Free BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Question

A 67-year-old male with a history of esophageal cancer is brought to the emergency department after experiencing a sudden onset of coughing and respiratory distress during a meal. On examination, the patient is febrile, tachypneic, and has decreased breath sounds in the right lower lung field. What is the MOST appropriate initial management for this patient?

  • Immediate suctioning of the oropharynx and administration of supplemental oxygen

  • Institute bronchodilator therapy to improve airflow

  • Advise keeping the patient NPO and prepare for a barium swallow study

  • Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics to cover for possible aspiration pneumonia

This question's topic:
BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) / 
Respiratory Emergencies
Your Score:

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