Peds (APEA) Questions and Answers 2026
Updated
A 7-year-old receiving chemotherapy for leukemia presents with fatigue, frequent
nosebleeds, and a fever. The CBC reveals a low white blood cell count, low red
blood cell count, and low platelet count. How should the nurse interpret these
findings?
A. Neutropenia
B. Anemia
C. Thrombocytopenia
D. Pancytopenia - ANSWER D. Pancytopenia
A 2-month-old infant is diagnosed with coarctation of the aorta (COA). While
assessing the patient's vital signs, which action is most appropriate for the nurse?
A. Measure pulse oximetry on the right hand only
B. Obtain blood pressure in the right arm and compare it to the left leg
C. Measure blood pressure in all four extremities
D. Record apical pulse and check capillary refill only - ANSWER C. Measure
blood pressure in all four extremities
During a well-baby visit, the nurse assesses the fine motor development of a 9-
month-old infant. Which milestone should the nurse expect to observe?
A. Scribbles with a crayon
B. Builds a tower of two blocks
C. Uses a pincer grasp to pick up small objects
D. Transfers objects from hand to hand - ANSWER C. Uses a pincer grasp to pick
up small objects
A 10-year-old child is admitted with signs of dehydration and excessive urination.
The healthcare provider suspects central diabetes insipidus. The nurse explains that
the condition is caused by a deficiency of which hormone?
A. Aldosterone
B. Thyroid-stimulating hormone
C. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
D. Parathyroid hormone - ANSWER C. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
,The nurse is caring for a child diagnosed with central diabetes insipidus (DI).
Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering?
A. Levothyroxine
B. Cortisone
C. Desmopressin (DDAVP)
D. Spironolactone - ANSWER C. Desmopressin (DDAVP)
A 6-year-old child with a history of epilepsy is admitted for evaluation of
recurrent clonic seizures. During a seizure, which nursing action takes highest
priority?
A. Restrain the child to prevent injury
B. Administer oral lorazepam immediately
C. Ensure a safe environment and maintain airway patency
D. Place a tongue blade in the mouth to prevent biting - ANSWER C. Ensure a
safe environment and maintain airway patency (seizure precautions)
A 6-year-old child with autism spectrum disorder is being admitted for evaluation.
Which room assignment is most appropriate?
A. A room with another child of the same age to promote socialization
B. A room near the nurses' station to allow frequent observation
C. A private room with minimal stimulation and consistency in caregivers
D. A playroom setting where they can be observed while interacting with peers -
ANSWER C. A private room with minimal stimulation and consistency in
caregivers
The nurse is assessing pain in a 5-year-old who is post-op from an appendectomy.
Which pain scale is most appropriate for this child?
A. FLACC scale
B. Numeric rating scale (0-10)
C. FACES pain rating scale
D. COMFORT scale - ANSWER C. FACES pain rating scale
A nurse is assessing a 10-month-old infant with suspected dehydration. Which of
the following findings would indicate severe or late-stage dehydration?
A. Low blood pressure
B. Sunken anterior fontanel
C. Dry mucous membranes
D. Capillary refill of 2 seconds - ANSWER A. Low blood pressure
,A nurse is assessing a 1-year-old child admitted with vomiting and diarrhea.
Which of the following would the nurse recognize as an early sign of dehydration?
A. Decreased blood pressure
B. Cold, mottled extremities
C. Dry mucous membranes
D. Loss of consciousness - ANSWER C. Dry mucous membranes
A 7-year-old with newly diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes is being discharged. Which
teaching point is most appropriate?
A. "You will need oral medications to manage your blood sugar."
B. "Daily insulin injections will be needed because your body cannot make
insulin."
C. "Type 1 diabetes is usually caused by being overweight."
D. "Exercise should be avoided to keep blood sugar levels stable." - ANSWER B.
"Daily insulin injections will be needed because your body cannot make insulin."
A school-age child is being evaluated for congenital hypothyroidism. Which
finding would concern the nurse?
A. Elevated IQ
B. Delayed mental development
C. Tall stature
D. Increased appetite - ANSWER B. Delayed mental development
A nurse is caring for a child with SIADH. Which intervention is priority?
