Are flashcards effective for the CFRN exam?

Yes. Flashcards use active recall — retrieving an answer from memory — which research shows is one of the most effective ways to make information stick, especially in short sessions spread over several days. That matters for facts like the gas laws, the 7 P's of RSI, the lethal triad, and drug contraindications.

What topics do the CFRN flashcards cover?

Every BCEN domain: General Principles of Flight Transport Nursing Practice (the gas laws, stressors of flight, scene safety, EMTALA), Resuscitation Principles (airway/RSI, ventilation, shock), Trauma, Medical Emergencies, and Special Populations (OB, neonatal/pediatric, geriatric, bariatric).

Do these flashcards reflect the flight-transport setting?

Yes. Every card is written to the air medical transport level the CFRN actually tests — the flight physiology, the equipment, and the reality that the flight nurse is often the most experienced clinician on board — not just generic hospital nursing.

How should I study with these flashcards?

Mix the modes: flip to learn, type to test recall, match for speed, and quiz to check yourself. Spend the most time on Resuscitation (40 items) and Medical Emergencies (35) — together they are half the scored exam — but don't skip the flight-specific General Principles domain.

Are the CFRN flashcards free?

Yes — 100% free, all four study modes, no paywall.

$P_1 V_1 = P_2 V_2$ — as pressure falls on ascent, trapped gas EXPANDS (pneumothorax, GI gas, ET cuff, air splints).

The Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN).

175 items — 150 scored + 25 unscored pretest.

180 minutes (3 hours total seat time).

108 of 150 scored items correct (a raw cut score, ~72%).

Criterion-referenced — pass/fail against a fixed cut score, not a curve.

General Principles of Flight Transport Nursing (30), Resuscitation (40), Trauma (30), Medical Emergencies (35), Special Populations (15).

Resuscitation Principles — 40 scored items (~27%).

Current unrestricted RN license (US, US territory, Canada, Australia, or equivalent); 2 yrs experience recommended, not required.

CFRN certification period

4 years; renew by 100 CE contact hours ($\geq$75 clinical) or by exam.

Retest after a 90-day wait; discounted retest within 1 year; Test Assurance option available.

CFRN = flight (air medical) transport nurse; CTRN = certified transport registered nurse (ground/surface), both BCEN credentials.

Role delineation study

The practice analysis BCEN uses to define what flight nurses do and build the exam content outline.

Total pressure = sum of partial pressures; at altitude total pressure falls, so the partial pressure of O₂ falls → hypoxia at the same FiO₂.

Dissolved gas is proportional to its partial pressure; as pressure falls, gas leaves solution → decompression sickness (nitrogen bubbles).

Boyle's law — it drives most barometric (dysbarism) injuries from trapped-gas expansion.

Injury from changing ambient pressure — barotrauma to ears, sinuses, GI tract, lungs, and decompression sickness.

Boyle's law airway action

Fill the ET cuff with saline (not air) or recheck cuff pressure at altitude, since cuff air expands on ascent.

Boyle's law pre-flight prep

Place a chest tube for any pneumothorax and vent the stomach with a gastric tube before flight.

Hypoxia, barometric, thermal, decreased humidity, noise, vibration, fatigue, gravitational (G) forces, spatial disorientation, flicker vertigo.

Thermal change with altitude

Roughly a 2 °C drop per 1,000 ft — a hypothermia risk that feeds the trauma lethal triad.

Decreased humidity effect

Dry cabin air thickens secretions and dries mucous membranes.

Impairs auscultation and communication — rely on capnography/invasive monitoring and use hearing protection.

Degrades NIBP/SpO₂ readings and fatigues the crew; secure equipment.

Rotor/light strobe through the eyes that can provoke nausea, disorientation, or (rarely) seizures.

Spatial disorientation

Loss of visual reference in flight — a crew safety/survival hazard.

Helicopter landing zone

$\approx$100 $\times$ 100 ft, level, firm, free of obstructions/wires/debris, with hazards communicated to the pilot.

Approaching a helicopter

Approach from the FRONT in the pilot's line of sight; never from the rear (tail rotor) or uphill side; keep low.

The pilot has final authority to refuse/abort a flight for weather or safety — no clinical urgency overrides it.

Blankets/sheets/debris can be drawn into a rotor — secure everything before approach.

Simple Triage And Rapid Treatment — a mass-casualty system to do the most good for the most patients.

Federal law requiring a medical screening exam, stabilization, and an appropriate transfer of an unstable patient by a Medicare-participating hospital.

Sending hospital stabilizes; receiving accepts and has capacity; transfer uses qualified personnel and appropriate equipment.

Safety framework separating human error/at-risk behavior (coach/console) from reckless behavior (discipline), encouraging non-punitive reporting.

Air medical resource management

A transport adaptation of crew resource management (CRM) that flattens hierarchy so any crew member can voice a safety concern.

Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation — a structured handoff to prevent loss of critical information across transitions of care.

Pre-mission preparation

Weather check, weight/balance, equipment and oxygen check, and patient packaging before lift-off.

Preparation, Preoxygenation, Pretreatment, Paralysis with induction, Positioning, Placement with proof, Post-intubation management.

RSI preparation checklist: Suction, Oxygen, Airway equipment, Pharmacology, Monitors, End-tidal CO₂.

Capnography in transport

Continuous waveform end-tidal CO₂ — the gold standard for confirming and monitoring ET tube placement in a noisy, moving cabin.

Supplemental O₂ (e.g., nasal cannula) during the apneic phase of intubation to extend safe apnea time.

3 minutes of 100% O₂ (or 8 vital-capacity breaths) before RSI to build an oxygen reserve.

Depolarizing paralytic; fastest onset, short duration; causes potassium efflux.

Nondepolarizing paralytic used when succinylcholine is contraindicated; no K⁺ shift, longer duration — pair with sedation.

Your FREE CFRN Flashcards 2026 – 200+ Cards

Q: How many CFRN flashcards are there?

Hundreds of free CFRN flashcards, organized across the five BCEN content domains tested on the Certified Flight Registered Nurse exam — from flight physiology and resuscitation through trauma, medical emergencies, and special populations. They're free to use with no account required.

Realistic, BCEN-aligned flight-nursing flashcards — flip, match, type, and quiz yourself, all at the air medical transport level.

