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.
Q21A 35-year-old female was working in a laboratory when a bottle of concentrated hydrochloric acid fell, splashing her legs and accidentally inhaling fumes. She feels a burning sensation on her legs, has developed mild reddening, and experiences throat irritation. The area's safety data sheet highlights skin corrosion and respiratory distress as risks associated with exposure to hydrochloric acid. All of the following are immediate concerns for this patient, except:
✓ Correct answer: B. Delayed evolution to full-thickness burns
Answer: Delayed evolution to full-thickness burns Hydrochloric acid primarily causes initial superficial damage without deep tissue penetration like lye, which is an alkali, known to penetrate deeper over time. Therefore, while the acid can cause severe skin burns and respiratory issues, full-thickness burns developing over time is less typical than with alkali burns.
Q22A 24-year-old firefighter weighing 75 kg has burns covering 30% of his body surface area (TBSA). Using the Parkland formula, calculate the total fluid requirement over the first 24 hours of care, using 4 mL as the maximal amount per TBSA.
✓ Correct answer: C. 9,000 mL
To determine the total fluid requirement, apply the Parkland formula: $$4 \text{ mL} \times \text{TBSA (%)} \times \text{weight (kg)}$$ For this patient: $$4 \times 30 \times 75$$ The calculation yields 9,000 mL of fluid required in the first 24 hours. Remember to keep the TBSA percentage as a whole number when using the formula.
Q23A female patient experienced severe sunburn covering 40% of her body surface area while on vacation. During the initial medical assessment, her past medical history includes the following conditions. Which condition should alert you to modify her fluid resuscitation plan?
✓ Correct answer: A. Chronic congestive heart failure
Answer: Chronic congestive heart failure. Patients with chronic congestive heart failure can have compromised cardiac output, requiring monitored and often modified fluid resuscitation plans to avoid fluid overload and further complications. The other conditions do not typically necessitate adjustments in the fluid resuscitation regimen in burn scenarios.
Q24You are treating a patient with extensive electrical burns to the limbs who you suspect is developing compartment syndrome. Which of the following is NOT typically a sign of this condition in the acute phase?
✓ Correct answer: D. Hyperthermia
Answer: Hyperthermia Compartment syndrome is characterized by the '5 Ps': Pain (especially pain out of proportion to the injury and unrelieved by narcotics), Paresthesia (numbness or tingling), Pallor (paleness of the skin), Paralysis (loss of function), and Pulselessness (absence of pulse in the affected extremity). Hyperthermia is not a standard indicator of compartment syndrome but rather can be associated with infection or other systemic responses.
Q25A 30-year-old female patient presents with partial-thickness burns to both of the anterior legs, anterior trunk, and anterior right arm. Using the Rule of Nines, calculate the total body surface area (TBSA) percentage that is burned.
✓ Correct answer: C. 40.5%
Answer: 40.5% According to the Rule of Nines: Each anterior leg is 9%, making a total of 18% for both legs. The anterior trunk accounts for 18%, and the anterior right arm is 4.5%. This totals 40.5% TBSA burned.
Q26You are assessing a firefighter after a rescue operation in a heavily smoke-filled building. Which of the following symptoms is most concerning for airway compromise?
✓ Correct answer: C. Hoarse voice and coughing with soot stained sputum
Answer: Hoarse voice and coughing with soot stained sputum These symptoms indicate smoke inhalation injury, suggesting airway compromise. Other signs that indicate airway compromise are hoarseness, stridor, and sooty deposits around the mouth or nose. Smoke inhalation damage is closely watched for further respiratory complications.
Q27In your role at a specialized burn center, you encounter a homeless patient and a well-known philanthropist both requiring immediate care. Applying the ethical principle of fairness, what principle should guide your decision on how to treat them?
✓ Correct answer: B. Justice
Answer: Justice. In the context of a burn center, justice involves treating patients equitably based on the severity of their condition, rather than their social status or economic power. It ensures fairness in access to care. Autonomy refers to respecting a patient's right to make decisions about their health care. Beneficence means doing what is best for the patient. Nonmaleficence means avoiding harm to the patient.
Q28In a burn unit, a patient is presented with several options for pain management. The healthcare team explains each option, including potential side effects and effectiveness. Which approach best exemplifies respect for the patient's autonomy?
✓ Correct answer: C. Allowing the patient to choose their preferred method of pain management after understanding all options.
Answer: Allowing the patient to choose their preferred method of pain management after understanding all options. Patient autonomy involves making personal healthcare decisions after receiving all pertinent information. Selecting options based on healthcare team preferences or delaying until family input negates the patient's personal choice.
Q29A burn nurse is providing wound care instructions to a patient who will continue their recovery at home. To ensure the patient understands how to clean and dress their burn wound, what should the nurse encourage the patient to do?
✓ Correct answer: B. Demonstrate and explain back each step of the process
Answer: Demonstrate and explain back each step of the process. Encouraging the patient to demonstrate and explain back each step of the burn wound care ensures they truly understand the procedure. Active participation and teach-back methods lead to better understanding than passive methods like reading or watching videos.
Q30A 60-year-old male climber presents to the emergency department after being exposed to extremely low temperatures during a mountain expedition. He has signs of frostbite affecting his limbs, altered consciousness, and arrhythmia. Which systemic condition is this patient most likely developing due to his exposure to cold and subsequent frostbite?
✓ Correct answer: D. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS)
Answer: Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) The patient's symptoms, including altered consciousness and arrhythmia after severe frostbite, suggest SIRS. This develops as the body's systemic response to severe injury, including extreme cold exposure and tissue damage. SIRS criteria include signs like fever or hypothermia, rapid heart rate, respiratory changes, and white blood cell count abnormalities. The options of hypothermia-induced delirium, cardiogenic shock, and severe acidosis are distinct conditions that do not encompass the full systemic response seen in SIRS.
Use the free Certified Burn Nurse Prep sample, download the PDF, then unlock web-based timed mock exams for a full exam rehearsal.
Theory