Explanations | Latest 2026 Emergency Nursing
Pediatric Course Prep Guide
SECTION 1: PEDIATRIC ASSESSMENT TRIANGLE & INITIAL ASSESSMENT
(Questions 1–40)
1. The ENPC recommends using which assessment model as the framework for
pediatric emergency nursing?
A. ABCDE (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure)
B. C-L (Crying, Lung sounds, Look)
C. Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT)
D. SAMPLE history
Answer: C. ENPC uses the Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT) as the initial, rapid, visual
assessment tool. The PAT consists of Appearance, Work of Breathing, and Circulation to
Skin .
2. The Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT) consists of which three components?
A. Airway, Breathing, Circulation
B. Appearance, Work of Breathing, Circulation to Skin
C. History, Head-to-toe, Vital signs
D. Mental status, Pulse, Temperature
,Answer: B. PAT components are: Appearance (muscle tone, interactiveness, consolability,
gaze, speech/cry), Work of Breathing (abnormal sounds, position, retractions), and
Circulation to Skin (pallor, mottling, cyanosis) .
3. A 2-year-old child presents with stiff posture, staring, and inconsolability.
According to the PAT, this child's appearance would be categorized as:
A. Normal
B. Sick but stable
C. Abnormal
D. Well
Answer: C. Abnormal appearance includes stiff posture, staring, and inconsolability. The
PAT does not have a "Well" category—all children presenting to the ED are considered sick
based on caregiver concern .
4. In the ENPC primary survey, the first step after the PAT is:
A. Disposition
B. Airway assessment with cervical spine immobilization
C. Vital signs
D. IV access
Answer: B. After the PAT, proceed to the Primary Survey (ABCDE): Airway with cervical
spine protection, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure .
5. The ENPC pediatric weight estimation formula for children 1–10 years old is:
A. (Age in years × 2) + 8 kg
B. (Age in years × 3) + 7 kg
C. (Age in years × 2) + 10 kg
D. (Age in years + 4) × 2 kg
,Answer: A. ENPC recommends (age in years × 2) + 8 kg for weight estimation in children 1–
10 years .
6. The Broselow tape is used for:
A. Measuring head circumference
B. Estimating weight and guiding equipment/medication dosing
C. Calculating IV fluid rates
D. Estimating gestational age
Answer: B. The Broselow Pediatric Emergency Tape estimates weight based on length. It
provides recommended equipment sizes, medication doses, and defibrillation joules for
children up to approximately 36 kg .
7. The ENPC recommends which site for intraosseous (IO) access in an infant/child?
A. Distal femur
B. Proximal tibia
C. Sternum
D. Iliac crest
Answer: B. IO access in children is most commonly obtained at the proximal tibia (2–3 cm
below the tibial tuberosity on the medial aspect) .
8. A 6-month-old infant presents with lethargy, poor feeding, and a bulging fontanelle.
The nurse should suspect:
A. Dehydration
B. Meningitis
C. Sepsis
D. Hypoglycemia
, Answer: B. The combination of fever, poor feeding, listlessness, bulging fontanel, and
hypothermia in a 6-week-old suggests possible meningitis. A lumbar puncture is the
definitive diagnostic test .
9. Which of the following findings in a neonate is most suggestive of hypoglycemia?
A. Hyperthermia and hypertension
B. Sweating, poor feeding, and a weak or high-pitched cry
C. Tachypnea and bounding pulses
D. Erythematous rash and hypertonia
Answer: B. Neonatal hypoglycemia can present with subtle signs including sweating, poor
feeding, lethargy, hypotonia, and a weak or high-pitched cry .
10. What is the most important and effective initial intervention for neonatal
resuscitation in a depressed newborn?
A. Endotracheal intubation
B. Chest compressions
C. Positive pressure ventilation (PPV)
D. Administration of epinephrine
Answer: C. Ventilating the neonate is the single most important and effective intervention
during neonatal resuscitation .
11. A 5-year-old with no health problems presents to the Emergency Department with
a sudden onset of chest pain and shortness of breath. Parents state that the family
was involved in a bad car crash one week ago. A thorough assessment and workup
has not revealed any abnormalities. Which of the following steps is the best next step
to take?
A. Ask about any new bed-wetting or sleep disturbances