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CFRN Flashcards

Boyle's law: $P_1 V_1 = P_2 V_2$ — as pressure falls on ascent, trapped gas EXPANDS (pneumothorax, GI gas, ET cuff, air splints).
CFRN certifying body: The Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN).
CFRN total items: 175 items — 150 scored + 25 unscored pretest.
CFRN time limit: 180 minutes (3 hours total seat time).
CFRN passing score: 108 of 150 scored items correct (a raw cut score, ~72%).
CFRN scoring type: Criterion-referenced — pass/fail against a fixed cut score, not a curve.
CFRN domains (5): General Principles of Flight Transport Nursing (30), Resuscitation (40), Trauma (30), Medical Emergencies (35), Special Populations (15).
Largest CFRN domain: Resuscitation Principles — 40 scored items (~27%).
CFRN eligibility: Current unrestricted RN license (US, US territory, Canada, Australia, or equivalent); 2 yrs experience recommended, not required.
CFRN certification period: 4 years; renew by 100 CE contact hours ( $\geq$ 75 clinical) or by exam.
CFRN retake policy: Retest after a 90-day wait; discounted retest within 1 year; Test Assurance option available.
CFRN vs CTRN: CFRN = flight (air medical) transport nurse; CTRN = certified transport registered nurse (ground/surface), both BCEN credentials.
Role delineation study: The practice analysis BCEN uses to define what flight nurses do and build the exam content outline.
Dalton's law: Total pressure = sum of partial pressures; at altitude total pressure falls, so the partial pressure of O₂ falls → hypoxia at the same FiO₂.
Henry's law: Dissolved gas is proportional to its partial pressure; as pressure falls, gas leaves solution → decompression sickness (nitrogen bubbles).
Most tested gas law: Boyle's law — it drives most barometric (dysbarism) injuries from trapped-gas expansion.
Dysbarism: Injury from changing ambient pressure — barotrauma to ears, sinuses, GI tract, lungs, and decompression sickness.
Boyle's law airway action: Fill the ET cuff with saline (not air) or recheck cuff pressure at altitude, since cuff air expands on ascent.
Boyle's law pre-flight prep: Place a chest tube for any pneumothorax and vent the stomach with a gastric tube before flight.
Stressors of flight: Hypoxia, barometric, thermal, decreased humidity, noise, vibration, fatigue, gravitational (G) forces, spatial disorientation, flicker vertigo.
Thermal change with altitude: Roughly a 2 °C drop per 1,000 ft — a hypothermia risk that feeds the trauma lethal triad.
Decreased humidity effect: Dry cabin air thickens secretions and dries mucous membranes.
Noise stressor: Impairs auscultation and communication — rely on capnography/invasive monitoring and use hearing protection.
Vibration stressor: Degrades NIBP/SpO₂ readings and fatigues the crew; secure equipment.
Flicker vertigo: Rotor/light strobe through the eyes that can provoke nausea, disorientation, or (rarely) seizures.
Spatial disorientation: Loss of visual reference in flight — a crew safety/survival hazard.
Helicopter landing zone: $\approx$ 100 $\times$ 100 ft, level, firm, free of obstructions/wires/debris, with hazards communicated to the pilot.
Approaching a helicopter: Approach from the FRONT in the pilot's line of sight; never from the rear (tail rotor) or uphill side; keep low.
Pilot authority: The pilot has final authority to refuse/abort a flight for weather or safety — no clinical urgency overrides it.
Loose-item hazard: Blankets/sheets/debris can be drawn into a rotor — secure everything before approach.
START triage: Simple Triage And Rapid Treatment — a mass-casualty system to do the most good for the most patients.
EMTALA: Federal law requiring a medical screening exam, stabilization, and an appropriate transfer of an unstable patient by a Medicare-participating hospital.
EMTALA transfer rule: Sending hospital stabilizes; receiving accepts and has capacity; transfer uses qualified personnel and appropriate equipment.
Just Culture: Safety framework separating human error/at-risk behavior (coach/console) from reckless behavior (discipline), encouraging non-punitive reporting.
Air medical resource management: A transport adaptation of crew resource management (CRM) that flattens hierarchy so any crew member can voice a safety concern.
SBAR handoff: Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation — a structured handoff to prevent loss of critical information across transitions of care.
Pre-mission preparation: Weather check, weight/balance, equipment and oxygen check, and patient packaging before lift-off.
7 P's of RSI: Preparation, Preoxygenation, Pretreatment, Paralysis with induction, Positioning, Placement with proof, Post-intubation management.
SOAP-ME: RSI preparation checklist: Suction, Oxygen, Airway equipment, Pharmacology, Monitors, End-tidal CO₂.
Capnography in transport: Continuous waveform end-tidal CO₂ — the gold standard for confirming and monitoring ET tube placement in a noisy, moving cabin.
Apneic oxygenation: Supplemental O₂ (e.g., nasal cannula) during the apneic phase of intubation to extend safe apnea time.
Preoxygenation: 3 minutes of 100% O₂ (or 8 vital-capacity breaths) before RSI to build an oxygen reserve.
Succinylcholine: Depolarizing paralytic; fastest onset, short duration; causes potassium efflux.
Succinylcholine contraindications: Major burns/crush injury >24–72 h old, denervating disease, and hyperkalemia (risk of lethal K⁺ efflux).