A. Encourage oral fluids.
B. Administer potassium chloride.
C. Initiate fluid restriction.
D. Start IV D5NS at 100 mL/hr. - ANSWER C. Initiate fluid restriction.
A 3-year-old with suspected abuse has injuries to the ears, neck, and top of
shoulders. What is this area called?
A. Zone of injury
B. Triangle of protection
C. Triangle of safety
D. Impact zone - ANSWER C. Triangle of safety
A child with acute glomerulonephritis has headache and elevated BP. What is the
nurse's next step?
A. Give PRN Tylenol
B. Encourage fluids
, C. Call the provider
D. Document the finding - ANSWER C. Call the provider
A child with nephrotic syndrome is receiving corticosteroids. Which is an
expected finding?
A. Hyperglycemia
B. Hypoalbuminemia
C. Bradycardia
D. Hyponatremia - ANSWER B. Hypoalbuminemia
A nurse is teaching a parent about caring for a child with Spina Bifida before
surgery. What should the nurse include?
A. Keep the child supine with diaper changes every hour.
B. Clean the sac with antiseptic.
C. Lay the infant prone and cover the sac with sterile moist dressing.
D. Give the infant a warm bath to relax. - ANSWER C. Lay the infant prone and
cover the sac with sterile moist dressing.
Hep A immunization schedule - ANSWER First dose at 1 year, second dose after 6
months
Hep B immunization schedule - ANSWER 3 doses: 0, 1-2 months, 6-18 months
after 1st
You are caring for a newborn whose mother is known to be HBsAg (+). How
should this be handled? - ANSWER Administer Hep B vaccine and Hep B
immunoglobulin within 12 hrs of birth
How many doses are in the DTaP series? - ANSWER 5
Tdap in pregnancy - ANSWER 1 dose of tdap during each pregnancy, preferably
at 27-36 wks
PCV vaccine amount - ANSWER 4 doses
Fever or rash after receiving a live attenuated immunization indicates? -
ANSWER Reaction to a viral replication, not the vaccine
Examples of live attenudated vaccines - ANSWER MMR
Varicella
Updated
A 7-year-old receiving chemotherapy for leukemia presents with fatigue, frequent
nosebleeds, and a fever. The CBC reveals a low white blood cell count, low red
blood cell count, and low platelet count. How should the nurse interpret these
findings?
A. Neutropenia
B. Anemia
C. Thrombocytopenia
D. Pancytopenia - ANSWER D. Pancytopenia
A 2-month-old infant is diagnosed with coarctation of the aorta (COA). While
assessing the patient's vital signs, which action is most appropriate for the nurse?
A. Measure pulse oximetry on the right hand only
B. Obtain blood pressure in the right arm and compare it to the left leg
C. Measure blood pressure in all four extremities
D. Record apical pulse and check capillary refill only - ANSWER C. Measure
blood pressure in all four extremities
During a well-baby visit, the nurse assesses the fine motor development of a 9-
month-old infant. Which milestone should the nurse expect to observe?
A. Scribbles with a crayon
B. Builds a tower of two blocks
C. Uses a pincer grasp to pick up small objects
D. Transfers objects from hand to hand - ANSWER C. Uses a pincer grasp to pick
up small objects
A 10-year-old child is admitted with signs of dehydration and excessive urination.
The healthcare provider suspects central diabetes insipidus. The nurse explains that
the condition is caused by a deficiency of which hormone?
A. Aldosterone
B. Thyroid-stimulating hormone
C. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
D. Parathyroid hormone - ANSWER C. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
,The nurse is caring for a child diagnosed with central diabetes insipidus (DI).
Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering?
A. Levothyroxine
B. Cortisone
C. Desmopressin (DDAVP)
D. Spironolactone - ANSWER C. Desmopressin (DDAVP)
A 6-year-old child with a history of epilepsy is admitted for evaluation of
recurrent clonic seizures. During a seizure, which nursing action takes highest
priority?
A. Restrain the child to prevent injury
B. Administer oral lorazepam immediately
C. Ensure a safe environment and maintain airway patency
D. Place a tongue blade in the mouth to prevent biting - ANSWER C. Ensure a
safe environment and maintain airway patency (seizure precautions)
A 6-year-old child with autism spectrum disorder is being admitted for evaluation.
