CPN study guide
CPN · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) credential is a certification from the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) for registered nurses who care for infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. Within PNCB's credential family it is the RN-level, generalist pediatric certification: the CPNP-PC, CPNP-AC, and PMHS credentials are built for advanced practice nurses and mental health specialists, and PNCB publishes a separate comparison page explaining how the CPN differs from the PED-BC credential. The CPN study guide has 4 sections and about 1,067 words.
01Health Promotion, Growth, and Development
Pediatric health promotion is longitudinal, family-centered, and anticipatory rather than reactive. Candidates must know growth-chart interpretation (serial measurements, percentiles, and growth velocity), developmental surveillance and screening, age-specific anticipatory guidance, immunization principles, nutrition (breastfeeding, iron, vitamin D, obesity prevention), oral health, injury prevention, and screening schedules (vision, hearing, lead, anemia, autism).
275 words, about 1 min02Assessment and Management of the Pediatric Patient
Start with the Pediatric Assessment Triangle (appearance, work of breathing, circulation to skin) to judge severity from the doorway, then complete a primary survey (airway, breathing, circulation, disability, exposure) and a secondary history and exam. Gather a family-centered history (SAMPLE: symptoms, allergies, medications, past history, last meal, events) and obtain a weight in kilograms.
270 words, about 1 min03Pediatric Emergencies and Acute Care
Pediatric emergencies reward early recognition. Distinguish respiratory distress from respiratory failure (decreasing effort, cyanosis, altered mental status) and compensated from decompensated shock.
269 words, about 1 min04Professional Practice, Advocacy, and Education
Pediatric nursing practice is bounded by scope of practice, delegation rules, informed consent, confidentiality, and mandatory reporting. Know who may consent for a minor (usually a parent or legal guardian; exceptions include emancipated minors, some mature-minor situations, and emergency care), that the nurse verifies and witnesses consent but does not obtain it, and that suspicion of abuse or neglect must be reported in good faith, not proven first.
253 words, about 1 min