Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN) Practice Exam

What is considered the standard of care for airway management in pediatrics?

1. Oxygen delivery methods

2. End title CO2 monitoring

3. Medications for sedation

4. Physical positioning

The correct answer is: End title CO2 monitoring

End tidal CO2 monitoring is considered a standard of care for airway management in pediatrics because it provides real-time information about the effectiveness of ventilation and the presence of CO2 in exhaled air. This monitoring is crucial for assessing the adequacy of ventilation and can help detect potential issues such as improper intubation or respiratory distress. Accurate readings can facilitate timely interventions, ensuring that the child is receiving appropriate care during emergencies. In the context of airway management, while oxygen delivery methods, medications for sedation, and physical positioning are important components of pediatric emergency care, they do not provide the continuous feedback on ventilation status that end tidal CO2 monitoring does. This monitoring assists healthcare providers in making informed decisions about airway management and can be critical in ensuring positive outcomes in pediatric patients.