Rocuronium: Nondepolarizing paralytic used when succinylcholine is contraindicated; no K⁺ shift, longer duration — pair with sedation.
Ketamine for RSI: Dissociative induction agent that supports BP and bronchodilates — good for shock or bronchospasm.
Etomidate: Hemodynamically stable induction agent; transient adrenal suppression.
DOPE mnemonic: Sudden decline in a ventilated patient: Displacement, Obstruction, Pneumothorax, Equipment failure.
Lung-protective ventilation: Low tidal volume (~6 mL/kg ideal body weight) with PEEP, used in ARDS to limit barotrauma.
PEEP: Positive end-expiratory pressure — keeps alveoli open at end-expiration to improve oxygenation.
Asthma/COPD ventilation: Allow a long expiratory time to avoid breath-stacking (auto-PEEP) and barotrauma.
Normal ABG: pH 7.35–7.45, PaCO₂ 35–45 mmHg, HCO₃ 22–26 mEq/L, PaO₂ 80–100 mmHg.
ROME: Respiratory Opposite, Metabolic Equal — for matching pH to PaCO₂ (respiratory) or HCO₃ (metabolic).
Four shock states: Hypovolemic, cardiogenic, distributive, and obstructive.
Hypovolemic shock: Volume loss (hemorrhage, burns, dehydration); tachycardia, narrow pulse pressure, cool/clammy; treat with blood/balanced resuscitation.
Cardiogenic shock: Pump failure (often large MI); cold & wet, pulmonary edema, ↑lactate; treat with inotropes + treat the cause.
Distributive shock: Pathologic vasodilation (septic, anaphylactic, neurogenic); ↓SVR; treat with fluids + vasopressors.
Obstructive shock: Mechanical block — tamponade, tension pneumothorax, massive PE; relieve the obstruction.
Neurogenic shock: Distributive shock after spinal cord injury: hypotension WITH bradycardia and warm, dry skin (lost sympathetic tone).
First-line vasopressor: Norepinephrine — titrated to keep the MAP $\geq$ 65 mmHg in distributive shock.
MAP target in shock: Keep the mean arterial pressure at 65 mmHg or higher.
Hemostatic resuscitation: Warm, balanced blood products (RBC/plasma/platelets) over large-volume crystalloid in hemorrhage.
Crystalloid pitfall: Large-volume room-temperature crystalloid dilutes clotting factors and worsens hypothermia and acidosis.
Defibrillation rhythms: VF and pulseless VT are shockable; PEA and asystole are not.
Torsades treatment: IV magnesium for polymorphic VT with a prolonged QT.
Lethal triad: Hypothermia + acidosis + coagulopathy — each worsens the others in severe trauma.
Trauma diamond: The lethal triad PLUS hypocalcemia — four interrelated derangements that worsen hemorrhage.
Damage-control resuscitation: Permissive hypotension, warm balanced blood products, warming, calcium replacement, and early TXA.
Permissive hypotension: Keeping BP deliberately lower in uncontrolled hemorrhage until bleeding is controlled, to avoid dislodging clot.
TXA: Tranexamic acid — an antifibrinolytic given early in major hemorrhage to reduce clot breakdown and mortality.
Why warm a trauma patient: Hypothermia blunts the clotting cascade and platelet function — warming directly fights the lethal triad.
Hemorrhage control: Direct pressure, tourniquets, hemostatic dressings, and pelvic binders.
Glasgow Coma Scale: Scores consciousness 3–15: eye (1–4) + verbal (1–5) + motor (1–6).
GCS intubation threshold: A GCS $\leq$ 8 generally means the patient cannot protect the airway → intubate.
Secondary brain injury: Preventable worsening of TBI from hypoxia and hypotension — avoid both at all costs.
TBI transport measures: Avoid hypoxia/hypotension, elevate the head ~30°, maintain normocapnia (no routine hyperventilation).
Cushing's triad: Late sign of raised ICP: hypertension with widened pulse pressure, bradycardia, irregular respirations → herniation.
Tension pneumothorax: Air trapped under pressure: hypotension, JVD, absent breath sounds, late tracheal deviation; expands at altitude (Boyle).
Tension pneumothorax treatment: Needle decompression, then a chest tube — ideally placed before flight.
Open pneumothorax: Sucking chest wound — apply a 3-sided occlusive dressing and watch for tension.
Flail chest: Three or more contiguous ribs fractured in two or more places → paradoxical movement + pulmonary contusion.
Cardiac tamponade (Beck's triad): Hypotension + JVD + muffled heart sounds — an obstructive-shock emergency treated with pericardiocentesis.
Aortic injury clue: A widened mediastinum with differential pulses — control HR/BP (beta-blockade) and transport rapidly.
Pelvic fracture danger: An unstable pelvis can exsanguinate — apply a pelvic binder to tamponade bleeding.
Compartment syndrome (6 P's): Pain, pallor, pulselessness, paresthesia, paralysis, poikilothermia — emergency fasciotomy; do not elevate or ice.
Rhabdomyolysis: Muscle breakdown releasing myoglobin (dark urine, ↑CK) → AKI; treat with aggressive IV fluids; common in crush injury.
Burn airway sign: Singed nasal hairs, soot, stridor, or facial burns → intubate EARLY before edema closes the airway.
Burn fluid resuscitation: Estimate size (rule of nines) and resuscitate (Parkland-type) titrated to urine output; keep the patient warm.
Enclosed-space fire toxins: Suspect carbon monoxide and cyanide toxicity.
Spinal motion restriction: Limit spinal movement when injury is suspected by mechanism or exam during extrication and transport.
Mechanism of injury: The energy and pattern of the event that predicts likely injuries and guides assessment.
