CEN Practice Test

A 55-year-old patient presents with chest pain, dyspnea, and palpitations. The ECG shows irregularly irregular rhythm without discernible P waves. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial management?

A patient arrives in the emergency department with signs of cardiogenic shock. Which of the following hemodynamic parameters is typically observed in cardiogenic shock?

In a patient presenting with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), which of the following ECG changes most specifically indicates injury to the myocardium?

A patient presents to the emergency department with severe chest pain and is diagnosed with a myocardial infarction. Which of the following medications is contraindicated in this patient due to the risk of increasing myocardial oxygen demand?

In the management of acute pulmonary edema secondary to heart failure, which of the following interventions is primarily aimed at reducing preload?

A 68-year-old patient with a history of chronic atrial fibrillation is being evaluated for syncope. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

In the context of hypertensive emergencies, which of the following drugs is most appropriate for the rapid reduction of blood pressure in a patient with acute ischemic stroke?

A patient with a ventricular septal defect post-myocardial infarction is exhibiting signs of heart failure. Which of the following is the most likely cause of these symptoms?

Which of the following conditions is associated with a high risk of developing cardiac tamponade following a myocardial infarction?

In a patient with acute pericarditis, which of the following ECG findings is most characteristic?

Which of the following is the preferred treatment for a patient presenting with symptomatic bradycardia with a heart rate of 40 bpm and hypotension?

Which of the following laboratory findings is most indicative of cardiac tamponade in a patient presenting with hypotension, jugular venous distension, and muffled heart sounds?

In a patient presenting with suspected Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, which of the following echocardiographic findings is most characteristic?

A patient with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis presents with severe hyperkalemia and characteristic ECG changes. Which of the following treatments should be administered first?

Which of the following is the most appropriate initial management for a patient with acute right ventricular infarction?

For a patient presenting with Marfan syndrome and sudden onset of severe chest pain radiating to the back, which of the following diagnostic procedures is most critical to determine the cause of the symptoms?

In the management of a patient with a large anterior wall myocardial infarction, which of the following complications is most important to monitor for within the first 24 hours?

Which of the following is the most effective therapeutic intervention to prevent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation?

A patient presents with chest pain, fever, and a friction rub on auscultation. ECG shows diffuse ST elevation. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

A 54-year-old patient presents with acute onset of severe dyspnea, sharp chest pain worsening with inspiration, and a recent history of lower leg deep vein thrombosis. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

In a patient with suspected tension pneumothorax, what is the most immediate course of action?

A patient with COPD presents with a sudden exacerbation of symptoms. What is the most effective initial treatment?

A patient arrives with suspected epiglottitis. Which of the following signs is a priority for establishing the diagnosis?

In the management of acute asthma exacerbation, which of the following medications is considered first-line therapy?

For a patient with a flail chest, which of the following is the most appropriate management strategy?

Which of the following is the most appropriate diagnostic test for confirming acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?

In the case of a patient presenting with carbon monoxide poisoning, which of the following treatments is most effective?

What is the primary concern in managing a patient with a tracheostomy tube who presents with respiratory distress and inability to pass a suction catheter through the tube?

For a patient experiencing an acute pulmonary edema, which of the following interventions should be prioritized?

In the evaluation of a patient with suspected foreign body aspiration, which of the following is the most diagnostic procedure?

In a patient presenting with stridor, which of the following is the most urgent priority?

For a patient with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and respiratory failure, which therapeutic intervention has been shown to improve outcomes?

What is the most specific sign of a tension pneumothorax on chest X-ray?

A patient with a history of smoking presents with sudden onset of unilateral pleuritic chest pain, dyspnea, and hemoptysis. What is the most likely diagnosis?

In a patient suspected of having a pneumothorax, which ultrasound finding is most indicative of the condition?

A 55-year-old patient presents with sudden onset of left-sided weakness and dysarthria. A CT scan shows no hemorrhage. The patient's blood pressure is 190/110 mmHg. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

A patient presents with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 8, pinpoint pupils, and decerebrate posturing. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

In a patient with suspected bacterial meningitis, which of the following findings in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is most indicative of the condition?

