These CFRN practice questions target pathology — including CPP, BTF, Cerebral Perfusion Pressure, Brain Trauma Foundation. The complete CFRN deck holds 1000 flashcards, 230 of them dedicated to this topic. Study the free samples below, then unlock the whole collection for a one-time $7.
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A TBI patient has a BP of 110/70 (MAP 83) and an ICP of 20 mmHg. Calculate the Cerebral Perfusion Pressure (CPP) and determine if it meets current Brain Trauma Foundation (BTF) targets.
Show answer →CPP = MAP - ICP. Calculation: 83 - 20 = 63 mmHg. Current guidelines recommend maintaining CPP between 60-70 mmHg. While 63 mmHg is within the target range, BCEN emphasizes that CPP < 60 mmHg is associated with ischemia, while CPP > 70 mmHg may lead to ARDS due to aggressive vasopressor/fluid use. Exam Tip: If the question asks for the primary goal in TBI transport, it is often maintaining SBP > 100-110 mmHg and SpO2 > 94% to prevent secondary injury.
A patient is diagnosed with a Grade I TAI (intimal tear) and a Grade II TAI (intramural hematoma). How does management differ for these two findings according to 2026 SVS guidelines?
Show answer →Grade I (intimal tear) is typically managed conservatively with serial imaging (repeat CTA in 24-48 hours) and heart rate/blood pressure control. Grade II (intramural hematoma) increasingly requires TEVAR in the acute phase if there are high-risk features, but may be managed medically in select stable patients. BCEN focuses on the transition from medical to surgical management at Grade II/III.
A patient with HHNS has a measured serum sodium of 132 mEq/L and a glucose of 1000 mg/dL. What is the corrected sodium, and why is this value critical for your flight transport fluid choice?
Show answer →Corrected Na formula: Measured Na + [1.6 * (Glucose - 100) / 100]. Calculation: 132 + [1.6 * (900 / 100)] = 132 + 14.4 = 146.4 mEq/L. Significance: Hyperglycemia causes an osmotic shift of water from the intracellular to the extracellular space, diluting the serum sodium (dilutional hyponatremia). The corrected sodium reflects the true water deficit. Clinical Decision: If the corrected sodium is high (>145), 0.45% NaCl (half-normal) is often indicated to provide free water. If normal/low, 0.9% NaCl or LR is preferred. CFRN Exam Tip: BCEN often tests the "pseudohyponatremia" of hyperglycemia. Always calculate the corrected sodium before assuming the patient is actually hyponatremic.
A patient with organophosphate poisoning shows muscle fasciculations, hypertension, and tachycardia. Which receptors are responsible for these specific findings?
Show answer →Nicotinic Receptors. Rationale: Cholinergic crisis involves both Muscarinic (SLUDGEM) and Nicotinic (MTWThF) stimulation. While bradycardia is common (muscarinic), nicotinic stimulation at the sympathetic ganglia can cause tachycardia and HTN. BCEN Tip: Fasciculations are a hallmark nicotinic sign and indicate the need for 2-PAM (Pralidoxime) to treat the NMJ.
A neonate at 34 weeks gestation has a Lecithin-to-Sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio of 1.2:1. What does this value indicate regarding the risk of RDS?
Show answer →An L/S ratio of less than 2:1 indicates pulmonary immaturity and a high risk of RDS. Lecithin increases as the lungs mature, while sphingomyelin remains constant. BCEN Tip: While L/S ratios are less common in acute transport, they are high-yield for predictive questions regarding the need for surfactant replacement immediately post-delivery in the field or at a referring facility.
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Try 30 free CFRN cards firstThe full CFRN deck contains 1000 flashcards, and 230 of them focus on pathology. This page shows 5 free samples.
Our CFRN deck dedicates 230 of 1000 cards (23%) to pathology — always cross-check the official BCEN exam outline for the current blueprint weighting.
Yes — the samples on this page are free, and the CFRN preview page has 30 more free cards. Full access to all 1000 cards is a one-time $7.
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