CEN EXAM WITH COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
Which of the following statements made by a patient would lead the nurse to conclude that the patient
understands risk factors for pulmonary embolism?
While on a long flight, I should get up and walk to stretch my legs every hour.
Resuming my birth control pills will lower my risk of cancer and my risk of another clot.
If I drink plenty of water while driving on a long trip, this shouldn't happen again.
Switching from my regular cigarettes to the electronic ones can reduce my risk. Correct Answer:
While on a long flight, I should get up and walk to stretch my legs every hour.
An emergency nurse is providing discharge instructions for a patient with pelvic inflammatory
disease. Which statement made by the patient indicates an understanding of these instructions?
Getting pregnant shouldn't be a problem once the infection goes away.
I'll take the medicine for nausea when I feel sick to my stomach.
I will be at increased risk for ectopic pregnancy.
I will follow up with my doctor tomorrow. Correct Answer: I will be at increased risk for ectopic
pregnancy.
A 16-year-old presents with severe left upper quadrant abdominal pain after an over-the-handlebars
bicycle collision. Vital signs are BP 100/60 mm Hg, HR 100 beats/min, RR 30 breaths/min, T 37.0 C
(98.6 F), SpO2 89% without supplemental oxygen. There is bruising over the left upper quadrant of
the abdomen. Auscultation reveals diminished breath sounds on the left accompanied by gurgling.
Based on this history and assessment, the nurse suspects which injury?
Small bowel rupture
Ruptured diaphragm
Flail chest
Hepatic injury Correct Answer: Ruptured diaphragm
A patient presents with chest pain. The nurse performs a 12-lead electrocardiogram that reveals an
abnormal Q wave. What does the nurse suspect?
A current injury
An old infarction
An acute infarction
Ischemia Correct Answer: An old infarction
A patient is brought to the ED by emergency medical services with increased aggression and making
clear homicidal threats. What immediate action will the nurse expect to promote staff and patient
safety?
Administration of antipsychotics
One-to-one observation
Place in a seclusion room
Application of restraints Correct Answer: Place in a seclusion room
A 28-year-old female presents with shortness of breath, dizziness, and diaphoresis. Her vital signs
are BP 118/74 mm Hg, HR 122 beats/min, RR 26 breaths/min, T 37.7 C (99.9 F), SpO2 92% without
supplemental oxygen. Her health history includes fractures of the left tibia and fibula following an
,MVC 3 weeks ago. Surgical fixation was required. Her only current medications are an oral
contraceptive and intermittent ibuprofen for pain. Assessment of the casted left leg reveals that the
toes are swollen. With this information, which diagnostic testing will the nurse expect as the highest
priority?
Sputum cultures
Chest radiograph
Computed tomographic pulmonary angiography
Radiograph of the left leg Correct Answer: Computed tomographic pulmonary angiography
A family of 10 presents to the ED with complaints of fever, muscle pain, and unexplained bruising
ongoing for 7 days. After completing the screening, the nurse notes that the family recently traveled
to Sierra Leone. What is the highest priority intervention the triage nurse needs to perform?
Notify infection prevention
Leave the family in the waiting room
Evacuate the waiting room
Inform those waiting that Ebola has been detected Correct Answer: Notify infection prevention
A patient presents to the ED with complaints of fatigue and insomnia. Assessment findings reveal the
patient is awake, alert, and oriented, has a round moon face, buffalo hump back, hirsutism and
prominent striae on the trunk. Vital signs are normal. Which of the following scenarios is most
consistent with this patient's presentation?
A high school wrestler who admits to taking his grandfather's furosemide before a meet
A patient with insulin-dependent diabetes who took insulin, without eating breakfast.
A patient with severe chronic asthma who has been on prednisone for several years
A patient who underwent a thyroidectomy several years ago who recently ran out of medication
Correct Answer: A patient with severe chronic asthma who has been on prednisone for several years
A patient who was brought to the ED by ambulance following a motor vehicle collision, in which the
driver hit a tree, has BP 92/48 mm Hg, HR 128 beats/min, RR 34 breaths/min, SpO2 91% with
supplemental oxygen via a nonrebreather. He has labored breathing, cyanosis, absent breath sounds
on the right, and jugular vein distension. Which of the following conditions would be suspected?
Aspiration
Flail chest
Cardiac tamponade
Tension pneumothorax Correct Answer: Tension pneumothorax
What is the most common cause of cardiogenic shock?
