CCRN Pediatric Practice Exam Questions from AACN
Questions With Correct Detailed Answers |2026
newest upload |already graded A+
To promote effective grieving in a 6-year-old sibling following the death of an infant, the nurse
should:
A) Recommend that the sibling not attend the infant's memorial service
B) Encourage the parents to minimize their expression of grief with the sibling
C) Explain to the sibling that the infant went to heaven
D) Explain to the sibling that thoughts and wishes did not cause the infant's death - CORRECT
ANSWERS - Answer: D) Explain to the sibling that thoughts and wishes did not cause the infant's
death: At age 6, children may take words literally and because of their egocentrism, they
believe that thoughts are all-powerful. They may truly believe they caused the death of their
sibling. A simple, honest explanation of why the sibling died is indicated. This intervention is
consistent with Caring Processes.
A) Recommend that the sibling not attend the infant's memorial service: This intervention is not
a solution to the problem and will not promote effective grieving for the sibling. It is not
consistent with Caring Processes.
B) Encourage the parents to minimize their expression of grief with the sibling: This
intervention will lead to ineffective grieving for the sibling and is not consistent with Caring
Processes
C) Explain to the sibling that the infant went to heaven: This intervention will not address the
sibling's problem
A 5-year-old with a history of congenital hydrocephalus and VP shunt placement at four weeks
of age is admitted with increased somnolence, decreased appetite, and increased complaints of
headache. This morning the child vomited twice. The nurse should anticipate:
A) The physician ordering lumbar puncture and blood and urine cultures
B) the patient having a CT scan followed by possible shunt revision
C) Administering mannitol or hypertonic saline
,D) Administering phenytoin (Dilantin) or fosphenytoin (Cerebyx) - CORRECT ANSWERS - Answer:
B) The patient having a CT scan followed by possible shunt revision: This patient is
demonstrating signs of increased intracranial pressure. The most likely etiology is malfunction
of the VP shunt as a result of blockage or disconnection, which is particularly likely over time as
the child grows. The definitive diagnosis is made by a CT scan and a shunt series. Surgical
intervention for a shunt revision would be indicated.
A) The physician ordering lumbar puncture and blood and urine cultures: These interventions
will not address the most likely primary problem, which is suspected VP shunt malfunction.
Additionally, lumbar puncture is contraindicated in the presence of increased intracranial
pressure, because downward herniation of the brainstem can occur.
C) Administering mannitol or hypertonic saline: These medication are indicated for the medical
management of increased intracranial pressure, of which this patient has symptoms. However,
they will not address the most likely primary problem, which is suspected VP shunt
malfunction.
D) Administering phenytoin (Dilantin) or fosphenytoin (Cerebyx): These medications are
indicated for seizure management and would not address the patient's most likely primary
problem, which is suspected increased intracranial pressure as a result of VP shunt malfunction
An adolescent trauma patient is complaining of left upper quadrant abdominal pain radiating to
the left shoulder. Blood pressure has dropped to 80/50. Which condition is most likely?
A) Small Bowel Injury
B) Cardiac Contusion
C) Splenic Laceration
D) Pulmonary Embolism - CORRECT ANSWERS - Answer: C) Splenic laceration: Kehr's sign, which
is referred pain to the left shoulder during compression of the left upper abdominal quadrant,
is an indication of splenic injury. Additional symptoms include tachycardia, hypotension, and
leukocytosis
A) Small bowel injury: Signs of small bowel injury may include progressive abdominal
distension, not referred left shoulder pain.
B) Cardiac Contusion: Signs of cardiac contusion include chest pain, arrhythmias, and other
indicators of myocardial dysfunction, such as elevated cardiac isoenzymes. Upper quadrant
abdominal pain with radiation to the left shoulder is not consistent with a cardiac contusion
D) Pulmonary Embolism: Symptoms of pulmonary embolism include chest pain and dyspnea on
exertion, not left shoulder pain
,An infant has been admitted with encephalitis. The nurse should first assess the patient's:
A) Pupillary response
B) Blood glucose level
C) Level of consciousness
D) Airway Patency - CORRECT ANSWERS - Answer: D) Airway Patency: The first priority after
admitting an infant with encephalitis is to assess the patient's ability to maintain airway
patency. Such patients can develop rapid neurologic deterioration, and the nurse must be
prepared to support the airway, oxygenation, and ventilation as needed.
A) Pupillary Response: The infant with encephalitis should be monitored for changes in
neurologic status, including pupillary response. However, assessing the patient;s ability to
maintain airway patency is the first priority.
B) Blood Glucose Level: The infant with encephalitis will need blood glucose levels monitored,
especially if unable to maintain adequate oral intake. However, assessing the patient's ability to
maintain airway patency is the first priority.
C) Level of consciousness: The infant with encephalitis should be monitored for changes in
neurologic status, including assessment of the level of consciousness. However, assessing the
patient's ability to maintain airway patency is the first priority.
