Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN) Practice Exam

What is an important childhood safety concern for parents of infants?

1. Overeating

2. Firearm safety

3. Suffocation

4. Childhood obesity

The correct answer is: Suffocation

Suffocation is a significant safety concern for parents of infants due to their developmental stage and the environments in which they sleep and play. Infants are unable to move their heads or bodies adequately to free themselves from dangerous situations, making them particularly vulnerable to suffocation from bedding, soft toys, or leaving them in unsafe sleeping positions, such as on their stomachs. The risk of suffocation is heightened during sleep; guidelines recommend placing infants on their backs to sleep and ensuring that cribs are free from loose bedding and soft objects, which can obstruct airways. Being aware of these factors is crucial for preventing accidental suffocation and ensuring a safer sleeping environment for infants. Other concerns, while important, do not pose the same immediate and acute risks. Overeating and childhood obesity are more relevant as the child grows and begins to consume solid food. Firearm safety, while critical, may not be an immediate concern for all families, depending on their specific circumstances and environments.