healing is complete as patients with
a clavicle fracture can develop a hemothorax or pneumothorax. Pain
medication should be taken as needed and not on scheduled basis.
9. A 4-month-old presents with excessive crying. Assessment reveals a red
swollen penis. The nurse should be concerned that the child may be
suffering from
A. a hair tourniquet.
B. vaso-occlusive episode.
C. diaper rash.
D. Epididymitis. - Correct Answer: A. Hair tourniquet is a condition
where hair or thread becomes tightly wrapped around most
commonly a toe, and occasionally a finger, genital or other body
parts. This results in pain and swelling of the affected area.
10.An 8-month-old infant presents with irritability, and a swollen third digit of
the foot. They are afebrile with normal vital signs. The infant should first be
evaluated for
Comprehensive Resource To Help You Ace 2026-
2027 Exams Includes Frequently Tested Questions
With ELABORATED 100% Correct COMPLETE
SOLUTIONS
Guaranteed Pass First Attempt!! Current Update!!
Instant Download Pdf
1. Which of the following is a component of the Pediatric Assessment Triangle
(PAT)?
A. vital signs
B. circulation
C. Glasgow Coma Scale
D. history - Correct Answer: B. The components of the Pediatric
Assessment Triangle are appearance, breathing, and circulation.
2. A child presents with lethargy and bilateral ptosis after eating home canned
vegetables. Which of the following additional findings would the nurse
expect?
A. excessive salivation
B. Leg weakness
C. constricted pupils
D. elevated temperature - Correct Answer: B. Botulism is a
neurotoxin that is acquired by eating canned goods that are not
properly prepared. Symptoms include ptosis, dry mouth, and muscle
flaccid muscles leading to paralysis
,3. A nurse is caring for a 3-year-old that has a decrease in hearing and pain to
right ear. Upon exam, the nurse notes impacted cerumen. The nurse should
question an order for irrigation if the caregiver mentions a history of
A. gingivitis.
B. tympanic membrane rupture
C. nasal septum deviation.
D. a fever greater than 39.4 (103F̊). - Correct Answer: B. If the
patient has a tympanic membrane rupture, the warm irrigation
solution could become trapped and provide an environment that
could produce bacterial or fungal growth. While a fever may be
present due to an ear infection, it should not prevent the use of
irrigation. Gingivitis and a nasal septum deviation do not prevent the
use of irrigation.
4. A 2-year-old presents with a left thigh deformity after tripping over a toy.
Further assessment and diagnostic studies show a left femur fracture,
multiple healed fractures to bilateral legs, and blue-tinted sclera. The nurse
is suspicious for
A. child maltreatment.
B. medical child abuse.
C. osteogenesis imperfecta.
D. juvenile arthritis. - Correct Answer: C. Osteogenesis imperfecta is
a connective tissue disorder that causes osteoporosis in children.
Clinical features include varying degrees of bone fragility, deformity,
fracture, blue sclerae, hearing loss, and discolored teeth. It is an
inherited autosomal dominant gene.
5. What is a PRIORITY treatment for Ludwig's angina?
A. administrating analgesics as ordered
B. administrating antibiotics as ordered
C. preparing the patient for a CT scan
, D. preparing the patient for placement of a central line - Correct
Answer: B. Ludwig's angina a rapidly progressive gangrenous cellulitis
of the soft tissues of the neck and floor of the mouth that can lead to
airway management problems if not treated promptly. Treatment of
the infection should be initiated as soon as possible, which often
includes a combination of penicillin, clindamycin and metronidazole.
The other options are not appropriate for the treatment of Ludwig's
angina.
6. Which of the following congenital conditions might benefit from the use of
High-frequency chest compression (HFCC) to assist with mucus breakdown?
A. Pierre-Robin
B. Cystic Fibrosis
C. Pulmonary atresia
D. Tracheal Malesia - Correct Answer: B. High-frequency chest
compression (HFCC) is a "vest that is worn by the patient that helps
by using mechanical "shaking" of the chest." It helps with providing
rapid entry of air along with rapid exit of air to help loosen and
breakdown mucus in the lungs. Patients with Tracheal Malesia,
Pierre-Robin syndrome, and pulmonary atresia do not require the use
of HFCC
7. Which of the following is MOST indicative of compartment syndrome?
A. decreased pulse pressure distal to the injury site
B. pain out of proportion to the severity of the injury
C. sensory deficit at the injury site
D. compartment pressure of 8 mmHg - Correct Answer: B. Pain is
the hallmark sign of compartment syndrome. Pain out of proportion
to the extent of the injury or pain on passive range of motion of the
, affected compartment can indicate development of or existing
compartment syndrome. Generally pressures should be >20.
8. A 10-year-old who was playing soccer arrives complaining of right shoulder
pain. A diagnosis of a clavicle fracture is made. The nurse understands the
discharge instructions are effective when the patient states
A. "I will use a heat pack four times a day."
B. "I will be able to play soccer next week."
C. "I need to take my pain medication every time it is due."
D. "I will wear my sling every day until the doctor says I don't have to." -
Correct Answer: D. The sling should be worn until a physician
deems it appropriate to discontinue. Ice should be used, not heat.
Activity should be restricted until healing is complete as patients with
a clavicle fracture can develop a hemothorax or pneumothorax. Pain
medication should be taken as needed and not on scheduled basis.
9. A 4-month-old presents with excessive crying. Assessment reveals a red
swollen penis. The nurse should be concerned that the child may be
suffering from
A. a hair tourniquet.
B. vaso-occlusive episode.
C. diaper rash.
D. Epididymitis. - Correct Answer: A. Hair tourniquet is a condition
where hair or thread becomes tightly wrapped around most
commonly a toe, and occasionally a finger, genital or other body
parts. This results in pain and swelling of the affected area.
10.An 8-month-old infant presents with irritability, and a swollen third digit of
the foot. They are afebrile with normal vital signs. The infant should first be
evaluated for
