CERTIFIED EMERGENCY NURSING (CEN) 2025/2026
EXAM COMPLETE CURRENT QUESTIONS AND
DETAILED CORRECT (VERIFIED) ANSWERS FOR
GUARANTEED PASS/TOP-RATED A+.
CEN
Ace your Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN) exam with this
comprehensive guide, designed to master trauma care, medical
emergencies, and complex triage protocols. This resource
delivers high-acuity, scenario-based questions covering
pediatric emergencies, environmental injuries, and crisis
intervention.
Fill in the blank: The classic triad of acute aortic dissection
includes chest pain, pulse deficit, and ________. ......
ANSWER ....... Widened mediastinum
Definition: Inflammation of the inner lining of the heart,
usually involving the valves. ...... ANSWER .......
Endocarditis
Terminology: ST-segment elevation on ECG indicates
________. ...... ANSWER ....... Myocardial infarction
(STEMI)
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Scenario: A patient presents with jugular vein distention,
muffled heart sounds, and hypotension. What is the likely
diagnosis? ...... ANSWER ....... Pericardial tamponade
(Beck's triad)
Fill in the blank: The term "afterload" refers to the resistance
the ________ must overcome to eject blood. ...... ANSWER
....... Left ventricle
Definition: Sudden cessation of cardiac mechanical activity
confirmed by absence of pulse, unresponsiveness, and
apnea. ...... ANSWER ....... Cardiopulmonary arrest
Scenario: A patient with chest pain radiating to the jaw and
diaphoresis likely has ________. ...... ANSWER ....... Acute
coronary syndrome (ACS)
Terminology: A life-threatening ventricular rhythm with no
effective cardiac output. ...... ANSWER ....... Ventricular
fibrillation
Fill in the blank: Aneurysm refers to a localized ________ of
an artery. ...... ANSWER ....... Dilation or ballooning
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Definition: Inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart.
...... ANSWER ....... Pericarditis
Scenario: A trauma patient presents with distended neck
veins, absent breath sounds on one side, and hypotension
— this indicates ________. ...... ANSWER ....... Tension
pneumothorax causing obstructive shock
Terminology: Condition in which the heart cannot pump
sufficient blood to meet the body's needs. ...... ANSWER
....... Heart failure
Fill in the blank: The most common site for a deep vein
thrombosis is the ________ vein. ...... ANSWER .......
Popliteal or femoral
Definition: Sudden blockage of a pulmonary artery by a
thrombus. ...... ANSWER ....... Pulmonary embolism
Scenario: A patient with tearing chest pain radiating to the
back and a different BP in each arm may have ________.
...... ANSWER ....... Aortic dissection
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Terminology: Refers to elevated arterial pressure
persistently above normal range. ...... ANSWER .......
Hypertension
Fill in the blank: The medication used to dissolve clots in
acute STEMI is called a ________. ...... ANSWER .......
Thrombolytic (fibrinolytic)
Definition: Shock resulting from failure of the heart to pump
effectively. ...... ANSWER ....... Cardiogenic shock
Scenario: A patient presents with cold, pale extremity, pain,
paresthesia, and pulselessness — think ________. ......
ANSWER ....... Acute arterial occlusion (Peripheral
vascular disease)
Terminology: Abnormally slow heart rhythm (<60 bpm). ......
ANSWER ....... Bradycardia
Fill in the blank: "Preload" refers to the volume of blood
returning to the ________. ...... ANSWER ....... Heart
(ventricles)