The pediatric patient with suspected asphyxia from smoke inhalation will typically present with:
A) Tachypnea
B) Cyanosis
C) Confusion
D) Hypotension - CORRECT ANSWERS - Answer: C) Confusion: The patient with asphyxia from
smoke inhalation will experience cerebral hypoxemia and demonstrate symptoms of neurologic
dysfunction, including confusion
A) Tachypnea: While the patient with smoke inhalation may experience tachypnea as a result of
damage to the lung parenchyma, this symptoms is not specific to asphyxia
B) Cyanosis: While the patient with smoke inhalation may experience cyanosis as a result of
damage to the lung parenchyma, this symptoms is not specific to asphyxia
D) Hypotension: While the patient with smoke inhalation and a burn injury may demonstrate
hypotension from fluid shifts, this symptoms is not specific to asphyxia
, An acutely ill infant is born to a Vietnamese family. The father asks few questions about the
infant's condition, and the mother asks none. Both parents appear to be proficient in English.
Which of the following is the most useful resource for a nurse caring for this infant?
A) Classes conducted by the primary nurse as the need arises
B) An interpreter who is proficient in the parents' language
C) Information about the cultural backgrounds represented in the community
D) Ongoing classes addressing the cultural needs of the community - CORRECT ANSWERS -
Answer: B) An interpreter who is proficient in the parents' language: This intervention is
consistent with Response to Diversity. Providing an interpreter may facilitate communication by
the parents. Trained interpreters can improve outcomes by helping to ensure effective
communication between the healthcare team and the patient/family
A) Classes conducted by the primary nurse as the need arises: This intervention is not
consistent with Response to Diversity. It will not help in this situation. While addressing needs
as they arise is important, the parents are not communicating these needs at present.
C) Information about the cultural backgrounds represented in the community: This intervention
will not help in this situation. Cultural backgrounds in the community will not address the
parents' needs during this stressful time.
D) Ongoing classes addressing the cultural needs of the community: This intervention will not
help in this situation. Cultural backgrounds in the community will not address the parents;
needs during this stressful time.
A toddler with a history of unrepaired tetralogy of Fallot begins to cry while intravenous access
is attempted. Cyanosis, diaphoresis and tachypnea are noted. The most appropriate nursing
intervention would be to:
A) Administer A pre-medication before attempting the IV
B) Apply a face mask with oxygen
C) Transfuse red blood cells
D) Place the child in knee-chest position - CORRECT ANSWERS - Answer: D) Place the child in
knee-chest position: This maneuver aids blood return to the heart, thus alleviating cyanotic
spells
A) Administer a pre-medication before attempting the IV: This may be appropriate if it helps the
infant to experience minimal pain, and thus cry less during the IV start.
Questions With Correct Detailed Answers |2026
newest upload |already graded A+
To promote effective grieving in a 6-year-old sibling following the death of an infant, the nurse
should:
A) Recommend that the sibling not attend the infant's memorial service
B) Encourage the parents to minimize their expression of grief with the sibling
C) Explain to the sibling that the infant went to heaven
D) Explain to the sibling that thoughts and wishes did not cause the infant's death - CORRECT
ANSWERS - Answer: D) Explain to the sibling that thoughts and wishes did not cause the infant's
death: At age 6, children may take words literally and because of their egocentrism, they
believe that thoughts are all-powerful. They may truly believe they caused the death of their
sibling. A simple, honest explanation of why the sibling died is indicated. This intervention is
consistent with Caring Processes.
A) Recommend that the sibling not attend the infant's memorial service: This intervention is not
a solution to the problem and will not promote effective grieving for the sibling. It is not
consistent with Caring Processes.
B) Encourage the parents to minimize their expression of grief with the sibling: This
intervention will lead to ineffective grieving for the sibling and is not consistent with Caring
Processes
C) Explain to the sibling that the infant went to heaven: This intervention will not address the
sibling's problem
A 5-year-old with a history of congenital hydrocephalus and VP shunt placement at four weeks
of age is admitted with increased somnolence, decreased appetite, and increased complaints of
headache. This morning the child vomited twice. The nurse should anticipate:
A) The physician ordering lumbar puncture and blood and urine cultures
B) the patient having a CT scan followed by possible shunt revision
C) Administering mannitol or hypertonic saline
,D) Administering phenytoin (Dilantin) or fosphenytoin (Cerebyx) - CORRECT ANSWERS - Answer:
B) The patient having a CT scan followed by possible shunt revision: This patient is
demonstrating signs of increased intracranial pressure. The most likely etiology is malfunction
of the VP shunt as a result of blockage or disconnection, which is particularly likely over time as
the child grows. The definitive diagnosis is made by a CT scan and a shunt series. Surgical
intervention for a shunt revision would be indicated.
A) The physician ordering lumbar puncture and blood and urine cultures: These interventions
will not address the most likely primary problem, which is suspected VP shunt malfunction.
Additionally, lumbar puncture is contraindicated in the presence of increased intracranial
pressure, because downward herniation of the brainstem can occur.
C) Administering mannitol or hypertonic saline: These medication are indicated for the medical
management of increased intracranial pressure, of which this patient has symptoms. However,
they will not address the most likely primary problem, which is suspected VP shunt
malfunction.
