Want to test your pharmacology knowledge before the CPN exam? Below are free sample flashcards from the 70-card pharmacology section of our 1060-card CPN (Certified Pediatric Nurse) deck, which covers PEF, Peak Expiratory Flow, Asthma Action Plan, Lasix and more.
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A 4-year-old with a history of anaphylaxis to eggs presents for an annual check-up. Which statement regarding the administration of the influenza vaccine is most accurate according to current 2026 standards?
Show answer →Egg allergy is no longer a contraindication for any influenza vaccine (IIV, RIV4, or LAIV4). Children with a history of egg allergy of any severity can receive any age-appropriate influenza vaccine in a standard setting. No special observation period beyond the standard 15 minutes is required. PNCB emphasizes differentiating precautions from contraindications to avoid missed opportunities. Rationale: Recent evidence shows the amount of egg protein in vaccines is insufficient to trigger anaphylaxis.
A child's Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) is 65% of their personal best. According to the Asthma Action Plan, which Zone are they in, and what is the typical pharmacological intervention required?
Show answer →The child is in the Yellow Zone (50-79% of personal best). This indicates a Caution phase where asthma is not well-controlled. Intervention typically involves using a rescue inhaler (SABA or ICS-formoterol) and potentially increasing maintenance therapy or starting a short course of oral corticosteroids as prescribed by their specific plan. PNCB emphasizes recognizing PEF ranges: Green (>80%), Yellow (50-79%), Red (<50%). Clinical reasoning: The Yellow Zone is the critical window to prevent progression to a medical emergency (Red Zone).
A nurse is preparing to administer an IV bolus of Furosemide (Lasix) to a toddler with fluid overload. What administration technique is essential to prevent a specific sensory complication?
Show answer →Administer the IV bolus slowly, typically no faster than 20 mg/minute. Rationale: Rapid IV administration of loop diuretics can cause ototoxicity (tinnitus or hearing loss, which may be permanent). Safety Pearl: Risk increases if the child is also receiving other ototoxic medications like aminoglycoside antibiotics (e.g., Gentamicin). PNCB emphasizes safe IV push rates for high-alert medications.
A 14-year-old athlete on a hybrid closed-loop (AID) system plans a 90-minute vigorous soccer practice. What is the most appropriate pump adjustment to prevent exercise-induced hypoglycemia?
Show answer →Set a Temporary Target or Exercise Goal (e.g., 150 mg/dL) on the pump 1-2 hours before the activity starts. Rationale: AID systems need time to reduce circulating insulin (basal) before exercise begins. Starting the target at the onset of exercise is often too late to prevent a drop. Exam Tip: Distinguish between temp basal (manual pumps) and temp targets (AID systems).
Which clinical finding would require a nurse to switch from Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) to intravenous (IV) fluid replacement?
Show answer →Contraindications to ORT include: Altered mental status (lethargy/coma), hemodynamic instability/shock, intestinal ileus, or severe respiratory distress (aspiration risk). Exam Tip: If the question describes a child who is lethargic or difficult to arouse, bypass ORT and select IV bolus. If the child is irritable or alert, ORT remains the priority.
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Try 30 free CPN cards firstThe full CPN deck contains 1060 flashcards, and 70 of them focus on pharmacology. This page shows 5 free samples.
Our CPN deck dedicates 70 of 1060 cards (7%) to pharmacology — always cross-check the official PNCB exam outline for the current blueprint weighting.
Yes — the samples on this page are free, and the CPN preview page has 30 more free cards. Full access to all 1060 cards is a one-time $7.
Assessment
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Basics
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Dental
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Management
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Pathology
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