Sample Questions for Acute Care CPNP® Exam

Please remember that these are only sample question types you may encounter and do not reflect the scope or degree of difficulty of the exam. The answer key is located at the bottom of the page.

Select the ONE answer that is BEST in each case.

1. Which laboratory studies are warranted for a 2-year-old with a truncal rash, history of fever to 104° F (40° C) for four days, conjunctivitis, unilateral cervical lymphadenopathy and injected pharynx with a strawberry tongue?

A. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), complete blood count (CBC) and creatine phosphokinase (CPK)
B. C-reactive protein (CRP), coagulation studies and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
C. Thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH), complete blood count (CBC) and antistreptolysin O titer (ASO)
D. Coagulation studies, creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and antistreptolysin O titer (ASO)

2. A previously healthy 10-month-old has vomiting, intermittent periods of intense crying and the passage of red stool. Which would be considered first in the management of this patient?

A. Arrange for a barium or air enema
B. Obtain an abdominal x-ray
C. Obtain a Complete blood count
D. Schedule surgical appointment for tomorrow

3. Which are developmental characteristics of a 6-month-old?

A. Rolls from side to side, babbles, sits in tripod fashion
B. Uses pincer grasp to grab small objects, sits unsupported, babbles
C. Rolls from side to side, uses pincer grasp to grab small objects, says two words
D. Sits in tripod fashion, babbles, sits unsupported

4. A 13-month-old, who is currently being treated for neuroblastoma, arrives in the emergency department with fever to 103° F (39.4° C), BP of 70/40, lethargy and poor oral intake. The most important intervention for this child is to:

A. obtain blood cultures and a CBC
B. administer broad spectrum antibiotics and IV fluids
C. notify the heme/oncology department of patient's arrival
D. obtain a head and abdominal CT

5. An acute care pediatric nurse practitioner has decided to take a position in an oncology department. One of her responsibilities will include performing lumbar punctures for diagnostic purposes. Which best determines her legal authority to do this task?

A. Preparation for procedures obtained from the acute care educational program
B. State NP Scope of practice for ordering, performing and interpreting laboratory tests.
C. Supervising physician's determination of her skills
D. Insurance company's willingness to pay the hospital for the procedure

Answers:
1 A
2 A
3 A
4 B
5 B