Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Questions with
Verified Correct Answers
What hierarchy drives diagnostic tests and treatments in medical emergencies?
The ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) hierarchy.
What is the highest priority diagnostic test for suspected acute coronary syndrome
(ACS)?
A 12-lead ECG, to be performed and interpreted within 10 minutes.
Which cardiac biomarkers are most sensitive for identifying myocardial injury?
Troponins.
What is the definitive bedside test for cardiac tamponade?
Echocardiogram.
What is the recommended immediate pharmacological treatment for ACS?
Aspirin (160-325 mg chewed).
What is the first-line medication for cardiac arrest?
Epinephrine.
What medication is used for refractory ventricular fibrillation?
Amiodarone.
What is the primary treatment for symptomatic bradycardia?
Atropine.
Why are direct vasodilators contraindicated in aortic dissections?
,They can increase the risk of dissection propagation.
What is reflex tachycardia?
An increased heart rate triggered by a rapid drop in blood pressure due to vasodilators.
What is the proper management sequence for a hypertensive emergency involving an
aortic dissection?
-blockers first, followed by vasodilators.
What is prioritized in respiratory emergencies for evaluating respiratory failure?
Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) analysis.
What imaging is preferred for diagnosing Pulmonary Embolism (PE)?
CT Angiography.
What is the first-line treatment for acute asthma and COPD bronchospasms?
Short-acting beta-agonists (Albuterol/Salbutamol).
What is the gold standard diagnostic test for differentiating stroke types?
An emergent non-contrast CT head.
What is the priority treatment for ischemic stroke if administered within specific time
windows?
rtPA (Fibrinolytics).
What is mandatory for all females of childbearing age presenting with abdominal pain?
A pregnancy test to rule out ectopic pregnancy.
What is the primary treatment for seizures associated with eclampsia?
, Magnesium Sulfate.
What is used to diagnose carbon monoxide poisoning?
Carboxyhemoglobin levels.
What is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis?
Epinephrine (IM/IV).
What are bronchopulmonary segments?
Functional, anatomic, and surgical subunits of the lung, each supplied by a specific tertiary
bronchus.
How many segments does the right lung have?
10 segments.
What is the clinical significance of bronchopulmonary segments?
They allow for targeted surgical removal of diseased segments and localization of diseases.
What is the difference in the number of segments between the right and left lung?
The right lung has 10 segments, while the left lung typically has 8.
What is the purpose of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)?
To assess the conscious level of patients.
What is the role of corticosteroids in respiratory emergencies?
To prevent rebound inflammation.
What is the target SpO2 for COPD patients receiving oxygen?
88-92%.
Verified Correct Answers
What hierarchy drives diagnostic tests and treatments in medical emergencies?
The ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) hierarchy.
What is the highest priority diagnostic test for suspected acute coronary syndrome
(ACS)?
A 12-lead ECG, to be performed and interpreted within 10 minutes.
Which cardiac biomarkers are most sensitive for identifying myocardial injury?
Troponins.
What is the definitive bedside test for cardiac tamponade?
Echocardiogram.
What is the recommended immediate pharmacological treatment for ACS?
Aspirin (160-325 mg chewed).
What is the first-line medication for cardiac arrest?
Epinephrine.
What medication is used for refractory ventricular fibrillation?
Amiodarone.
What is the primary treatment for symptomatic bradycardia?
Atropine.
Why are direct vasodilators contraindicated in aortic dissections?
,They can increase the risk of dissection propagation.
What is reflex tachycardia?
An increased heart rate triggered by a rapid drop in blood pressure due to vasodilators.
What is the proper management sequence for a hypertensive emergency involving an
aortic dissection?
-blockers first, followed by vasodilators.
What is prioritized in respiratory emergencies for evaluating respiratory failure?
Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) analysis.
What imaging is preferred for diagnosing Pulmonary Embolism (PE)?
CT Angiography.
What is the first-line treatment for acute asthma and COPD bronchospasms?
Short-acting beta-agonists (Albuterol/Salbutamol).
What is the gold standard diagnostic test for differentiating stroke types?
An emergent non-contrast CT head.
What is the priority treatment for ischemic stroke if administered within specific time
windows?
rtPA (Fibrinolytics).
What is mandatory for all females of childbearing age presenting with abdominal pain?
A pregnancy test to rule out ectopic pregnancy.
What is the primary treatment for seizures associated with eclampsia?
, Magnesium Sulfate.
What is used to diagnose carbon monoxide poisoning?
Carboxyhemoglobin levels.
What is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis?
Epinephrine (IM/IV).
What are bronchopulmonary segments?
Functional, anatomic, and surgical subunits of the lung, each supplied by a specific tertiary
bronchus.
How many segments does the right lung have?
10 segments.
What is the clinical significance of bronchopulmonary segments?
They allow for targeted surgical removal of diseased segments and localization of diseases.
What is the difference in the number of segments between the right and left lung?
The right lung has 10 segments, while the left lung typically has 8.
What is the purpose of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)?
To assess the conscious level of patients.
What is the role of corticosteroids in respiratory emergencies?
To prevent rebound inflammation.
What is the target SpO2 for COPD patients receiving oxygen?
88-92%.
