Nurse Certification Examination

Illinois Emergency Communications Nurse Certification Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary goal of an emergency communications nurse

during patient triage calls?

• Provide emotional counseling
• Gather billing information
• Assess symptoms and determine care level
• Diagnose medical conditions

Rationale: The ECN’s main function is to accurately assess the

situation to determine whether the caller needs EMS, urgent, or self- care.

• Which communication style is most effective when handling distressed

callers? 1 / 4

• Passive
• Aggressive
• Calm and assertive
• Humorous

Rationale: Calm assertiveness reduces anxiety and maintains control

of the communication.

3. HIPAA requires that patient information be disclosed only when:

• The media requests it
• It is necessary for treatment or safety
• A neighbor asks
• A caller insists

Rationale: HIPAA allows information sharing only for permitted

purposes such as treatment or safety.

• Which of the following is red flag chest pain?
• Chest pain after eating
• Mild discomfort relieved by rest
• Crushing chest pain with radiation to left arm
• Localized chest wall pain reproducible on palpation

Rationale: Radiating chest pain suggests possible myocardial

infarction.

• When assessing stroke symptoms during a call, the nurse should

utilize:

• ABC scale 2 / 4

• FAST assessment
• Morse fall scale
• Glasgow coma scale only

Rationale: FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) is the common rapid

stroke screening method for remote assessment.

6. The best initial question for an unresponsive caller is:

• “Do you have health insurance?”
• “Are you able to speak or make a sound?”
• “How old are you?”
• “Do you have allergies?”

Rationale: Establishing responsiveness is key in emergent evaluation.

7. A caller reports an infant not breathing. The ECN should first instruct:

• Put the baby in bed
• Begin infant CPR if trained
• Wait for EMS
• Take temperature

Rationale: Immediate CPR improves survival chances.

• Which mental health call warrants emergency response?
• Anxiety symptoms
• Mild depressive mood
• Caller expressing intent to harm self or others
• Caller feeling lonely 3 / 4

Rationale: Suicidal or homicidal intent requires emergency

activation.

9. When speaking to a non-English-speaking caller, the nurse should:

• Ask them to find an English-speaking person
• Use certified interpreter services
• End the call
• Continue speaking loudly

Rationale: Interpreter services ensure safe, accurate communication.

10. The purpose of reflective listening is to:

• Distract the caller
• Challenge the patient
• Demonstrate understanding of caller’s concerns
• Speed the call

Rationale: Reflective listening acknowledges and validates caller’s

statements.

• A patient reports anaphylaxis signs. The most critical symptom

prompting emergency dispatch is:

• Skin rash
• Watery eyes
• Difficulty breathing
• Mild itching

Rationale: Airway compromise is the most life-threatening symptom.

• / 4