Preparing for the CPEN (Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse) exam? Pathology is one of the areas our deck drills hardest: 320 of its 1090 flashcards focus on pathology, covering topics like WinRho, Immune Globulin. Try the sample questions below — every card is a real question-and-answer pair from the full deck.
320
Cards on this topic
1090
Total CPEN cards
$7
Full access
A 2-year-old presents with a barky cough, inspiratory stridor at rest, and a low-grade fever (100.2 F) that worsened at night. Which anatomical structure is primarily affected, and what is the classic radiographic finding?
Show answer →This is Croup (Laryngotracheobronchitis). It primarily affects the subglottic space (narrowing of the subglottic trachea). Radiograph classic finding: Steeple Sign (subglottic narrowing) seen on an AP view. Management: Dexamethasone (0.6 mg/kg) and nebulized epinephrine if stridor is present at rest. CPEN Tip: Croup is usually viral (Parainfluenza) and has a gradual onset over 2-3 days, unlike the rapid onset of epiglottitis.
A neonate with suspected duct-dependent obstructive shock is started on a Prostaglandin E1 (Alprostadil) infusion. What is the most critical side effect the nurse must be prepared to manage immediately?
Show answer →Apnea. Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) frequently causes apnea in neonates (up to 10-20% of cases), requiring immediate airway management and potentially intubation.\n\nOther side effects: Fever, flushing, and hypotension (due to vasodilation).\n\nExam Strategy: When a question mentions starting PGE1, the correct next step often involves preparing for intubation or monitoring respiratory status closely. This is a high-yield CPEN topic regarding ductal-dependent lesions presenting as obstructive shock.
A 2-month-old is irritable and cries more when held or rocked by the parents. This is known as what clinical finding?
Show answer →Paradoxical Irritability. Unlike a healthy infant who is consoled by being held, an infant with meningitis experiences increased pain when moved due to meningeal stretching. \n\nExam Strategy: This is a high-yield clinical indicator of meningitis in infants who cannot demonstrate nuchal rigidity. Other infant signs include a bulging fontanelle (late sign), poor feeding, and a high-pitched cry.
A 12-year-old female with ITP and a platelet count of 8,000/mm3 is being considered for Rho(D) Immune Globulin (WinRho) therapy. What criteria must the patient meet for this treatment to be effective, and what is a serious potential side effect?
Show answer →To receive Rho(D) Immune Globulin, the patient must be Rh-positive and have an intact spleen. Mechanism: It coats RBCs with antibody, causing the spleen to prioritize destroying RBCs over platelets. A critical side effect is immune-mediated hemolytic anemia; nurses must monitor for a drop in hemoglobin, jaundice, or dark urine (hemoglobinuria). BCEN Tip: If the patient is Rh-negative or has had a splenectomy, WinRho will not work. In those cases, IVIG is the preferred rapid treatment. IVIG works by clogging the Fc receptors on splenic macrophages to stop platelet destruction.
On a lateral elbow X-ray, the anterior humeral line passes through the anterior third of the capitellum rather than the middle. What does this indicate?
Show answer →Extension-type Supracondylar Fracture (likely Gartland Type II). Normally, a line drawn down the anterior humerus should bisect the middle third of the capitellum in children >4 years. BCEN Tip: If the line misses the capitellum or passes through the anterior portion, it confirms posterior displacement of the distal fragment.
Unlock all 1090 CPEN flashcards — one-time $7, lifetime access, no subscription.
The full CPEN deck contains 1090 flashcards, and 320 of them focus on pathology. This page shows 5 free samples.
Our CPEN deck dedicates 320 of 1090 cards (29%) 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 CPEN preview page has 30 more free cards. Full access to all 1090 cards is a one-time $7.