STEMI definition: ST elevation $\geq$ 1 mm in $\geq$ 2 contiguous leads (or new LBBB) from a fully occluded coronary artery.
STEMI reperfusion goal: Primary PCI door-to-balloon $\leq$ 90 min, or fibrinolytics if PCI is unavailable in time.
Inferior STEMI leads: II, III, and aVF.
Inferior MI + RV infarct: Obtain a right-sided ECG (V4R); RV infarct is preload-dependent, so AVOID nitroglycerin.
Why avoid nitro in RV infarct: Nitroglycerin drops preload; the preload-dependent right ventricle then causes profound hypotension.
Aortic dissection management: Reduce shear: lower heart rate and BP with a beta-blocker BEFORE any vasodilator.
Mechanical circulatory support: IABP, Impella, and LVAD devices the flight nurse may transport — know alarms and assessment.
Stroke key data point: Last-known-well time — it drives thrombolytic and thrombectomy eligibility.
Ischemic stroke transport: Time is brain — transport rapidly to a stroke-capable (ideally thrombectomy-capable) center.
Status epilepticus: A seizure $\geq$ 5 minutes (or repeated without recovery); first-line treatment is an IV benzodiazepine.
Raised ICP management: Head elevation ~30°, normocapnia, osmotic therapy as ordered; avoid hypoxia and hypotension.
Pulmonary embolism: Sudden dyspnea, pleuritic pain, hypoxia; massive PE causes obstructive shock; treat with anticoagulation/thrombolytics.
Dalton's law for lung patients: A marginally oxygenated pulmonary patient may need a higher FiO₂ or lower cabin altitude to avoid hypoxia.
Inhaled pulmonary vasodilators: Nitric oxide or epoprostenol may accompany severe hypoxemic patients in transport.
DKA: Glucose >250 mg/dL with ketosis and anion-gap acidosis (pH <7.3), Kussmaul breathing, fruity breath; usually type 1.
HHS: Extreme hyperglycemia (often >600, even >1,000), high osmolality, profound dehydration, minimal ketosis; older type 2.
DKA/HHS treatment order: IV fluids first → insulin infusion → potassium; no insulin if K⁺ <3.3 mEq/L.
Sepsis management: Early cultures, broad-spectrum antibiotics, fluids, and vasopressors to keep the MAP $\geq$ 65 mmHg.
Addisonian (adrenal) crisis: Hypotension, hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia → give stress-dose hydrocortisone and fluids.
Anaphylaxis first drug: Intramuscular epinephrine.
Hyperkalemia ECG: Peaked T waves → widened QRS → sine wave → arrest.
Hyperkalemia treatment order: Stabilize (IV calcium) → shift (insulin+glucose, beta-agonist, bicarb) → remove (diuretics, binders, dialysis).
AV fistula precautions: No BPs, blood draws, or IVs in that arm; assess for a thrill and bruit.
Naloxone: The opioid antidote — reverses respiratory depression in opioid overdose.
Hypothermia rule: 'Not dead until warm and dead' — rewarm before declaring death; rewarm carefully (risk of afterdrop).
Heat stroke: Core temp >40 °C with CNS dysfunction — a medical emergency; cool rapidly.
TCA overdose antidote: Sodium bicarbonate (for a widened QRS in tricyclic antidepressant toxicity).
Pregnancy masks hemorrhage: Increased blood volume lets a patient lose ~30–35% before hypotension; the fetus may be in distress while maternal vitals look normal.
Left lateral tilt: Position a pregnant patient (after ~20 weeks) tilted left to relieve aortocaval compression by the gravid uterus.
Aortocaval compression: The gravid uterus compresses the aorta and IVC in a supine pregnant patient, reducing cardiac output.
Best fetal treatment: Aggressive maternal resuscitation — treat the mother first to save the fetus.
Placental abruption: Abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and uterine tenderness after trauma — a fetal/maternal emergency.
Eclampsia seizure treatment: Magnesium sulfate.
Apgar components: Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration — each 0–2 (total 0–10) at 1 and 5 minutes.
Apgar limitation: It describes the newborn's condition but does NOT direct resuscitation (HR and breathing do).
Neonatal resuscitation priority: Ventilation — newborns arrest from respiratory failure, unlike adults.
Newborn first steps: Within 30 s: warm, dry, stimulate, and position the airway.
Newborn PPV trigger: Apnea or a heart rate below 100.
MR. SOPA: Steps to correct ineffective newborn PPV: Mask, Reposition, Suction, Open mouth, Pressure, Alternate airway.
Neonatal compressions: Start at HR <60 despite effective PPV, coordinated 3:1 with breaths (90 compressions + 30 breaths/min).
Neonatal epinephrine: Give if HR stays <60 despite effective PPV + compressions (IV/IO preferred); consider volume.
Pediatric dosing tools: Weight-based dosing and length-based tools (e.g., a Broselow tape).
Pediatric decompensation: Children compensate well, then crash suddenly — hypotension is a LATE, ominous sign.
Geriatric presentation: Atypical presentations (an MI may be fatigue/confusion), less reserve, and polypharmacy.
Geriatric trauma risk: Anticoagulation makes even minor head trauma dangerous; high fragility-fracture risk.
Bariatric transport challenges: Airway, vascular access, weight-based dosing, equipment weight limits, and positioning.
Ramped positioning: Aligning the ear with the sternal notch (head/shoulders elevated) improves intubation and ventilation in obese patients.
Rotor-wing vs fixed-wing: Rotor-wing (helicopter) = shorter range, scene access; fixed-wing (airplane) = longer interfacility range, often pressurized.
