Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN) Practice Exam

What element is NOT part of a thorough circulation assessment?

1. Heart rate

2. Skin color and temperature

3. Breathing sounds

4. Blood pressure

The correct answer is: Breathing sounds

A thorough circulation assessment primarily focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of the cardiovascular system. This includes examining heart rate, which provides insight into the heart's rhythm and output; skin color and temperature, which inform about peripheral perfusion and potential shock; and blood pressure, which indicates the pressure exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels. Breathing sounds, on the other hand, pertain primarily to the respiratory system and are used to assess airflow in the lungs and the presence of any respiratory issues. While important in a comprehensive patient assessment, breathing sounds do not directly provide information about circulation or cardiovascular status. Therefore, it is not included as a fundamental element in a thorough circulation assessment.