Free BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Question

A 45-year-old male patient presents to the emergency department with sudden-onset, severe abdominal pain that started 6 hours ago. He has a rigid abdomen and is guarding. His vital signs are blood pressure 100/60 mmHg, heart rate 120 bpm, respiratory rate 22 breaths/min, and temperature 38.2°C. What is the BEST immediate next step in the management of this patient?

  • Initiate aggressive fluid resuscitation and consult a surgeon.

  • Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics immediately.

  • Apply a heating pad to the abdomen to provide symptomatic relief.

  • Order abdominal x-rays and laboratory studies.

This question's topic:
BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) / 
Gastrointestinal, Genitourinary, Gynecology, and Obstetrical
Your Score:

Check or uncheck an objective to set which questions you will receive.