Free CEN Practice Test Questions

A 60-year-old male with a history of hypertension and recent onset of severe tearing chest and back pain is admitted to the emergency department. His blood pressure is notably higher in the left arm compared to the right arm. What is the most critical first step in managing this patient's condition?

A 42-year-old industrial worker presents to the emergency department with complaints of cough, hoarseness, and burning eyes after a chemical spill at his workplace. He was exposed to ammonia fumes for an extended period. Upon examination, he exhibits stridor and hypoxemia. Which of the following interventions is MOST appropriate as the initial step in management?

A 65-year-old patient presents to the emergency department with confusion, nausea, and a stiff neck following a head injury sustained after a fall. A cranial ultrasound is performed to assess for increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Which non-invasive finding on the ultrasound is most indicative of increased ICP?

A 35-year-old male with a known history of schizophrenia is brought to the emergency department by his family. They report he has been increasingly agitated and hearing voices that instruct him to harm himself. Upon assessment, the patient is pacing, speaking to himself, and refusing to sit down. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate initial intervention to ensure the patient's safety and begin crisis intervention?

A 29-year-old postpartum female is brought to the emergency department with severe vaginal bleeding two hours after a normal vaginal delivery. She appears pale, diaphoretic, and reports feeling dizzy. Vital signs show blood pressure 85/50 mmHg, heart rate 120 beats/min, respiratory rate 22 breaths/min, and oxygen saturation 94% on room air. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate initial intervention?

A 30-year-old male construction worker presents to the emergency department with a severe headache, dizziness, and confusion. He reports working in a poorly ventilated area with possible gas exposure. His blood work indicates a carboxyhemoglobin level at 25%. What is the most appropriate initial treatment for this patient?

A 60-year-old male with a history of chronic kidney disease presents to the emergency department with weakness, lethargy, and confusion. Laboratory results reveal a serum potassium level of 7.2 mEq/L. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate initial intervention for this patient?

In a disaster management scenario, multiple agencies are involved in a coordinated response to a large-scale chemical spill affecting a densely populated area. As an emergency nurse, what is the MOST important initial step you should take to ensure effective coordination of care for affected patients?

A 34-year-old male is brought to the emergency department after falling from a ladder. The patient is experiencing intense lower leg pain and the limb is swollen and tense. The emergency team is considering innovative techniques for managing compartment syndrome. Which of the following approaches is considered most effective in alleviating the pressure within the affected compartment?

A 35-year-old patient is brought to the emergency department after a hiking trip with fever, fatigue, and a new rash that consists of erythematous patches with central clearing. The patient reports being bitten by numerous ticks during the trip. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

A 5-year-old child is brought to the emergency department by their parents after experiencing a sudden seizure lasting 4 minutes. The child has no prior seizure history. Vital signs are stable, and the neurological examination is unremarkable aside from postictal drowsiness. Which of the following should be prioritized in the initial management of this case?