CEN PEDIATRIC QUESTIONS
2025/2026 Compiled
ExamQuestions and Answers
PROF.M
,Question 1
Emergency medical services rush a girl, age 4, to the emergency department. The child
was at her day care center when she developed sudden-onset wheezing after eating
cookies to celebrate another child's birthday. During the ambulance ride to the hospital,
the child demonstrated flushed skin, and her blood pressure was lower than expected.
Which disorder should you suspect?
A. Foreign body aspiration
B. Anaphylactic reaction
C. Asthma exacerbation
D. Acute viral illness
Correct Answer
An anaphylactic reaction produces wheezing, flushed skin, and hypotension because of
vasodilation. Although foreign body aspiration and asthma exacerbation may cause
wheezing, they do not typically cause skin flushing and hypotension. An acute viral
illness is not associated with such an abrupt onset. Expect to counsel the child's
caregivers to have the child undergo allergy testing because the cookies may have
contained an ingredient that led to her anaphylaxis.
Question 2
Alyssa, age 4, is brought to the emergency department by her parents, who inform you
that Alyssa has had a bad cough for the past 5 days. They also inform you that Alyssa has
asthma. You observe that Alyssa is quiet and pale. What is your first priority in triage for
Alyssa?
A. Assess the work of breathing.
B. Obtain a temperature.
C. Measure oxygen saturation.
D. Measure the blood pressure.
Correct Answer
At this time, based on Alyssa's history and signs and symptoms, the priority is assessing
the work of breathing to determine her level of respiratory distress. Assessing the work
of breathing is one of the three components of the Pediatric Assessment Triangle. Expect
to perform all of the other assessments, but they are not the initial priority.
Question 3
For more info:
, Which parameter is part of the secondary survey?
A. Work of breathing
B. General appearance
C. Circulation to the skin
D. Vital signs
Correct Answer
Vital signs are an important part of the secondary survey. The Pediatric Assessment
Triangle, which is completed on the child's presentation to the emergency department,
uses three physiologic parameters to evaluate the severity of illness and injury: general
appearance, work of breathing, and circulation to the skin.
f 52 to 92 mm Hg, and weight of 3 kg.
Question 4
What is the most common cause of status epilepticus in pediatric patients?
A. Trauma
B. Anoxia
C. Febrile illness
D. Infection
Correct Answer
Febrile illness is by far the most common cause of status epilepticus in pediatric patients.
However, status epilepticus may also be a manifestation of anoxia, infection, trauma,
ingestion, or metabolic disorder.
Question 5
Which viral illness is potentially life threatening in very young infants?
A. Croup
B. Pertussis
C. Epiglottitis
D. Bronchiolitis
Correct Answer
Bronchiolitis is a viral illness that causes
expiratory obstruction,
air trapping, and
thick, copious mucous,
resulting in varying degrees of respiratory distress.
For more info:
2025/2026 Compiled
ExamQuestions and Answers
PROF.M
,Question 1
Emergency medical services rush a girl, age 4, to the emergency department. The child
was at her day care center when she developed sudden-onset wheezing after eating
cookies to celebrate another child's birthday. During the ambulance ride to the hospital,
the child demonstrated flushed skin, and her blood pressure was lower than expected.
Which disorder should you suspect?
A. Foreign body aspiration
B. Anaphylactic reaction
C. Asthma exacerbation
D. Acute viral illness
Correct Answer
An anaphylactic reaction produces wheezing, flushed skin, and hypotension because of
vasodilation. Although foreign body aspiration and asthma exacerbation may cause
wheezing, they do not typically cause skin flushing and hypotension. An acute viral
illness is not associated with such an abrupt onset. Expect to counsel the child's
caregivers to have the child undergo allergy testing because the cookies may have
contained an ingredient that led to her anaphylaxis.
Question 2
Alyssa, age 4, is brought to the emergency department by her parents, who inform you
that Alyssa has had a bad cough for the past 5 days. They also inform you that Alyssa has
asthma. You observe that Alyssa is quiet and pale. What is your first priority in triage for
Alyssa?
A. Assess the work of breathing.
B. Obtain a temperature.
C. Measure oxygen saturation.
D. Measure the blood pressure.
Correct Answer
At this time, based on Alyssa's history and signs and symptoms, the priority is assessing
the work of breathing to determine her level of respiratory distress. Assessing the work
of breathing is one of the three components of the Pediatric Assessment Triangle. Expect
to perform all of the other assessments, but they are not the initial priority.
Question 3
For more info:
, Which parameter is part of the secondary survey?
A. Work of breathing
B. General appearance
C. Circulation to the skin
D. Vital signs
Correct Answer
Vital signs are an important part of the secondary survey. The Pediatric Assessment
Triangle, which is completed on the child's presentation to the emergency department,
uses three physiologic parameters to evaluate the severity of illness and injury: general
appearance, work of breathing, and circulation to the skin.
f 52 to 92 mm Hg, and weight of 3 kg.
Question 4
What is the most common cause of status epilepticus in pediatric patients?
A. Trauma
B. Anoxia
C. Febrile illness
D. Infection
Correct Answer
Febrile illness is by far the most common cause of status epilepticus in pediatric patients.
However, status epilepticus may also be a manifestation of anoxia, infection, trauma,
ingestion, or metabolic disorder.
Question 5
Which viral illness is potentially life threatening in very young infants?
A. Croup
B. Pertussis
C. Epiglottitis
D. Bronchiolitis
Correct Answer
Bronchiolitis is a viral illness that causes
expiratory obstruction,
air trapping, and
thick, copious mucous,
resulting in varying degrees of respiratory distress.
For more info:
