CEN Respiratory Emergencies | High-Yield Exam Guide

Respiratory Emergencies

Objectives:

By the end of this section, learners will be able to:

• Analyze blood gas abnormalities using arterial blood gas (ABG) values.
• Identify side effects of medications used for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Differentiate types of pulmonary emboli based on clinical presentation.
• Explain treatment strategies for pulmonary edema.
• List nursing interventions for various types of pneumothorax.

CEN Exam Topics – Respiratory Emergencies

The CEN exam includes 18 questions on respiratory emergencies, covering:

• Aspiration
• Asthma
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Respiratory Infections
• Inhalation Injuries
• Airway Obstruction
• Pleural Effusion
• Pneumothorax (including Tension Pneumothorax)
• Pulmonary Edema (Non-Cardiac Origin)
• Pulmonary Embolism
• Respiratory Distress Syndrome
• Trauma-Related Respiratory Complications

Key Airway & Breathing Interventions

Airway Interventions (Suctioning):

• Limit suctioning to 10 seconds per pass to prevent hypoxia.
• Be aware that suctioning may stimulate a vagal response, causing bradycardia and hypotension, especially in infants.
• Nasopharyngeal suctioning: Use a catheter no more than ½ the diameter of the nostril.
• Oropharyngeal suctioning: Aim suction toward the inner cheeks, not the back of the throat.
• Bulb suctioning: Compress the bulb before inserting and release when in the area of secretions.

Breathing Interventions (Oxygen Therapy):

• Ensure appropriate oxygen delivery based on patient needs and condition