A 60-year-old patient presents with sudden, severe headache described as "the worst headache of my life," photophobia, and neck stiffness. No focal neurological deficits are noted. Which of the following is the most appropriate diagnostic test to perform initially?

A patient is brought to the emergency department with a suspected stroke. Which of the following time frames from onset of symptoms is considered the window for potential administration of intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtP

In the context of traumatic brain injury (TBI), which intracranial pressure (ICP) reading necessitates immediate intervention to prevent secondary brain injury?

Which of the following is the most common cause of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH)?

A patient with a known history of epilepsy presents to the emergency department in status epilepticus. Which of the following medications is considered first-line treatment for this condition?

Which of the following is the most specific sign of meningitis in adults?

In a patient with an acute ischemic stroke, which of the following findings would contraindicate the use of intravenous thrombolytic therapy?

For a patient suspected of having a basilar artery occlusion, which of the following symptoms would you most likely observe?

A 45-year-old patient presents with acute vertigo, dysarthria, diplopia, and right-sided ataxia. Which of the following is the most likely location of the lesion?

In a patient with a suspected acute subdural hematoma, which of the following findings would you expect on a head CT scan?

Which of the following medications is most appropriate for the acute treatment of a headache in a patient with a known arteriovenous malformation (AVM)?

A patient presents to the emergency department with acute confusion, fever, headache, and a petechial rash. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

In the management of a patient with an elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) due to a traumatic brain injury, which of the following interventions is NOT appropriate?

A 28-year-old female presents with sudden-onset right lower quadrant pain, nausea, and a positive pregnancy test. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

Which of the following is the most appropriate first-line treatment for a patient diagnosed with testicular torsion?

A patient presents with acute onset of severe lower abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and a history of missed menstrual periods. What is the most important diagnostic test to perform initially?

In pregnant patients, which of the following conditions is most likely to mimic the symptoms of acute appendicitis?

A patient presents with flank pain, hematuria, and nausea. The pain radiates to the groin. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

Which of the following is the primary concern in the management of a patient with a ruptured ectopic pregnancy?

A patient presents with severe abdominal pain, rebound tenderness, and guarding. Which of the following diagnostic tests is most appropriate to evaluate for peritonitis?

In the management of ovarian torsion, which of the following is the most definitive treatment?

Which of the following is a critical consideration in the emergency management of placental abruption?

For a patient with acute urinary retention, which of the following is the initial management step?

In a patient presenting with pelvic inflammatory disease 'PID', which of the following symptoms most strongly suggests the presence of a tubo-ovarian abscess?

Which of the following is the most appropriate first-line treatment for a pregnant patient with symptomatic cholelithiasis?

A patient presents with severe, colicky right flank pain radiating to the groin, accompanied by microscopic hematuria. Which of the following imaging studies is most appropriate to confirm the diagnosis?

Which of the following findings on a pelvic exam is most indicative of a ruptured ovarian cyst in a patient presenting with acute onset lower abdominal pain?

In the setting of acute pyelonephritis, which of the following laboratory findings is most indicative of a complicated infection requiring admission?

A pregnant patient at 32 weeks gestation presents with sudden onset of severe abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and uterine tenderness. The fetal heart rate tracing shows recurrent late decelerations. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Which of the following is the initial most appropriate management for a patient with a suspected ectopic pregnancy and hemodynamic instability?

A patient presents with fever, lower abdominal pain, and a tender, palpable mass on the right side of the pelvis. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

Which of the following is the most significant risk factor for ectopic pregnancy?

In a patient with acute renal colic due to urolithiasis, which of the following medications is most effective for pain management?

A patient presents with severe pelvic pain, adnexal mass on ultrasound, and elevated CA-125. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

A patient presents with acute agitation, dilated pupils, tachycardia, and hallucinations after attending a music festival. Which substance is most likely responsible for these symptoms?

A 25-year-old patient is brought to the emergency department with severe, sudden-onset chest pain radiating to the back. The patient has a history of Marfan syndrome. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

An emergency nurse is assessing a patient who reports a feeling of hopelessness and has been diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Which of the following questions is MOST important to assess suicide risk?