Sustained cardiac dysrhythmias
Acute valvular dysfunction
Myocardial infarction
End-stage cardiomyopathy Correct Answer: Myocardial infarction
The disease most commonly associated with the catarrhal, paroxysmal and convalescent stages is
best treated with classification of medications?
Immune globulin
Steroids
Antiretroviral therapy
Macrolide antibiotics Correct Answer: Macrolide antibiotics
, A 28-year-old female presents to the ED with complaints of dizziness, fear of dying, and hot flashes
that began 10 minutes prior to arrival. The patient is trembling and tachypneic. Which anxiety disorder
is the patient exhibiting?
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Panic attack
Acute stress disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder Correct Answer: Panic attack
A 30-year-old male presents to the emergency department with excruciating pain on the right side of
his head. It has been coming and going all day. His right eye is reddened and skin is flushed. What
type of headache is this patient experiencing?
Tension
Traumatic
Cluster
Migraine Correct Answer: Cluster
To make certain that chain of custody has been followed appropriately, what is the most responsible
task performed by the emergency nurse?
Keep the evidence at their work station until released to law enforcement
Sign and date the tamper resistant tape in front of law enforcement
Limit the number of people with access to the evidence
Carry the evidence with them until released to law enforcement Correct Answer: Limit the number of
people with access to the evidence
Which orthopedic condition is the result of elevated uric acid levels?
Joint effusion
Osteomyelitis
Gouty arthritis
Bursitis Correct Answer: Gouty arthritis
A patient presents to the ED with sensory hallucinations and delusions. He also has disorganized
speech and grossly disordered behavior. What would the nurse expect to take place in order for the
patient to be properly cared for?
A suicide risk assessment
Administration of antipsychotics
Application of restraints
Medical clearance Correct Answer: Medical clearance
A patient has just been diagnosed with endocarditis. While preparing for surgery for valvular repair,
which intervention will the nurse perform?
Insert a urinary catheter
Insert a gastric tube
Begin an infusion of nitroprusside
Administer antibiotics Correct Answer: Administer antibiotics
A patient has an unsteady gait, weakness, diminished sensation to the face and arms, and vision
changes. These findings are most likely associated with neurological condition?
Myasthenia gravis
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis
ANSWERS
Which of the following statements made by a patient would lead the nurse to conclude that the patient
understands risk factors for pulmonary embolism?
While on a long flight, I should get up and walk to stretch my legs every hour.
Resuming my birth control pills will lower my risk of cancer and my risk of another clot.
If I drink plenty of water while driving on a long trip, this shouldn't happen again.
Switching from my regular cigarettes to the electronic ones can reduce my risk. Correct Answer:
While on a long flight, I should get up and walk to stretch my legs every hour.
An emergency nurse is providing discharge instructions for a patient with pelvic inflammatory
disease. Which statement made by the patient indicates an understanding of these instructions?
Getting pregnant shouldn't be a problem once the infection goes away.
I'll take the medicine for nausea when I feel sick to my stomach.
I will be at increased risk for ectopic pregnancy.
I will follow up with my doctor tomorrow. Correct Answer: I will be at increased risk for ectopic
pregnancy.
A 16-year-old presents with severe left upper quadrant abdominal pain after an over-the-handlebars
bicycle collision. Vital signs are BP 100/60 mm Hg, HR 100 beats/min, RR 30 breaths/min, T 37.0 C
(98.6 F), SpO2 89% without supplemental oxygen. There is bruising over the left upper quadrant of
the abdomen. Auscultation reveals diminished breath sounds on the left accompanied by gurgling.
Based on this history and assessment, the nurse suspects which injury?
Small bowel rupture
Ruptured diaphragm
Flail chest
Hepatic injury Correct Answer: Ruptured diaphragm
A patient presents with chest pain. The nurse performs a 12-lead electrocardiogram that reveals an
abnormal Q wave. What does the nurse suspect?
A current injury
An old infarction
An acute infarction
Ischemia Correct Answer: An old infarction
A patient is brought to the ED by emergency medical services with increased aggression and making
clear homicidal threats. What immediate action will the nurse expect to promote staff and patient
safety?
