CFRN CTRN Flight Nurse Prep Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (11–20)

Question 1

Which of the following is an increased physiologic risk factor for hypovolemic shock in infants, compared with adults?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Infants have a higher surface area-to-volume ratio. Answer: Infants have a higher surface area-to-volume ratio. Infants are at a higher risk for hypovolemic shock compared to adults due to their higher surface area-to-volume ratio, which increases their susceptibility to fluid loss through the skin and dehydration. Additionally, infants rely heavily on their intravascular volume for maintaining blood pressure. In contrast, infants have a higher metabolic rate, higher proportion of body water, and do not necessarily have a faster blood clotting time compared to adults.

Question 2

Which of the following congenital heart defects is one of the most commonly encountered when providing care for a pediatric patient experiencing cyanosis?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Tetralogy of Fallot. Answer: Tetralogy of Fallot Tetralogy of Fallot is one of the most common congenital heart defects associated with cyanosis in pediatric patients. It consists of four anatomical abnormalities: ventricular septal defect (VSD), pulmonary stenosis, right ventricular hypertrophy, and an overriding aorta. This combination of defects can result in poor oxygenation of blood due to a mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood within the heart and reduced blood flow to the lungs. Patients may present with cyanotic spells, fatigue, and difficulty breathing, particularly during feeding or physical activities.

Question 3

At what gestational age is a baby considered pre-term?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Before 37 weeks. Answer: Before 37 weeks Babies are considered pre-term if they are born before 37 weeks of gestation. Full-term is between 38-41 weeks, and post-term is after 42 weeks.

Question 4

A ground-based medical transport team has implemented policies regarding crew member and driver fatigue. Policies addressing fatigue for ground-based medical transport should:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Address the concern of driving while fatigued as severely as it does driving under the effects of alcohol. Answer: Address the concern of driving while fatigued as severely as it does driving under the effects of alcohol Studies have shown that fatigue can impair driving performance as significantly as alcohol. Policies for ground-based medical transport should enforce regulations around fatigue as stringently as those for alcohol use, which typically include restrictions such as not driving within 8 hours of alcohol consumption or with a blood alcohol content (BAC) ≥ 0.04%. Ensuring such policies are in place is vital to maintain the safety and effectiveness of medical transport operations.

Question 5

What is the recommended size of a safe landing zone for a helicopter in a residential area during an emergency?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

100 ft x 100 ft. Generally, 100 ft x 100 ft is recommended as a safe landing zone for a helicopter in a residential area during an emergency. This size ensures sufficient space for the helicopter to land safely. The other options are too small and do not provide adequate safety margins.

Question 6

During inter-facility transport, a patient begins to experience severe ear pain as the ambulance descends into a valley. You identify the problem as a middle ear barotrauma. What should you as the CFRN/CTRN do to manage this patient?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Stop the descent, administer decongestants, and descend gradually. Answer: Stop the descent, administer decongestants, and descend gradually Middle ear barotrauma, also known as otic barotrauma, is caused by the inability of the ear to equalize pressure with the surrounding environment. It can be very painful and may lead to hearing loss or eardrum rupture if not properly managed. Treatment involves stopping the descent to prevent further pressure build-up, administering decongestants to facilitate ear drainage and pressure equalization, and resuming descent gradually.

Question 7

You are the CFRN/CTRN caring for a patient being transported in an unpressurized aircraft. You are briefing the patient about hypoxia. Which of the following should be included in the briefing?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

You should breathe supplemental oxygen if you begin to experience shortness of breath or dizziness.. Answer: You should breathe supplemental oxygen if you begin to experience shortness of breath or dizziness. Hypoxia is a condition caused by insufficient oxygen reaching the tissues and can occur at higher altitudes in unpressurized aircraft. The primary remedy for hypoxia is supplemental oxygen. Resting and breathing deeply can help, but supplemental oxygen is essential. Drinking water has no immediate effect on oxygen levels, and descending is not the first action to take.

Question 8

Which of the following protocols should be adhered to during a medical helicopter's approach and departure from a hospital helipad?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Minimizing all non-essential communication to ensure safety during critical phases of flight. Answer: Minimizing all non-essential communication to ensure safety during critical phases of flight The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates that a "sterile cockpit" be maintained during critical phases of flight operations, including the approach and departure from a helipad. This involves limiting intercom communication to essential information to enhance situational awareness and avoid distractions, ensuring a safe environment for both crew and patients. Normal communication can resume once the helicopter has safely landed or is en route in stable flight.

Question 9

During the transport of a trauma patient with suspected spinal cord injury, the most important indicator of neurological deterioration is:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Level of consciousness. Answer: Level of consciousness The most important indicator of neurological deterioration in a patient with a suspected spinal cord injury is often the level of consciousness. Monitoring changes in the Glasgow Coma Scale score can provide critical information regarding the patient's neurological status. Other factors like blood pressure, heart rate, and pupillary response may be important, but changes in the level of consciousness are the most reliable indicator of neurological deterioration.

Question 10

A patient involved in a motor vehicle accident exhibits hypotension, distended neck veins, clear lung sounds, and pulsus paradoxus. What is the most appropriate intervention?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Administer IV fluids and perform pericardiocentesis if hypotension persists.. The correct intervention is to administer IV fluids to address hypotension and perform pericardiocentesis if the hypotension does not resolve. The patient is likely experiencing cardiac tamponade, characterized by hypotension, distended neck veins, and clear lung sounds, along with pulsus paradoxus. Removing fluid from the pericardial sac is necessary to improve cardiac output. Needle thoracostomy and chest tube placement are treatments for tension pneumothorax, while positive pressure ventilation and intubation are used for airway management or respiratory failure. Administering a vasopressor without addressing the underlying cause of hypotension may worsen the condition.

CFRN CTRN Flight Nurse Prep Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (11–20)

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