CPN CPE III case studies
CPN CPE III · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The CPN CPE III is presented as an advanced-level pediatric nursing credential for nurses who already hold core pediatric certification and want to demonstrate deeper clinical judgment. Candidates typically work in inpatient pediatric units, emergency departments, intensive care, or ambulatory settings where they assess children independently and guide less experienced staff. The CPN CPE III case studies are 5 cases and about 3,204 words.
1Post-tonsillectomy analgesia: a codeine order and a home acetaminophen dose
Malik, age 6, weighs 24 kg, is 18 hours post tonsillectomy and is admitted for poor oral intake. His orders read: acetaminophen 15 mg/kg PO every 6 hours as needed for pain, and codeine 0.5 mg/kg PO every 6 hours as needed for breakthrough pain.
664 words, about 3 min2Late preterm hypoglycemia in a breastfeeding couplet
A baby girl was born at 34 2/7 weeks to a 29-year-old mother with diet-controlled gestational diabetes. Birth weight is 2.14 kg, appropriate for gestational age.
676 words, about 3 min3Adolescent self-harm, confidentiality, and firearm access in the emergency department
Leah, 15, is brought to the emergency department by her mother after a school counselor saw fresh cuts on her left forearm and read a journal entry that said 'I don't want to be here anymore.' Leah is calm, answers in a low voice, and says the cuts are 'not a big deal, I was just stressed about finals.' She denies a current plan but admits to 'thinking about disappearing' two or three times a week for the past month. Her PHQ-A score is 19.
639 words, about 3 min4Prolonged febrile seizure with no IV access
An EMS crew brings 3-year-old Owen to the emergency department at 10:42. His mother reports he was febrile and drowsy, then had a generalized tonic-clonic seizure at 10:33 that has not stopped.
617 words, about 3 min5Infant with fractures and an inconsistent history: reporting while caring
You are caring for a 5-month-old boy brought to the emergency department at 22:00 by his mother's boyfriend. The boyfriend says the baby 'rolled off the couch' while he was in the kitchen making a bottle.
608 words, about 3 min