Cabin altitude (fixed-wing): A pressurized cabin can request a lower cabin altitude to limit gas expansion and hypoxia for sensitive patients.
Barodontalgia: Tooth pain from trapped gas expanding under a filling or in a cavity during ascent (Boyle's law).
Middle-ear barotrauma: Ear pain/rupture from trapped gas changes; have the patient yawn/swallow (Valsalva) to equalize.
Effective performance time: The time a hypoxic person can perform useful tasks at altitude before incapacitation.
Time of useful consciousness: The time from an O₂-supply interruption at altitude until purposeful activity is lost — shorter the higher you go.
Hypoxic hypoxia: The classic altitude hypoxia: low partial pressure of inspired O₂ reduces arterial oxygenation.
Histotoxic hypoxia: Tissues cannot use delivered oxygen (e.g., cyanide poisoning).
Stagnant hypoxia: Inadequate blood flow/perfusion (e.g., shock) limits oxygen delivery despite adequate content.
Hypemic hypoxia: Reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of blood (e.g., anemia, carbon monoxide).
G-force effect (+Gz): Head-to-foot acceleration pools blood in the lower body, reducing cerebral perfusion.
Survival/safety gear: Crews carry navigation, communication, signaling, and survival equipment for an off-airport landing.
Weather minimums: Defined visibility/ceiling limits a flight must meet; the pilot aborts below them regardless of patient acuity.
Weight and balance: Pre-flight calculation ensuring the aircraft is within safe loaded-weight and center-of-gravity limits.
Closed-loop communication: Repeat-back confirmation of orders/messages so nothing is lost in the noisy cabin.
Mallampati class: A pre-intubation airway-difficulty predictor based on visible oropharyngeal structures (I–IV).
LEMON assessment: Difficult-airway predictor: Look, Evaluate 3-3-2, Mallampati, Obstruction, Neck mobility.
Cricoid pressure: Pressure on the cricoid (Sellick maneuver) — applied only if it improves the view; released if it hinders.
BURP maneuver: Backward-Upward-Rightward Pressure on the larynx to improve the glottic view during intubation.
Failed airway plan: Have a rescue plan: supraglottic airway (LMA/i-gel), bag-mask, and a surgical cricothyrotomy as the final option.
Cricothyrotomy: An emergency surgical airway through the cricothyroid membrane when 'cannot intubate, cannot oxygenate.'
Colorimetric CO₂ detector: A backup tube-confirmation device — turns gold with exhaled CO₂ — but waveform capnography is superior.
Apnea time after preoxygenation: Good preoxygenation + apneic oxygenation extends the safe apnea period before desaturation.
Sedation after paralysis: Always pair a paralytic with adequate sedation/analgesia — a paralyzed patient can be awake and in pain.
Vasopressor extravasation: Norepinephrine is a vesicant; prefer a central line and treat extravasation (phentolamine) to prevent necrosis.
Massive transfusion ratio: Balanced 1:1:1 (RBC:plasma:platelets) component therapy in major hemorrhage.
Calcium in transfusion: Citrate in stored blood binds calcium → hypocalcemia; replace calcium during massive transfusion.
Lactate as a marker: Trended to gauge tissue hypoperfusion and resuscitation adequacy in shock and sepsis.
Cardiac output equation: $CO = HR \times SV$ — cardiac output is heart rate times stroke volume.
Mean arterial pressure: $MAP = DBP + \tfrac{1}{3}(SBP - DBP)$ — keep $\geq$ 65 mmHg in shock.
Adenosine use: Rapid IV push (with a fast flush) for stable narrow-complex SVT; expect transient asystole.
Unstable tachycardia: Synchronized cardioversion for an unstable patient with a tachyarrhythmia and a pulse.
Symptomatic bradycardia: Atropine first, then transcutaneous pacing (or epinephrine/dopamine infusion).
End-tidal CO₂ in CPR: A sudden rise in EtCO₂ during CPR suggests return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).
Post-ROSC care: Optimize oxygenation/ventilation, support BP, treat the cause, and consider targeted temperature management.
Trauma triad of death: Another name for the lethal triad: hypothermia, acidosis, and coagulopathy.
Hemostasis: Controlling bleeding — the trauma priority (direct pressure, tourniquet, hemostatic dressing, binder).
Tourniquet use: For life-threatening extremity hemorrhage not controlled by pressure; note the time applied.
Permissive hypotension exception: Avoid permissive hypotension in traumatic brain injury — the brain needs perfusion pressure.
Cerebral perfusion pressure: $CPP = MAP - ICP$ — maintain CPP in TBI by supporting MAP and lowering ICP.
Battle's sign / raccoon eyes: Mastoid bruising / periorbital bruising suggesting a basilar skull fracture.
Basilar skull fracture sign: CSF rhinorrhea/otorrhea (halo sign); avoid blind nasal tubes.
Epidural hematoma: Arterial bleed (middle meningeal artery) with a lucid interval, then rapid deterioration; biconvex on CT.
Subdural hematoma: Venous (bridging veins) bleed, crescent-shaped; common in elderly and anticoagulated patients.
Spinal shock vs neurogenic shock: Spinal shock = temporary loss of reflexes/function below the injury; neurogenic shock = hemodynamic (hypotension + bradycardia).
Autonomic dysreflexia: A T6-or-above SCI emergency: severe hypertension + bradycardia from a noxious stimulus (often a full bladder).
Pneumothorax at altitude: Any pleural air expands as the aircraft climbs (Boyle) — decompress before flight when possible.
