Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN) Practice Exam

For children aged 1-4, what is the most common cause of death?

1. Birth Defects

2. Accidental Injuries

3. Cancer

4. Homicide

The correct answer is: Accidental Injuries

For children aged 1-4, accidental injuries are indeed the most prevalent cause of death. This age group is particularly vulnerable to various types of accidents, such as drowning, motor vehicle accidents, falls, and unintentional injuries resulting from dangerous objects or substances. Engaging in exploratory behavior and developing motor skills can lead to situations where children may inadvertently hurt themselves. While other options, such as birth defects, cancer, and homicide, can certainly affect children in this age group, they do not occur as frequently as accidental injuries. Birth defects are more significant contributors to infant mortality than to deaths in the 1-4 age range, while cancer, though tragic, is comparatively rare in young children. Homicide is also a serious concern but represents a smaller percentage of deaths in this age group than accidental injuries. Understanding the pattern and causes of injuries in young children can help inform prevention strategies and improve safety practices.