A patient with schizophrenia is experiencing severe agitation and aggression in the emergency department. Which of the following medications is most appropriate for rapid tranquilization?

In the emergency department, a patient presents with symptoms of severe dehydration and history of an eating disorder. Laboratory tests reveal hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis. Which eating disorder is most consistent with these findings?

A patient presents with symptoms of severe abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, and psychiatric disturbances. Which of the following conditions should the emergency nurse suspect?

A 40-year-old patient presents with unilateral, pulsating headache with nausea and photophobia. The patient reports that the headache worsens with physical activity. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial management?

An emergency nurse is assessing a patient who reports hearing voices telling him to harm others. The patient is diagnosed with acute psychosis. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step?

A patient presents with rapid onset of palpitations, chest discomfort, and shortness of breath. The ECG shows a narrow complex tachycardia with a heart rate of 180 bpm. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial management?

In the emergency department, a patient presents with dry mucous membranes, sunken eyes, and decreased skin turgor. The nurse notes a rapid pulse and low blood pressure. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial treatment?

A patient presents to the emergency department with a high fever, headache, stiff neck, and photophobia. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

A patient with a known history of bipolar disorder presents in the manic phase with grandiose delusions and a markedly elevated mood. Which of the following medications is most appropriate to manage mania in this patient?

A patient presents to the emergency department with symptoms of confusion, ataxia, and ophthalmoplegia. The nurse suspects a deficiency in which of the following vitamins?

In the emergency department, a patient presents with sudden onset of palpitations, chest pain, and a sensation of fainting. The patient's ECG reveals a wide complex tachycardia. What is the most appropriate first-line treatment?

A patient with a known history of heart failure is brought to the emergency department with worsening dyspnea, orthopnea, and bilateral pedal edema. Which of the following medications should be administered first?

A patient presents with severe abdominal pain, distention, and vomiting. X-ray shows air under the diaphragm. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

A patient with a history of intravenous drug use presents with fever, night sweats, weight loss, and a cough producing bloody sputum. Which of the following should be most highly suspected?

An emergency nurse is assessing a patient with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning. Which of the following is the most appropriate diagnostic test?

A patient presents with high fever, severe headache, and a petechial rash that started on the ankles and wrists and is spreading to the trunk. Which of the following diseases should be suspected?

In the emergency department, a patient is diagnosed with acute angle-closure glaucoma. Which of the following medications should be administered urgently to lower intraocular pressure?

A patient presents with acute onset of flank pain, hematuria, and nausea. The emergency nurse should suspect which of the following conditions?

A patient presents to the emergency department with jaundice, abdominal pain, and dark urine. Which of the following conditions is the most likely diagnosis?

An emergency nurse is assessing a patient with suspected exposure to a nerve agent. Which of the following symptoms would be MOST indicative of this exposure?

A patient with a known history of heart failure is brought to the emergency department with worsening dyspnea, orthopnea, and bilateral pedal edema. Which of the following medications should be administered first?

A patient presents with symptoms of severe abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, and psychiatric disturbances. Which of the following conditions should the emergency nurse suspect?

In the management of a patient with a suspected orbital blowout fracture, which of the following actions is most appropriate?

When evaluating a patient with a chemical eye injury, what is the initial step in management?

Which of the following is the most appropriate management for a patient with a suspected compartment syndrome in the lower leg?

In patients with facial fractures, what is the primary reason for ensuring patency of the airway?

What is the most appropriate management for a patient presenting with an open fracture of the tibia?

A patient presents with a laceration over the metacarpophalangeal joint of the hand. What is the most significant concern in this type of injury?

What is the primary reason for immobilizing the spine in a patient with multiple trauma and suspected spinal injury?

When managing a wound with significant soft tissue damage, which factor is most crucial in preventing infection?

For a patient with a chemical burn to the hand, which treatment is essential to prevent contractures?

What is the most effective initial management strategy for an anterior shoulder dislocation?