Hemothorax: Blood in the pleural space; dullness to percussion, decreased breath sounds, shock; chest tube + blood.
Pulmonary contusion: Bruised lung tissue causing hypoxemia that worsens over hours; supportive oxygenation/ventilation.
FAST exam: Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma — bedside ultrasound for free fluid (blood).
Rule of nines (adult): Burn surface estimate: head 9%, each arm 9%, each leg 18%, anterior trunk 18%, posterior trunk 18%, perineum 1%.
Circumferential burn risk: A circumferential burn can act as a tourniquet or restrict breathing → may need escharotomy.
Electrical burn caution: Deep internal injury and rhabdomyolysis/dysrhythmias despite small external wounds; monitor the ECG.
Penetrating neck trauma: Anticipate airway compromise and major vascular injury; control bleeding and secure the airway early.
Ocular trauma (globe rupture): Shield the eye (no pressure), keep the head elevated, and avoid increasing intraocular pressure.
Unstable angina: Ischemic chest pain with a NORMAL troponin and no persistent ST elevation (no necrosis).
NSTEMI: Elevated troponin with ST depression/T-wave inversion but no persistent ST elevation (partial occlusion).
Acute decompensated heart failure: Dyspnea, crackles, pink frothy sputum; treat with upright position, O₂/NIV, IV loop diuretic, and nitroglycerin.
Atrial fibrillation: Irregularly irregular, no P waves; rate/rhythm control and anticoagulation (CHA₂DS₂-VASc); cardiovert if unstable.
Delirium vs dementia: Delirium = acute, fluctuating, often reversible; dementia = gradual, progressive, irreversible.
Myasthenic crisis: Severe weakness with respiratory failure in myasthenia gravis — support ventilation.
Guillain-Barré syndrome: Ascending paralysis that can cause respiratory failure; monitor vital capacity and the airway.
Thyroid storm: Severe hyperthyroidism: fever, tachycardia, agitation; supportive care, beta-blockade, and antithyroid therapy.
Myxedema coma: Severe hypothyroidism: hypothermia, bradycardia, hypotension, altered mental status; needs thyroid hormone + supportive care.
GI bleed management: Large-bore access, fluids/blood, and rapid transport; upper (hematemesis/melena) vs lower (hematochezia).
Abdominal compartment syndrome: Rising intra-abdominal pressure compromising perfusion and ventilation; may need decompression.
Pancreatitis: Severe epigastric pain to the back with elevated lipase; bowel rest, fluids, and pain control.
Acute kidney injury types: Prerenal (low perfusion), intrarenal (direct damage), postrenal (obstruction).
CO poisoning treatment: 100% oxygen (or hyperbaric for severe cases); pulse oximetry can read falsely normal.
Cyanide antidote: Hydroxocobalamin (Cyanokit); suspect in enclosed-space fires with lactic acidosis.
Submersion injury priority: Hypoxia is the key problem — prioritize ventilation/oxygenation; watch for delayed pulmonary edema.
Snakebite (envenomation): Immobilize the limb at heart level, remove constrictions, mark the swelling, and transport for antivenom.
Decompression sickness: Nitrogen bubbles from rapid ascent/diving (Henry's law); treat with 100% O₂ and recompression; keep cabin altitude low.
Sodium correction in DKA: Hyperglycemia falsely lowers measured sodium; calculate corrected sodium to guide fluids.
Cerebral edema in DKA: A feared complication (especially in children) — avoid overly rapid glucose/osmolality correction.
Preeclampsia: New hypertension + proteinuria after 20 weeks; can progress to seizures (eclampsia).
HELLP syndrome: Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, Low Platelets — a severe preeclampsia variant.
Postpartum hemorrhage: Excessive bleeding after delivery (often uterine atony) — fundal massage, uterotonics, and resuscitation.
Cord prolapse: Umbilical cord precedes the fetus — relieve cord pressure (knee-chest/elevate the presenting part) and transport emergently.
Magnesium toxicity sign: Loss of deep tendon reflexes, respiratory depression; antidote is calcium gluconate.
Neonatal thermoregulation: Newborns lose heat fast (high surface area) — keep warm; cold stress worsens outcomes.
Neonatal hypoglycemia: Common and dangerous in sick/premature newborns — check and treat glucose.
Premature newborn risks: Immature lungs (surfactant deficiency), thermoregulation, and intraventricular hemorrhage risk.
Pediatric airway differences: Larger head/tongue, anterior larynx, narrow cricoid — position carefully and use correct-size equipment.
Pediatric fluid bolus: 20 mL/kg isotonic crystalloid for shock, reassessing after each bolus.
Pediatric vital sign trend: Tachycardia is an early shock sign; hypotension is late and ominous.
Intraosseous access: A fast alternative when IV access fails — common in pediatric and adult resuscitation.
Pediatric GCS: A modified (pediatric) GCS is used for preverbal children.
Geriatric polypharmacy: Multiple medications increase interaction and adverse-event risk; reconcile carefully.
Beta-blocker masking: Beta-blockers can blunt the tachycardic response to shock in older adults — don't be reassured by a 'normal' HR.
Bariatric airway: Anticipate a difficult airway and rapid desaturation; pre-oxygenate well and ramp the patient.
Bariatric dosing: Use appropriate weight metric (ideal vs adjusted vs total body weight) for the specific drug.
Bariatric equipment limits: Confirm stretcher/aircraft weight capacity and door/space constraints before accepting transport.

