NR 328 PEDIATRIC NURSING EXAM 1
2026/2027 ACADEMIC YEAR
200 Questions and Correct Detailed Answers
ALREADY GRADED A+ | 100% VERIFIED
Core Domains:
Pediatric Growth & Development | Family-Centered Pediatric Care
Pediatric Health Assessment | Medication Administration & Safety
Childhood Nutrition & Developmental Milestones
Pediatric Communication | Common Pediatric Disorders
Preventive Care & Immunizations | Safety & Injury Prevention
Evidence-Based Pediatric Nursing Practice
Pediatric Nursing–Aligned Format
, NR 328 Pediatric Nursing Exam 1 | 2026/2027
Introduction
This NR 328 Pediatric Nursing Exam 1 format for the 2026/2027 academic cycle reflects the assessment
used in nursing programs to evaluate competency in pediatric patient care. The exam measures
understanding of pediatric growth and development, child health assessment, preventive care,
medication safety, and evidence-based nursing interventions required to support safe and effective care
for infants, children, and adolescents.
Exam Structure
The NR 328 Pediatric Nursing Exam 1 is structured as follows:
• 200 multiple-choice questions
• Single-best-answer format
• Scenario-based pediatric nursing clinical judgment items
Answer Format
All correct answers are presented in bold and green, followed by clearly defined rationales
explaining pediatric nursing priorities, patient safety considerations, and evidence-based clinical
decision-making.
Examination Questions
1. According to Piaget's theory of cognitive development, which stage is characterized by the
development of object permanence?
A) Sensorimotor stage
B) Preoperational stage
C) Concrete operational stage
D) Formal operational stage
Correct Answer: A - Sensorimotor stage
Rationale: The sensorimotor stage (birth to 2 years) is characterized by the development of
object permanence, where infants learn that objects continue to exist even when out of sight.
This milestone typically develops around 8-12 months and represents a fundamental cognitive
achievement in early development.
2. A nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant. Which developmental milestone should the nurse expect
to observe?
A) Walking independently
B) Sitting without support
C) Transferring objects from hand to hand
D) Speaking two-word sentences
Correct Answer: C - Transferring objects from hand to hand
Page 2 of 45
, NR 328 Pediatric Nursing Exam 1 | 2026/2027
Rationale: At 6 months, infants typically can transfer objects from one hand to another, sit
with support, and babble. Independent walking develops around 12-15 months, sitting
without support around 8 months, and two-word sentences around 18-24 months.
3. According to Erikson's psychosocial development theory, which developmental conflict is most
critical during the toddler years?
A) Trust vs. Mistrust
B) Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
C) Initiative vs. Guilt
D) Industry vs. Inferiority
Correct Answer: B - Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
Rationale: Erikson's toddler stage (ages 1-3 years) focuses on Autonomy vs. Shame and
Doubt. Toddlers strive for independence and self-control. Successful resolution leads to
confidence, while failure results in feelings of shame and doubt about abilities.
4. A 4-year-old child is admitted to the pediatric unit. According to Kohlberg's moral development
theory, which stage of moral reasoning is this child likely in?
A) Preconventional stage - obedience and punishment orientation
B) Conventional stage - good boy/good girl orientation
C) Postconventional stage - social contract orientation
D) Principled conscience orientation
Correct Answer: A - Preconventional stage - obedience and punishment
orientation
Rationale: Children ages 2-7 years are typically in the preconventional stage of moral
development, characterized by obedience and punishment orientation. They follow rules to
avoid punishment and have not yet developed understanding of social norms or ethical
principles.
5. Which growth parameter is most important to monitor during the first year of life for early
detection of failure to thrive?
A) Height
B) Weight
C) Head circumference
D) Body mass index
Correct Answer: B - Weight
Rationale: Weight is the most sensitive indicator of nutritional status and growth during
infancy. Failure to thrive is typically identified by inadequate weight gain or weight loss.
Height and head circumference changes occur more slowly and are less sensitive to acute
nutritional deficiencies.
6. A nurse is teaching parents about expected growth patterns in children. Which statement
accurately describes growth during childhood?
A) Growth is linear and consistent throughout childhood
B) The most rapid growth period occurs during adolescence
C) Head circumference reaches adult size by age 2
D) Growth spurts occur only during infancy
Correct Answer: B - The most rapid growth period occurs during adolescence
Rationale: Adolescence brings the most rapid growth period since infancy, with puberty
triggering significant height and weight gains. Head circumference reaches 90% of adult size
Page 3 of 45
, NR 328 Pediatric Nursing Exam 1 | 2026/2027
by age 2, not full adult size. Growth occurs in spurts throughout childhood, not just during
infancy.
