Want to test your procedures knowledge before the CFRN exam? Below are free sample flashcards from the 140-card procedures section of our 1000-card CFRN (Certified Flight Registered Nurse) deck.
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During the transport of a trauma patient with an arterial line, you need to identify the phlebostatic axis for accurate leveling. Where is this anatomically located?
Show answer →The phlebostatic axis is located at the intersection of the 4th intercostal space and the mid-axillary line (representing the level of the right atrium). Proper leveling ensures that the hydrostatic pressure of the fluid column does not add to or subtract from the physiological pressure. BCEN Tip: If the transducer is too low, the reading will be falsely high; if too high, the reading will be falsely low.
After successful needle decompression, the flight nurse notes a rush of air and improvement in BP. How should the nurse secure the catheter for the remainder of the 45-minute flight?
Show answer →Secure the hub to the chest wall with tape, ensuring the catheter is not kinked. Leave the hub open to air or attach a one-way valve (e.g., Heimlich valve). Caution: Do NOT use a standard stopcock in the off position or any occlusive dressing that could allow pressure to rebuild. BCEN often uses apply an occlusive dressing over the needle as a distractor. The goal is to allow air to escape while preventing it from entering (one-way flow).
You have just completed a bilateral leg escharotomy. What are the two most critical immediate post-procedure complications the flight nurse must monitor for during transport?
Show answer →Hemorrhage and Hypothermia. Rationale: Escharotomy can cause significant venous bleeding from the incision sites, which must be controlled with pressure or cautery. Furthermore, opening the skin increases heat loss in a patient already prone to hypothermia. BCEN Exam Tip: Don't forget the basics. While the procedure saves the limb, the resulting blood loss and heat loss can be lethal in the triad of death (acidosis, coagulopathy, hypothermia).
A patient on Impella support develops dark red urine and a sudden rise in LDH levels. What is the pathophysiological cause and the management priority for the flight nurse?
Show answer →This indicates mechanical hemolysis, usually caused by the pump being malpositioned or running at high P-levels against a low-volume state (suction). Management: 1. Check pump position (Echo/Placement signal). 2. Ensure adequate preload. 3. Reduce P-level if hemolysis persists. Clinical Pearl: Free hemoglobin can cause acute kidney injury (AKI); maintain high urine output to protect the kidneys.
A trauma patient with a TBI is agitated and hypoxic (SpO2 82%). You administer 1 mg/kg Ketamine for DSI. After 2 minutes of preoxygenation with BiPAP, SpO2 is 98%. What is the NEXT critical step in the DSI protocol before laryngoscopy?
Show answer →After the patient has been sufficiently preoxygenated (aiming for 3 minutes of tidal volume breathing or SpO2 >95%), the next step is the administration of a paralytic agent (Neuromuscular Blocking Agent), such as Succinylcholine or Rocuronium. DSI essentially splits the RSI process: Sedate -> Preoxygenate -> Paralyze -> Intubate. Clinical Reasoning: Once the oxygen reservoir is filled, the patient is paralyzed to provide optimal intubating conditions. Note: In DSI, the sedation has already been given, so you only give the paralytic at this stage. BCEN focus: Ensure the patient is truly dissociated before paralysis to prevent awareness.
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Try 30 free CFRN cards firstThe full CFRN deck contains 1000 flashcards, and 140 of them focus on procedures. This page shows 5 free samples.
Our CFRN deck dedicates 140 of 1000 cards (14%) to procedures — 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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