Certified Emergency Nurse MCQ Flashcards
7 cards from real CEN practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Certified Emergency Nurse MCQ flashcards as text
A patient with a suspected ectopic pregnancy has a positive beta-hCG of 2,800 mIU/mL with no intrauterine pregnancy seen on transvaginal ultrasound. She is hemodynamically stable. What is the expected management?
Answer: Methotrexate administration after OB/GYN evaluation if criteria are met
Hemodynamically stable ectopic pregnancy may be managed with methotrexate if the patient meets criteria (no cardiac activity, tube < 3.5 cm, compliant); OB/GYN must evaluate.
During a mass casualty incident, which triage category is assigned to patients with survivable injuries requiring immediate intervention?
Answer: Red (immediate)
Red tag (immediate) is assigned to patients with life-threatening but survivable injuries who need urgent treatment within 60 minutes.
A patient with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis presents with peaked T-waves on ECG, muscle weakness, and potassium of 6.8 mEq/L. What is the FIRST intervention?
Answer: Administer calcium gluconate IV to stabilize the cardiac membrane
Calcium gluconate is the first-line intervention because it immediately stabilizes the cardiac membrane and protects against life-threatening arrhythmias while other potassium-lowering measures take effect.
Which assessment is most important before administering thrombolytics (tPA) to a patient with ischemic stroke?
Answer: CT scan of the head without contrast to exclude hemorrhage
Non-contrast CT of the head must be performed before tPA to rule out hemorrhagic stroke, which is an absolute contraindication to thrombolytic therapy.
A nurse is caring for a patient restrained due to violent behavior. Which action is a priority to prevent positional asphyxia?
Answer: Ensure the patient is never placed prone and monitor breathing continuously
Positional asphyxia occurs when a restrained person cannot breathe effectively, most commonly in the prone position; continuous monitoring and supine/lateral positioning are essential.
Which of the following best describes distributive shock?
Answer: Massive vasodilation causing maldistribution of blood flow
Distributive shock (e.g., septic, anaphylactic, neurogenic) is characterized by widespread vasodilation leading to inadequate tissue perfusion despite normal or elevated cardiac output.
A patient with sickle cell disease presents in vaso-occlusive crisis with severe pain rated 10/10. What is the priority nursing intervention?
Answer: Administer IV opioids promptly per protocol and ensure adequate hydration
Prompt IV opioid administration and IV hydration are the priority in vaso-occlusive crisis to relieve pain and improve microvascular flow; delays in pain management worsen outcomes.