Certified Burn Registered Nurse (CBRN) Exam practice questions and answers 2026. Tap an option to test yourself — you'll see the correct answer and a plain-English explanation for every question. Free, no login.
Q11You are caring for a 70 kg adult patient with 40% Burn Surface Area (BSA). Calculate the initial rate at which you should administer intravenous fluids over the first 8 hours using the Parkland formula. Parameter Value Patient Weight 70 kg Burn Surface Area (BSA) 40\% Fluid Requirement (4 mL/kg/%BSA)
✓ Correct answer: A. 700 mL/hr
To calculate the fluid requirement for the first 8 hours: use the Parkland formula: $$4 \times \text{BSA} \times \text{weight}$$. Here, BSA = 40% and weight = 70 kg. Fluid requirement = $$4 \times 40 \times 70 = 11200 \text{ mL total for 24 hours}$$. Since half of this should be given in the first 8 hours, it means $$\frac{11200}{2} = 5600 \text{ mL}$$ is administered over 8 hours. Therefore, the initial infusion rate = $$\frac{5600}{8} = 700 \text{ mL/hr}$$. Since we're seeking the amount per 8 hours, it should be halved: 560 mL/hr to be administered over the first 8 hours.
Q12Which of the following compression therapies is most appropriate for achieving rapid reduction in scar thickness after significant burn injuries?
✓ Correct answer: B. Elastic Bandages
Elastic Bandages are typically used when rapid reduction in scar thickness is needed after significant burn injuries due to their ability to apply effective pressure. Silicone Gel Sheets are more suited to improving scar texture and color, not necessarily rapid thickness reduction. Pressure Garments provide consistent pressure over time, useful for long-term management, while Foam Inserts are effective for specifically shaped scars.
Q13A patient with severe electrical burns is admitted to the burn unit. Review the lab values below. Which lab result should be prioritized for intervention based on abnormalities related to massive tissue damage? Lab Test Normal Range Patient's Value Potassium (mEq/L) 3.5-5.0 5.8 Sodium (mmol/L) 135-145 125 Hemoglobin (g/dL) 13.5-17.5 18.0 Bicarbonate (mEq/L) 22-28 24
✓ Correct answer: A. Potassium (5.8 mEq/L)
Answer: Potassium (5.8 mEq/L) In patients with severe burns, tissue damage can cause hyperkalemia (elevated potassium), which is a critical condition requiring immediate intervention due to the risk of cardiac arrhythmias. While hyponatremia (low sodium) is a concern, it typically requires different management strategies and is less immediately life-threatening than hyperkalemia in the acute setting. Elevated hemoglobin may be indicative of hemoconcentration due to fluid loss, but it is not as immediately threatening as hyperkalemia. Bicarbonate levels are within normal range and not a current concern.
Q14Firefighters are assessing victims from a chemical fire scene. Which of the following factors should they least focus on when determining the severity of victims' chemical burns?
✓ Correct answer: D. Normal skin pH of 4.5-5.5
When responding to a chemical fire incident, key factors that determine the severity of chemical burns include the type and concentration of chemicals, as well as the duration of exposure. Skin pH, often 4.5 to 5.5, is not a relevant factor in these acute scenarios.
Q15A patient with third-degree burns covering 30% of their body surface is admitted to the burn unit. As part of the nutritional assessment, which protein status indicator should be prioritized for monitoring their nutritional recovery?
✓ Correct answer: C. Prealbumin
Prealbumin is preferred for monitoring protein status as it is sensitive and offers a quick reflection of changes in the patient's nutritional status due to its short half-life. C-Reactive Protein is an inflammation marker and not optimal for assessing nutritional status. Total Protein levels do not fluctuate quickly enough to reflect short-term nutritional changes. Globulin levels are more related to the immune response rather than immediate nutritional status.
Q16When educating a caregiver about managing pressure ulcers at home, you need to determine which wound type is most suitable for autolytic debridement. Based on their characteristics, which of the following ulcer types should you choose?
✓ Correct answer: B. Pressure Ulcer Stage 1: Small, Uninfected
Autolytic debridement is most effective for wounds that are small and uninfected. It supports the body's natural healing processes by using moisture-retentive dressings to promote rehydration and breakdown of dead tissue. It's not suitable for infected wounds, regardless of size, as infection requires intervention beyond natural mechanisms.
Q17A child with severe electrical burns to both upper arms now presents with significant pain and swelling. You suspect compartment syndrome. Which of the following symptoms is not typically associated with compartment syndrome?
✓ Correct answer: D. Pressure
Answer: Pressure Compartment syndrome occurs when increased pressure within a confined space in the body limits blood flow, leading to muscle and nerve damage. The five "Ps" associated with compartment syndrome symptoms are pain, pallor, paresthesia, pulselessness, and paralysis. While pressure is a cause of compartment syndrome, it is not one of its clinical symptoms.
Q18A camper in a remote area accidentally spills boiling water on his forearm while preparing a meal. What should be the initial and most critical first aid intervention to minimize damage to the burn?
✓ Correct answer: C. Immediate cooling with clean, cold water
The correct answer: Immediate cooling with clean, cold water. For thermal burns, it is vital to cool the affected area with cold, clean water as soon as possible to prevent further tissue damage. This should be done for at least 10-20 minutes. The availability of a nearby stream in this scenario provides the necessary resource for effective cooling. While other interventions may follow, immediate cooling is the most critical step.
Q19How does the Wallace Rule of Nines assist medical personnel in a trauma unit to quickly gauge the extent of burns?
✓ Correct answer: A. By dividing the body into areas roughly representing 9% (or multiples thereof) of total body surface area (TBSA), with 1% for the genital area.
Answer: By dividing the body into areas roughly representing 9% (or multiples thereof) of TBSA, with 1% for the genital area. The Wallace Rule of Nines provides a quick and straightforward method to estimate the TBSA affected by burns. It divides the body into segments that correspond to 9% of the total body surface area or multiples thereof. This method is particularly useful in emergency settings like trauma units. The Lund and Browder chart, on the other hand, provides a more detailed and specific estimation based on age and body part proportions.
Q20A dehydrated newborn weighing 3 kg is brought into the emergency department. Using the standard maintenance factor, what should be the initial infusion rate of normal saline (NS) to adequately rehydrate the newborn?
✓ Correct answer: A. 12 mL/hr
For calculating the initial infusion rate, use the formula: Fluid requirements (mL/hr) = Weight (kg) \times Maintenance factor. The maintenance factor for a newborn weighing up to 10 kg is 4 mL/kg/hr. Thus, for a newborn weighing 3 kg: $$3 \times 4 = 12$$ mL/hr.
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