7. At what age should a nurse expect a child to demonstrate the ability to ride a tricycle?
A) 18 months
B) 2 years
C) 3 years
D) 4 years
Correct Answer: C - 3 years
Rationale: A 3-year-old child typically has the gross motor coordination and balance to ride
a tricycle. At 18 months, children are learning to walk independently. At 2 years, they can kick
a ball and run. By age 4, many children can pedal and steer more complex riding toys.
8. Which developmental milestone indicates that a child has achieved concrete operational thought
according to Piaget?
A) Ability to think abstractly
B) Understanding of conservation
C) Use of symbols and mental representation
D) Egocentric thinking
Correct Answer: B - Understanding of conservation
Rationale: Conservation (understanding that quantity remains the same despite changes in
shape or arrangement) develops during the concrete operational stage (ages 7-11 years).
Abstract thinking occurs in formal operations, symbolic thinking in preoperational stage, and
egocentrism is characteristic of preoperational thought.
9. A nurse is assessing the fine motor development of a 12-month-old infant. Which skill should the
nurse expect to observe?
A) Grasping objects with a raking motion
B) Pincer grasp
C) Drawing a circle
D) Tying shoelaces
Correct Answer: B - Pincer grasp
Rationale: The pincer grasp (using thumb and forefinger to pick up small objects) typically
develops by 9-12 months. Raking grasp is seen in younger infants (4-6 months). Drawing
circles develops around age 3, and tying shoelaces around age 5-6 years.
10. According to Freud's psychosexual development theory, which stage occurs during the school-age
years?
A) Oral stage
B) Anal stage
C) Phallic stage
D) Latency stage
Correct Answer: D - Latency stage
Rationale: Freud's latency stage occurs from approximately 6 years to puberty. During this
stage, sexual impulses are repressed, and children focus on developing social and intellectual
skills. The oral, anal, and phallic stages occur during earlier developmental periods.
11. A parent expresses concern that their 2-year-old child is not yet speaking in complete sentences.
Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
Page 4 of 45
2026/2027 ACADEMIC YEAR
200 Questions and Correct Detailed Answers
ALREADY GRADED A+ | 100% VERIFIED
Core Domains:
Pediatric Growth & Development | Family-Centered Pediatric Care
Pediatric Health Assessment | Medication Administration & Safety
Childhood Nutrition & Developmental Milestones
Pediatric Communication | Common Pediatric Disorders
Preventive Care & Immunizations | Safety & Injury Prevention
Evidence-Based Pediatric Nursing Practice
Pediatric Nursing–Aligned Format
, NR 328 Pediatric Nursing Exam 1 | 2026/2027
Introduction
This NR 328 Pediatric Nursing Exam 1 format for the 2026/2027 academic cycle reflects the assessment
used in nursing programs to evaluate competency in pediatric patient care. The exam measures
understanding of pediatric growth and development, child health assessment, preventive care,
medication safety, and evidence-based nursing interventions required to support safe and effective care
for infants, children, and adolescents.
Exam Structure
The NR 328 Pediatric Nursing Exam 1 is structured as follows:
• 200 multiple-choice questions
• Single-best-answer format
• Scenario-based pediatric nursing clinical judgment items
Answer Format
All correct answers are presented in bold and green, followed by clearly defined rationales
explaining pediatric nursing priorities, patient safety considerations, and evidence-based clinical
decision-making.
Examination Questions
1. According to Piaget's theory of cognitive development, which stage is characterized by the
development of object permanence?
A) Sensorimotor stage
B) Preoperational stage
C) Concrete operational stage
D) Formal operational stage
Correct Answer: A - Sensorimotor stage
Rationale: The sensorimotor stage (birth to 2 years) is characterized by the development of
object permanence, where infants learn that objects continue to exist even when out of sight.
This milestone typically develops around 8-12 months and represents a fundamental cognitive
achievement in early development.
2. A nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant. Which developmental milestone should the nurse expect
to observe?
A) Walking independently
B) Sitting without support
C) Transferring objects from hand to hand
D) Speaking two-word sentences
Correct Answer: C - Transferring objects from hand to hand
Page 2 of 45
, NR 328 Pediatric Nursing Exam 1 | 2026/2027
Rationale: At 6 months, infants typically can transfer objects from one hand to another, sit
with support, and babble. Independent walking develops around 12-15 months, sitting
without support around 8 months, and two-word sentences around 18-24 months.
