CEN Flashcards 2026-2027: Certified Emergency Nurse Exam Review Cards, High-Yield Notes &
Practice Prep
Emergency Care Principles
ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation)
Primary principles in emergency care prioritizing patient airway, breathing, and
circulation.
Critical for stabilizing patients in life-threatening situations.
Ensures vital functions are maintained before addressing other medical issues.
Acute Medical Conditions
Acute Abdomen: Sudden onset of abdominal pain requiring urgent evaluation.
Acute Coronary Syndrome: Conditions due to decreased blood flow to the heart muscle.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): Severe lung condition causing breathing
difficulties.
Adrenal Crisis: Life-threatening situation from insufficient cortisol production.
Cardiac and Respiratory Emergencies
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
Interventions for urgent treatment of cardiac arrest and stroke.
Includes defibrillation, medication administration, and airway management.
Critical for improving survival rates in cardiac emergencies.
Atrial Fibrillation and Respiratory Disorders
Atrial Fibrillation: Irregular heart rate affecting blood flow.
Asthma: Chronic lung condition causing airway inflammation.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): Severe lung condition with breathing
difficulties.
Pulmonary embolism: Blockage in the pulmonary artery causing breathing problems.
Pediatric and Adolescent Health
, Childhood Diseases and Disorders
Chickenpox: Viral infection with itchy rash primarily affecting children.
Child Abuse Identification: Recognizing signs of maltreatment or harm.
Childhood Leptospirosis: Bacterial disease spread through contaminated water.
Childhood Vaccinations: Immunizations to prevent infectious diseases.
Adolescent Mental Health
Adolescent Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Neurodevelopmental disorder with
inattention and hyperactivity.
Autism Spectrum Disorders: Developmental disorders affecting social skills and
communication.
Child and Adolescent Anxiety Disorders: Excessive fear and worry in young individuals.
Respiratory Conditions
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Chronic inflammatory lung disease causing airflow limitation and breathing difficulties.
Results in progressive damage to the airways and alveoli.
Commonly caused by smoking or exposure to lung irritants.
Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Commotio Cordis
Sudden cardiac arrest from a blunt chest blow.
Can lead to ventricular fibrillation and death.
Often seen in sports-related injuries.
Requires immediate CPR and defibrillation.
Croup and Laryngotracheobronchitis
Respiratory conditions causing barking cough and breathing difficulties.
Primarily affects children due to viral infections.
Involves inflammation of the larynx and trachea.
Practice Prep
Emergency Care Principles
ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation)
Primary principles in emergency care prioritizing patient airway, breathing, and
circulation.
Critical for stabilizing patients in life-threatening situations.
Ensures vital functions are maintained before addressing other medical issues.
Acute Medical Conditions
Acute Abdomen: Sudden onset of abdominal pain requiring urgent evaluation.
Acute Coronary Syndrome: Conditions due to decreased blood flow to the heart muscle.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): Severe lung condition causing breathing
difficulties.
Adrenal Crisis: Life-threatening situation from insufficient cortisol production.
Cardiac and Respiratory Emergencies
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
Interventions for urgent treatment of cardiac arrest and stroke.
Includes defibrillation, medication administration, and airway management.
Critical for improving survival rates in cardiac emergencies.
Atrial Fibrillation and Respiratory Disorders
Atrial Fibrillation: Irregular heart rate affecting blood flow.
Asthma: Chronic lung condition causing airway inflammation.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): Severe lung condition with breathing
difficulties.
Pulmonary embolism: Blockage in the pulmonary artery causing breathing problems.
Pediatric and Adolescent Health
, Childhood Diseases and Disorders
Chickenpox: Viral infection with itchy rash primarily affecting children.
Child Abuse Identification: Recognizing signs of maltreatment or harm.
Childhood Leptospirosis: Bacterial disease spread through contaminated water.
Childhood Vaccinations: Immunizations to prevent infectious diseases.
Adolescent Mental Health
Adolescent Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Neurodevelopmental disorder with
inattention and hyperactivity.
Autism Spectrum Disorders: Developmental disorders affecting social skills and
communication.
Child and Adolescent Anxiety Disorders: Excessive fear and worry in young individuals.
Respiratory Conditions
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Chronic inflammatory lung disease causing airflow limitation and breathing difficulties.
Results in progressive damage to the airways and alveoli.
Commonly caused by smoking or exposure to lung irritants.
Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Commotio Cordis
Sudden cardiac arrest from a blunt chest blow.
Can lead to ventricular fibrillation and death.
Often seen in sports-related injuries.
Requires immediate CPR and defibrillation.
Croup and Laryngotracheobronchitis
Respiratory conditions causing barking cough and breathing difficulties.
Primarily affects children due to viral infections.
Involves inflammation of the larynx and trachea.
