ENPC 6th Edition Pediatric Emergency Nursing
Practice Test Bank (2025–2026)
100 Verified-Style Questions with Answers and
Rationales
1. A 3-year-old presents with stridor, drooling, and tripod positioning.
What is the priority nursing action?
A. Obtain a throat culture
B. Administer racemic epinephrine
C. Avoid throat inspection and keep the child calm
D. Suction the airway immediately
Answer: C
Rationale: Suspected epiglottitis—avoid agitation or airway manipulation;
maintain airway with minimal disturbance and notify provider for airway
management.
2. A 6-year-old with asthma is in respiratory distress with wheezing and
SpO₂ of 86% despite oxygen. The next best intervention is:
A. Oral corticosteroid
B. Continuous nebulized albuterol
C. Chest X-ray
D. Encourage coughing
Answer: B
Rationale: Continuous nebulized bronchodilators are indicated in severe
asthma exacerbations unresponsive to initial treatments.
,3. Which finding in a 5-month-old indicates increased work of
breathing?
A. Nasal flaring
B. Babbling
C. Pink mucous membranes
D. Regular respirations
Answer: A
Rationale: Nasal flaring reflects an attempt to decrease airway
resistance; an early sign of respiratory distress in infants.
4. The “AVPU” scale assesses:
A. Motor strength
B. Level of consciousness
C. Circulatory status
D. Pupillary response
Answer: B
Rationale: AVPU (Alert, Verbal, Pain, Unresponsive) is a rapid
neurological assessment for consciousness.
5. The most appropriate fluid for initial resuscitation of a child in
hypovolemic shock is:
A. 5% dextrose
B. Lactated Ringer’s
C. 0.45% saline
D. Albumin
Answer: B
, Rationale: Isotonic crystalloids (LR or NS) are first-line for pediatric
hypovolemic shock.
6. A 4-year-old with a head injury has a GCS score of 8. Priority action:
A. Prepare for intubation
B. Provide oral fluids
C. Observe closely
D. Place in Trendelenburg
Answer: A
Rationale: GCS ≤ 8 = severe injury; airway protection via intubation is
indicated.
7. A toddler presents with burns on both legs and buttocks in varying
stages of healing. The nurse should:
A. Apply topical ointment
B. Ask about playground injury
C. Report possible abuse
D. Document and discharge
Answer: C
Rationale: Burns in multiple healing stages and inconsistent distribution
raise suspicion for abuse—mandatory reporting required.
8. Which pulse site is most accurate in assessing a 6-month-old
infant’s circulation during CPR?
A. Carotid
B. Radial
Practice Test Bank (2025–2026)
100 Verified-Style Questions with Answers and
Rationales
1. A 3-year-old presents with stridor, drooling, and tripod positioning.
What is the priority nursing action?
A. Obtain a throat culture
B. Administer racemic epinephrine
C. Avoid throat inspection and keep the child calm
D. Suction the airway immediately
Answer: C
Rationale: Suspected epiglottitis—avoid agitation or airway manipulation;
maintain airway with minimal disturbance and notify provider for airway
management.
2. A 6-year-old with asthma is in respiratory distress with wheezing and
SpO₂ of 86% despite oxygen. The next best intervention is:
A. Oral corticosteroid
B. Continuous nebulized albuterol
C. Chest X-ray
D. Encourage coughing
Answer: B
Rationale: Continuous nebulized bronchodilators are indicated in severe
asthma exacerbations unresponsive to initial treatments.
,3. Which finding in a 5-month-old indicates increased work of
breathing?
A. Nasal flaring
B. Babbling
C. Pink mucous membranes
D. Regular respirations
Answer: A
Rationale: Nasal flaring reflects an attempt to decrease airway
resistance; an early sign of respiratory distress in infants.
4. The “AVPU” scale assesses:
A. Motor strength
B. Level of consciousness
C. Circulatory status
D. Pupillary response
Answer: B
Rationale: AVPU (Alert, Verbal, Pain, Unresponsive) is a rapid
neurological assessment for consciousness.
5. The most appropriate fluid for initial resuscitation of a child in
hypovolemic shock is:
A. 5% dextrose
B. Lactated Ringer’s
C. 0.45% saline
D. Albumin
Answer: B
, Rationale: Isotonic crystalloids (LR or NS) are first-line for pediatric
hypovolemic shock.
6. A 4-year-old with a head injury has a GCS score of 8. Priority action:
A. Prepare for intubation
B. Provide oral fluids
C. Observe closely
D. Place in Trendelenburg
Answer: A
Rationale: GCS ≤ 8 = severe injury; airway protection via intubation is
indicated.
7. A toddler presents with burns on both legs and buttocks in varying
stages of healing. The nurse should:
A. Apply topical ointment
B. Ask about playground injury
C. Report possible abuse
D. Document and discharge
Answer: C
Rationale: Burns in multiple healing stages and inconsistent distribution
raise suspicion for abuse—mandatory reporting required.
8. Which pulse site is most accurate in assessing a 6-month-old
infant’s circulation during CPR?
A. Carotid
B. Radial