3. According to Erikson's psychosocial development theory, which developmental conflict is most
critical during the toddler years?
A) Trust vs. Mistrust
B) Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
C) Initiative vs. Guilt
D) Industry vs. Inferiority
Correct Answer: B - Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
Rationale: Erikson's toddler stage (ages 1-3 years) focuses on Autonomy vs. Shame and
Doubt. Toddlers strive for independence and self-control. Successful resolution leads to
confidence, while failure results in feelings of shame and doubt about abilities.
4. A 4-year-old child is admitted to the pediatric unit. According to Kohlberg's moral development
theory, which stage of moral reasoning is this child likely in?
A) Preconventional stage - obedience and punishment orientation
B) Conventional stage - good boy/good girl orientation
C) Postconventional stage - social contract orientation
D) Principled conscience orientation
Correct Answer: A - Preconventional stage - obedience and punishment
orientation
Rationale: Children ages 2-7 years are typically in the preconventional stage of moral
development, characterized by obedience and punishment orientation. They follow rules to
avoid punishment and have not yet developed understanding of social norms or ethical
principles.
5. Which growth parameter is most important to monitor during the first year of life for early
detection of failure to thrive?
A) Height
B) Weight
C) Head circumference
D) Body mass index
Correct Answer: B - Weight
Rationale: Weight is the most sensitive indicator of nutritional status and growth during
infancy. Failure to thrive is typically identified by inadequate weight gain or weight loss.
Height and head circumference changes occur more slowly and are less sensitive to acute
nutritional deficiencies.
6. A nurse is teaching parents about expected growth patterns in children. Which statement
accurately describes growth during childhood?
A) Growth is linear and consistent throughout childhood
B) The most rapid growth period occurs during adolescence
C) Head circumference reaches adult size by age 2
D) Growth spurts occur only during infancy
Correct Answer: B - The most rapid growth period occurs during adolescence
Rationale: Adolescence brings the most rapid growth period since infancy, with puberty
triggering significant height and weight gains. Head circumference reaches 90% of adult size
Page 3 of 45
, NR 328 Pediatric Nursing Exam 1 | 2026/2027
by age 2, not full adult size. Growth occurs in spurts throughout childhood, not just during
infancy.
7. At what age should a nurse expect a child to demonstrate the ability to ride a tricycle?
A) 18 months
B) 2 years
C) 3 years
D) 4 years
Correct Answer: C - 3 years
Rationale: A 3-year-old child typically has the gross motor coordination and balance to ride
a tricycle. At 18 months, children are learning to walk independently. At 2 years, they can kick
a ball and run. By age 4, many children can pedal and steer more complex riding toys.
8. Which developmental milestone indicates that a child has achieved concrete operational thought
according to Piaget?
A) Ability to think abstractly
B) Understanding of conservation
C) Use of symbols and mental representation
D) Egocentric thinking
Correct Answer: B - Understanding of conservation
Rationale: Conservation (understanding that quantity remains the same despite changes in
shape or arrangement) develops during the concrete operational stage (ages 7-11 years).
Abstract thinking occurs in formal operations, symbolic thinking in preoperational stage, and
egocentrism is characteristic of preoperational thought.
9. A nurse is assessing the fine motor development of a 12-month-old infant. Which skill should the
nurse expect to observe?
A) Grasping objects with a raking motion
B) Pincer grasp
C) Drawing a circle
D) Tying shoelaces
Correct Answer: B - Pincer grasp
Rationale: The pincer grasp (using thumb and forefinger to pick up small objects) typically
develops by 9-12 months. Raking grasp is seen in younger infants (4-6 months). Drawing
circles develops around age 3, and tying shoelaces around age 5-6 years.
10. According to Freud's psychosexual development theory, which stage occurs during the school-age
years?
A) Oral stage
B) Anal stage
C) Phallic stage
D) Latency stage
Correct Answer: D - Latency stage
Rationale: Freud's latency stage occurs from approximately 6 years to puberty. During this
stage, sexual impulses are repressed, and children focus on developing social and intellectual
skills. The oral, anal, and phallic stages occur during earlier developmental periods.
11. A parent expresses concern that their 2-year-old child is not yet speaking in complete sentences.
Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
Page 4 of 45
