Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN) Practice Exam

Which of these injuries is the most common cause of death in children aged 1-4?

1. Birth defects

2. Accidental injuries

3. Infections

4. Suicide

The correct answer is: Accidental injuries

Accidental injuries represent the most common cause of death in children aged 1-4 years, which underscores the significant impact of unintentional incidents in this age group. The types of accidental injuries that frequently lead to fatalities include motor vehicle accidents, drowning, suffocation, and falls. Children in this age range are naturally curious and are beginning to explore their environments more independently, which increases their exposure to potential hazards. While other causes, such as birth defects, infections, and suicide, can adversely affect children, they do not occur as frequently as accidental injuries do in this specific age group. Birth defects are often present from birth and may lead to ongoing medical challenges but are not typically the primary cause of mortality in this developmental stage. Similarly, while infections can result in severe illness, advancements in medical care have improved outcomes for these conditions, reducing their mortality rate. Suicide, while tragic, is extremely rare in this age group compared to accidental deaths. Understanding the prevalence of accidental injuries emphasizes the importance of safety measures, parental supervision, and education on injury prevention for caregivers of young children.