D) Administering phenytoin (Dilantin) or fosphenytoin (Cerebyx): These medications are
indicated for seizure management and would not address the patient's most likely primary
problem, which is suspected increased intracranial pressure as a result of VP shunt malfunction
An adolescent trauma patient is complaining of left upper quadrant abdominal pain radiating to
the left shoulder. Blood pressure has dropped to 80/50. Which condition is most likely?
A) Small Bowel Injury
B) Cardiac Contusion
C) Splenic Laceration
D) Pulmonary Embolism - CORRECT ANSWERS - Answer: C) Splenic laceration: Kehr's sign, which
is referred pain to the left shoulder during compression of the left upper abdominal quadrant,
is an indication of splenic injury. Additional symptoms include tachycardia, hypotension, and
leukocytosis
A) Small bowel injury: Signs of small bowel injury may include progressive abdominal
distension, not referred left shoulder pain.
B) Cardiac Contusion: Signs of cardiac contusion include chest pain, arrhythmias, and other
indicators of myocardial dysfunction, such as elevated cardiac isoenzymes. Upper quadrant
abdominal pain with radiation to the left shoulder is not consistent with a cardiac contusion
D) Pulmonary Embolism: Symptoms of pulmonary embolism include chest pain and dyspnea on
exertion, not left shoulder pain
,An infant has been admitted with encephalitis. The nurse should first assess the patient's:
A) Pupillary response
B) Blood glucose level
C) Level of consciousness
D) Airway Patency - CORRECT ANSWERS - Answer: D) Airway Patency: The first priority after
admitting an infant with encephalitis is to assess the patient's ability to maintain airway
patency. Such patients can develop rapid neurologic deterioration, and the nurse must be
prepared to support the airway, oxygenation, and ventilation as needed.
A) Pupillary Response: The infant with encephalitis should be monitored for changes in
neurologic status, including pupillary response. However, assessing the patient;s ability to
maintain airway patency is the first priority.
B) Blood Glucose Level: The infant with encephalitis will need blood glucose levels monitored,
especially if unable to maintain adequate oral intake. However, assessing the patient's ability to
maintain airway patency is the first priority.
C) Level of consciousness: The infant with encephalitis should be monitored for changes in
neurologic status, including assessment of the level of consciousness. However, assessing the
patient's ability to maintain airway patency is the first priority.
The pediatric patient with suspected asphyxia from smoke inhalation will typically present with:
A) Tachypnea
B) Cyanosis
C) Confusion
D) Hypotension - CORRECT ANSWERS - Answer: C) Confusion: The patient with asphyxia from
smoke inhalation will experience cerebral hypoxemia and demonstrate symptoms of neurologic
dysfunction, including confusion
A) Tachypnea: While the patient with smoke inhalation may experience tachypnea as a result of
damage to the lung parenchyma, this symptoms is not specific to asphyxia
B) Cyanosis: While the patient with smoke inhalation may experience cyanosis as a result of
damage to the lung parenchyma, this symptoms is not specific to asphyxia
D) Hypotension: While the patient with smoke inhalation and a burn injury may demonstrate
hypotension from fluid shifts, this symptoms is not specific to asphyxia
, An acutely ill infant is born to a Vietnamese family. The father asks few questions about the
infant's condition, and the mother asks none. Both parents appear to be proficient in English.
Which of the following is the most useful resource for a nurse caring for this infant?
A) Classes conducted by the primary nurse as the need arises
B) An interpreter who is proficient in the parents' language
C) Information about the cultural backgrounds represented in the community
D) Ongoing classes addressing the cultural needs of the community - CORRECT ANSWERS -
Answer: B) An interpreter who is proficient in the parents' language: This intervention is
consistent with Response to Diversity. Providing an interpreter may facilitate communication by
the parents. Trained interpreters can improve outcomes by helping to ensure effective
communication between the healthcare team and the patient/family
A) Classes conducted by the primary nurse as the need arises: This intervention is not
consistent with Response to Diversity. It will not help in this situation. While addressing needs
as they arise is important, the parents are not communicating these needs at present.
C) Information about the cultural backgrounds represented in the community: This intervention
will not help in this situation. Cultural backgrounds in the community will not address the
parents' needs during this stressful time.
D) Ongoing classes addressing the cultural needs of the community: This intervention will not
help in this situation. Cultural backgrounds in the community will not address the parents;
needs during this stressful time.
A toddler with a history of unrepaired tetralogy of Fallot begins to cry while intravenous access
is attempted. Cyanosis, diaphoresis and tachypnea are noted. The most appropriate nursing
intervention would be to:
A) Administer A pre-medication before attempting the IV
B) Apply a face mask with oxygen
C) Transfuse red blood cells
D) Place the child in knee-chest position - CORRECT ANSWERS - Answer: D) Place the child in
knee-chest position: This maneuver aids blood return to the heart, thus alleviating cyanotic
spells
A) Administer a pre-medication before attempting the IV: This may be appropriate if it helps the
infant to experience minimal pain, and thus cry less during the IV start.