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By Career EmployerUpdated Sep 12, 2026

200+ free CFRN flashcards — 4 ways to study

CFRN Flashcard of the DayNew daily

The classic card. Do you know this one?

Click Study Flashcards above to open the flashcard hub — hundreds of CFRN cards you can flip, match, type, or quiz yourself on. Every card is drawn from the five BCEN content domains and written to the air medical transport level, so you study exactly what the CFRN certification exam tests.^[1] Pair them with our free practice questions and study guide.

CFRN Flashcard Study Modes

Flip mode lets you turn cards one by one when a topic is still new, Match times you pairing terms with definitions, Type asks you to read a definition and spell the term back, so a prompt like 7 P’s of RSI has to come from memory, and Quiz builds multiple-choice questions from the same 231 cards.

Free CFRN flashcards from Career Employer — active recall for the BCEN Certified Flight Registered Nurse exam

Why Flashcards Work for the CFRN

Resuscitation Principles is the biggest block at 48 cards, and it drills the airway, ventilation, and pharmacology vocabulary you have to recall without hesitating. Cards include PEEP, Etomidate, and Rocuronium, along with mnemonic prompts such as the 7 P’s of RSI and SOAP-ME, and interpretation anchors like Normal ABG and the BURP maneuver.

Medical Emergencies runs 47 cards covering endocrine, cardiac, environmental, and abdominal presentations that show up on transport. You get metabolic crises such as DKA and HHS, cardiac terms like NSTEMI, reversal agents including Naloxone, and thermoregulatory and endocrine extremes from Heat stroke to Thyroid storm and Myxedema coma.

Trauma holds 46 cards built around mechanism, assessment, and hemorrhage control. Expect TXA, the FAST exam, and Tourniquet use as intervention terms, chest injury patterns such as Hemothorax and Flail chest, and physiology concepts like Hemostasis, the Lethal triad, and the Trauma diamond that explain why unstable patients deteriorate.

General Principles of Flight Transport Nursing contributes 40 cards on the flight environment, regulation, and communication. Gas law cards such as Boyle’s law, Henry’s law, and Dalton’s law sit next to Dysbarism, while EMTALA, Just Culture, START triage, and the SBAR handoff cover legal, safety, and handoff expectations in transport.

Special Populations adds 38 cards spanning obstetric, neonatal, pediatric, and bariatric care, with terms like Preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and Cord prolapse, neonatal resuscitation prompts such as MR. SOPA, and scoring cards including Pediatric GCS, Apgar components, and Apgar limitation. The smallest block, Exam & Flight Framework, carries 12 cards on test logistics, including CFRN total items, CFRN eligibility, and the card asking CFRN vs CTRN.

That matters on the CFRN, where facts like Boyle’s law, the 7 P’s of RSI, the lethal triad, and the succinylcholine contraindications must be instantly available. Used alongside our practice questions and study guide, flashcards turn review time into measurable progress.

CFRN Flashcards by Topic

The cards are organized by the five BCEN content domains. Weight your study toward the heaviest ones — Resuscitation (40 items) and Medical Emergencies (35) together are half the scored exam, but the flight-specific General Principles domain (30) is what makes the CFRN unique:^[1]

CFRN domains and BCEN weighting (scored items)
BCEN content domain	Scored items	Share
Resuscitation Principles	40	~27%
Medical Emergencies	35	~23%
General Principles of Flight Transport Nursing	30	~20%
Trauma	30	~20%
Special Populations	15	~10%

How to Get the Most Out of These Flashcards

Start with Resuscitation Principles. At 48 cards it is the largest domain in the deck, and airway and pharmacology recall carries directly into the trauma and special populations cards.
Type-drill the mnemonics. Cards like SOAP-ME and MR. SOPA reward exact recall, and typing them forces you to produce every letter instead of recognizing a familiar answer.
Use Match for short definitional terms. Lab and physiology cards such as Normal ABG, Hemothorax, and TXA pair quickly, so timed matching exposes which trauma vocabulary is still slow.
Switch to the practice test once recall holds. When Quiz scores stay steady across Trauma and Medical Emergencies, move to full-length questions and use the study guide for scenarios the cards only name.
Rotate domains in short sessions. Work one large block plus the 12 Exam & Flight Framework cards per sitting, then re-Flip missed cards the next day rather than restarting the deck.

CFRN Flashcards FAQ

Hundreds of free CFRN flashcards, organized across the five BCEN content domains tested on the Certified Flight Registered Nurse exam — from flight physiology and resuscitation through trauma, medical emergencies, and special populations. They're free to use with no account required.

References

1.Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN). “CFRN Examination Content Outline (effective 08/2026).” BCEN.org. ↑
2.Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). “Aeromedical Education — Altitude Physiology & Hypoxia.” FAA.gov. ↑
3.Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association (ASTNA). “Patient Transport: Principles & Practice.” ASTNA.org. ↑
4.American Heart Association. “ACLS Guidelines — Acute Coronary Syndromes & Cardiac Arrest.” heart.org. ↑

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