Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN) Practice Exam

What age group is most likely to experience death due to drowning?

1. Newborns

2. Infants

3. Toddlers

4. Teenagers

The correct answer is: Toddlers

The age group most likely to experience death due to drowning is toddlers. This is primarily due to their developmental characteristics and behaviors. Toddlers, typically defined as children aged one to three years, are naturally curious and tend to explore their environments without an understanding of dangers such as water. Their lack of fear, combined with impulsive behavior, can lead them into situations where they may accidentally fall into bodies of water, such as swimming pools, bathtubs, or natural water sources. Additionally, toddlers may not possess the physical skills necessary to keep themselves afloat, leading to a higher risk of drowning in situations where they are unsupervised, even for a moment. The importance of adult supervision during water activities and teaching water safety at an early age contributes to addressing this life-threatening risk for toddlers. The dramatic increase in drowning incidents within this age group emphasizes the critical need for preventive measures, including barriers around pools and constant vigilance by caregivers.