Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN) Practice Exam

Which factor increases the risk of multiple injuries in children compared to adults?

1. Greater body fat

2. Increased body mass

3. Smaller body size

4. Greater muscle density

The correct answer is: Smaller body size

The factor that increases the risk of multiple injuries in children compared to adults is smaller body size. Children are physically smaller and may have proportionately larger heads and shorter limbs relative to adults. This anatomical configuration makes them more vulnerable during falls or collisions, as the impact can be more significant to their sensitive organs and structures. Additionally, their smaller size limits their ability to absorb impacts and protect themselves during accidents, leading to a higher likelihood of sustaining multiple injuries. In contrast, options such as greater body fat, increased body mass, and greater muscle density do not contribute significantly to an increased risk of multiple injuries in children, as these factors are typically less pronounced in the pediatric population when compared to adults. Children generally have less body fat and muscle density than adults and do not possess the same mass, which can act as a cushion in case of an injury. Therefore, understanding the impact of body size in relation to the risks of injury is crucial.