In the management of a patient with a globe laceration, which of the following is the most appropriate next step?

Which of the following diagnostic tools is most accurate for identifying a scaphoid fracture in the initial assessment following trauma?

For a patient with a suspected mandibular fracture, which clinical feature most strongly suggests the presence of this injury?

When treating a patient with a full-thickness burn, which intervention is most critical to prevent hypothermic shock?

Which of the following signs is most indicative of a basilar skull fracture?

In the assessment of a patient with an ankle sprain, which grading system is used to classify the severity of ligament injury?

What is the primary concern in the initial evaluation of a patient with a chemical burn to the eye?

Which intervention is most critical in the initial management of a patient with a suspected pelvic fracture and hemodynamic instability?

When assessing a patient with a suspected Le Fort fracture, which clinical sign is most indicative of a Le Fort III fracture?

For a patient with a traumatic amputation of a finger, which action is most critical for the preservation of the amputated part?

In evaluating a patient with a suspected mallet finger, which finding is most characteristic of this injury?

Which of the following agents is most likely to cause a cherry red skin coloration in a poisoned patient?

In a patient with acute radiation sickness, which of the following symptoms would appear first?

A patient presents with fever, headache, and confusion after a tick bite. The presence of a maculopapular rash starting on the wrists and ankles suggests which of the following diseases?

What is the primary treatment for a patient suffering from botulism?

In the event of a chemical spill resulting in exposure to hydrofluoric acid, which of the following is the most appropriate first aid measure?

A patient presents with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) following inhalation of chlorine gas. Which of the following is the most appropriate management strategy?

What is the recommended treatment for a snakebite from a pit viper when envenomation is suspected?

Which of the following is a hallmark sign of Ebola virus disease 'EVD'?

A patient presents with severe metabolic acidosis and a history of ingesting a household cleaner. Which substance is most likely responsible?

In the management of a patient with severe acute radiation syndrome, which of the following treatments is essential to prevent infection due to bone marrow suppression?

A patient presents with blurred vision, tachycardia, and urinary retention following the ingestion of a plant. Which of the following plants is most likely responsible?

For a patient experiencing severe lead poisoning, which of the following chelating agents is preferred?

Which of the following is the most effective treatment strategy for a patient suffering from digoxin toxicity?

A patient presents with severe dyspnea, wheezing, and cough after inhalation of a gas at an industrial site. Which gas is most likely responsible for these symptoms?

Which of the following findings is most indicative of severe carbon monoxide poisoning on laboratory testing?

Which statement accurately describes the concept of beneficence in emergency nursing?

What is the most appropriate response when an emergency nurse witnesses a colleague providing substandard care?

Which of the following actions best demonstrates the principle of non-maleficence in emergency nursing?

How should an emergency nurse act when faced with a situation that conflicts with their personal beliefs but is in accordance with professional guidelines?

Which of the following is a key consideration in maintaining patient privacy and confidentiality in the emergency department?

In the context of disaster response, what is the primary ethical concern for emergency nurses?

What is the role of informed consent in emergency nursing care?

Which of the following best reflects the principle of justice in the allocation of scarce resources in the emergency department?

In emergency nursing, what is the best approach to handle receiving an order from a physician that seems unsafe or inappropriate for the patient?

What is the most appropriate course of action for an emergency nurse who identifies a systemic issue that affects patient safety?

How should an emergency nurse proceed when a patient lacks the capacity to give informed consent and no legal surrogate is available?

What ethical consideration should guide an emergency nurse's decision-making when faced with a cultural practice that conflicts with conventional medical treatment?

When an emergency nurse encounters a professional dilemma that is not addressed by existing policies or guidelines, what is the most appropriate initial action?

Which of the following actions demonstrates an emergency nurse's commitment to lifelong learning and professional development?

What is the recommended approach for an emergency nurse who receives a complaint from a patient about the care provided?

How should an emergency nurse manage personal information about a patient discovered through social media?

A patient with a known history of heart failure and recurrent chest pain is suspected of having aortic dissection. Which of the following diagnostic tests is most appropriate to confirm the diagnosis?