Which room assignment is most appropriate?
A. A room with another child of the same age to promote socialization
B. A room near the nurses' station to allow frequent observation
C. A private room with minimal stimulation and consistency in caregivers
D. A playroom setting where they can be observed while interacting with peers -
ANSWER C. A private room with minimal stimulation and consistency in
caregivers
The nurse is assessing pain in a 5-year-old who is post-op from an appendectomy.
Which pain scale is most appropriate for this child?
A. FLACC scale
B. Numeric rating scale (0-10)
C. FACES pain rating scale
D. COMFORT scale - ANSWER C. FACES pain rating scale
A nurse is assessing a 10-month-old infant with suspected dehydration. Which of
the following findings would indicate severe or late-stage dehydration?
A. Low blood pressure
B. Sunken anterior fontanel
C. Dry mucous membranes
D. Capillary refill of 2 seconds - ANSWER A. Low blood pressure
,A nurse is assessing a 1-year-old child admitted with vomiting and diarrhea.
Which of the following would the nurse recognize as an early sign of dehydration?
A. Decreased blood pressure
B. Cold, mottled extremities
C. Dry mucous membranes
D. Loss of consciousness - ANSWER C. Dry mucous membranes
A 7-year-old with newly diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes is being discharged. Which
teaching point is most appropriate?
A. "You will need oral medications to manage your blood sugar."
B. "Daily insulin injections will be needed because your body cannot make
insulin."
C. "Type 1 diabetes is usually caused by being overweight."
D. "Exercise should be avoided to keep blood sugar levels stable." - ANSWER B.
"Daily insulin injections will be needed because your body cannot make insulin."
A school-age child is being evaluated for congenital hypothyroidism. Which
finding would concern the nurse?
A. Elevated IQ
B. Delayed mental development
C. Tall stature
D. Increased appetite - ANSWER B. Delayed mental development
A nurse is caring for a child with SIADH. Which intervention is priority?
A. Encourage oral fluids.
B. Administer potassium chloride.
C. Initiate fluid restriction.
D. Start IV D5NS at 100 mL/hr. - ANSWER C. Initiate fluid restriction.
A 3-year-old with suspected abuse has injuries to the ears, neck, and top of
shoulders. What is this area called?
A. Zone of injury
B. Triangle of protection
C. Triangle of safety
D. Impact zone - ANSWER C. Triangle of safety
A child with acute glomerulonephritis has headache and elevated BP. What is the
nurse's next step?
A. Give PRN Tylenol
B. Encourage fluids
, C. Call the provider
D. Document the finding - ANSWER C. Call the provider
A child with nephrotic syndrome is receiving corticosteroids. Which is an
expected finding?
A. Hyperglycemia
B. Hypoalbuminemia
C. Bradycardia
D. Hyponatremia - ANSWER B. Hypoalbuminemia
A nurse is teaching a parent about caring for a child with Spina Bifida before
surgery. What should the nurse include?
A. Keep the child supine with diaper changes every hour.
B. Clean the sac with antiseptic.
C. Lay the infant prone and cover the sac with sterile moist dressing.
D. Give the infant a warm bath to relax. - ANSWER C. Lay the infant prone and
cover the sac with sterile moist dressing.
Hep A immunization schedule - ANSWER First dose at 1 year, second dose after 6
months
Hep B immunization schedule - ANSWER 3 doses: 0, 1-2 months, 6-18 months
after 1st
You are caring for a newborn whose mother is known to be HBsAg (+). How
should this be handled? - ANSWER Administer Hep B vaccine and Hep B
immunoglobulin within 12 hrs of birth
How many doses are in the DTaP series? - ANSWER 5
Tdap in pregnancy - ANSWER 1 dose of tdap during each pregnancy, preferably
at 27-36 wks
PCV vaccine amount - ANSWER 4 doses
Fever or rash after receiving a live attenuated immunization indicates? -
ANSWER Reaction to a viral replication, not the vaccine
Examples of live attenudated vaccines - ANSWER MMR
Varicella
