Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN) Practice Exam

During respiratory arrest, what procedure is typically performed?

1. Nasal cannula insertion

2. Endotracheal intubation

3. Chest compressions

4. Autotransfusion

The correct answer is: Endotracheal intubation

In cases of respiratory arrest, endotracheal intubation is the procedure commonly performed to secure the airway. This intervention involves placing a tube into the trachea through the mouth or nose to ensure that the airway remains open, allowing for effective ventilation. During respiratory arrest, the patient is unable to breathe adequately or at all, and without intervention, oxygen levels can rapidly deplete, leading to critical complications. Intubation facilitates mechanical ventilation, enabling positive pressure ventilation to assist the patient in receiving the necessary oxygen. It's a critical step in advanced airway management, especially in emergency situations where the respiratory function is compromised. Other options, such as nasal cannula insertion or autotransfusion, do not address the immediate need for airway protection and ventilation in a state of respiratory arrest, while chest compressions are more relevant in cases of cardiac arrest when there is an absence of pulse and cardiac function. Therefore, endotracheal intubation stands out as the most essential procedure to manage respiratory arrest effectively.