Administration of antipsychotics
One-to-one observation
Place in a seclusion room
Application of restraints Correct Answer: Place in a seclusion room
A 28-year-old female presents with shortness of breath, dizziness, and diaphoresis. Her vital signs
are BP 118/74 mm Hg, HR 122 beats/min, RR 26 breaths/min, T 37.7 C (99.9 F), SpO2 92% without
supplemental oxygen. Her health history includes fractures of the left tibia and fibula following an
,MVC 3 weeks ago. Surgical fixation was required. Her only current medications are an oral
contraceptive and intermittent ibuprofen for pain. Assessment of the casted left leg reveals that the
toes are swollen. With this information, which diagnostic testing will the nurse expect as the highest
priority?
Sputum cultures
Chest radiograph
Computed tomographic pulmonary angiography
Radiograph of the left leg Correct Answer: Computed tomographic pulmonary angiography
A family of 10 presents to the ED with complaints of fever, muscle pain, and unexplained bruising
ongoing for 7 days. After completing the screening, the nurse notes that the family recently traveled
to Sierra Leone. What is the highest priority intervention the triage nurse needs to perform?
Notify infection prevention
Leave the family in the waiting room
Evacuate the waiting room
Inform those waiting that Ebola has been detected Correct Answer: Notify infection prevention
A patient presents to the ED with complaints of fatigue and insomnia. Assessment findings reveal the
patient is awake, alert, and oriented, has a round moon face, buffalo hump back, hirsutism and
prominent striae on the trunk. Vital signs are normal. Which of the following scenarios is most
consistent with this patient's presentation?
A high school wrestler who admits to taking his grandfather's furosemide before a meet
A patient with insulin-dependent diabetes who took insulin, without eating breakfast.
A patient with severe chronic asthma who has been on prednisone for several years
A patient who underwent a thyroidectomy several years ago who recently ran out of medication
Correct Answer: A patient with severe chronic asthma who has been on prednisone for several years
A patient who was brought to the ED by ambulance following a motor vehicle collision, in which the
driver hit a tree, has BP 92/48 mm Hg, HR 128 beats/min, RR 34 breaths/min, SpO2 91% with
supplemental oxygen via a nonrebreather. He has labored breathing, cyanosis, absent breath sounds
on the right, and jugular vein distension. Which of the following conditions would be suspected?
Aspiration
Flail chest
Cardiac tamponade
Tension pneumothorax Correct Answer: Tension pneumothorax
What is the most common cause of cardiogenic shock?
Sustained cardiac dysrhythmias
Acute valvular dysfunction
Myocardial infarction
End-stage cardiomyopathy Correct Answer: Myocardial infarction
The disease most commonly associated with the catarrhal, paroxysmal and convalescent stages is
best treated with classification of medications?
Immune globulin
Steroids
Antiretroviral therapy
Macrolide antibiotics Correct Answer: Macrolide antibiotics
, A 28-year-old female presents to the ED with complaints of dizziness, fear of dying, and hot flashes
that began 10 minutes prior to arrival. The patient is trembling and tachypneic. Which anxiety disorder
is the patient exhibiting?
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Panic attack
Acute stress disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder Correct Answer: Panic attack
A 30-year-old male presents to the emergency department with excruciating pain on the right side of
his head. It has been coming and going all day. His right eye is reddened and skin is flushed. What
type of headache is this patient experiencing?
Tension
Traumatic
Cluster
Migraine Correct Answer: Cluster
To make certain that chain of custody has been followed appropriately, what is the most responsible
task performed by the emergency nurse?
Keep the evidence at their work station until released to law enforcement
Sign and date the tamper resistant tape in front of law enforcement
Limit the number of people with access to the evidence
Carry the evidence with them until released to law enforcement Correct Answer: Limit the number of
people with access to the evidence
Which orthopedic condition is the result of elevated uric acid levels?
Joint effusion
Osteomyelitis
Gouty arthritis
Bursitis Correct Answer: Gouty arthritis
A patient presents to the ED with sensory hallucinations and delusions. He also has disorganized
speech and grossly disordered behavior. What would the nurse expect to take place in order for the
patient to be properly cared for?
A suicide risk assessment
Administration of antipsychotics
Application of restraints
Medical clearance Correct Answer: Medical clearance
A patient has just been diagnosed with endocarditis. While preparing for surgery for valvular repair,
which intervention will the nurse perform?
Insert a urinary catheter
Insert a gastric tube
Begin an infusion of nitroprusside
Administer antibiotics Correct Answer: Administer antibiotics
A patient has an unsteady gait, weakness, diminished sensation to the face and arms, and vision
changes. These findings are most likely associated with neurological condition?
Myasthenia gravis
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis
