Essentials of Pediatric Nursing – 5th Edition by Terri Kyle & Susan Carman exam
100 + questions with correct answers 2026 latest update
A preschool child is admitted to the hospital and clings to the parent, crying loudly
and refusing to interact with staff. The nurse recognizes this as which phase of
separation anxiety?
A. Detachment
B. Despair
C. Protest
D. Regression
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The protest phase is characterized by crying, screaming, and resistance
to separation from the parent.
A nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant and notes the absence of the Moro
reflex. What is the most appropriate interpretation?
A. Normal developmental finding
B. Possible neurological impairment
C. Sign of dehydration
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,D. Indicator of infection
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Moro reflex should disappear around 4–6 months; persistence or
abnormal absence may indicate neurological issues.
A child with tetralogy of Fallot becomes cyanotic during play. What is the nurse’s
priority intervention?
A. Place the child in a supine position
B. Administer fluids
C. Place the child in a knee-chest position
D. Encourage activity
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The knee-chest position increases systemic vascular resistance and
improves oxygenation.
A nurse is caring for a child with acute asthma exacerbation. Which finding
indicates improvement?
A. Increased wheezing
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,B. Use of accessory muscles
C. Improved oxygen saturation
D. Silent chest
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Improved oxygen saturation indicates better oxygen exchange.
A child presents with vomiting and diarrhea. Which assessment finding suggests
moderate dehydration?
A. Normal capillary refill
B. Slightly dry mucous membranes
C. Sunken eyes and decreased urine output
D. Increased energy
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Sunken eyes and decreased urine output indicate moderate
dehydration.
A nurse is caring for a child with increased intracranial pressure. Which position is
most appropriate?
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, A. Flat supine
B. Trendelenburg
C. Head elevated 30 degrees
D. Prone
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Elevating the head promotes venous drainage and reduces ICP.
A toddler is brought in with a high fever and drooling. The nurse suspects
epiglottitis. What should be avoided?
A. Administering oxygen
B. Keeping the child calm
C. Throat examination with tongue depressor
D. Preparing emergency airway equipment
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Throat examination may cause airway obstruction.
A nurse is teaching parents about iron supplementation for a child. Which
instruction is correct?
4|Page
100 + questions with correct answers 2026 latest update
A preschool child is admitted to the hospital and clings to the parent, crying loudly
and refusing to interact with staff. The nurse recognizes this as which phase of
separation anxiety?
A. Detachment
B. Despair
C. Protest
D. Regression
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The protest phase is characterized by crying, screaming, and resistance
to separation from the parent.
A nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant and notes the absence of the Moro
reflex. What is the most appropriate interpretation?
A. Normal developmental finding
B. Possible neurological impairment
C. Sign of dehydration
1|Page
,D. Indicator of infection
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Moro reflex should disappear around 4–6 months; persistence or
abnormal absence may indicate neurological issues.
A child with tetralogy of Fallot becomes cyanotic during play. What is the nurse’s
priority intervention?
A. Place the child in a supine position
B. Administer fluids
C. Place the child in a knee-chest position
D. Encourage activity
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The knee-chest position increases systemic vascular resistance and
improves oxygenation.
A nurse is caring for a child with acute asthma exacerbation. Which finding
indicates improvement?
A. Increased wheezing
2|Page
,B. Use of accessory muscles
C. Improved oxygen saturation
D. Silent chest
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Improved oxygen saturation indicates better oxygen exchange.
A child presents with vomiting and diarrhea. Which assessment finding suggests
moderate dehydration?
A. Normal capillary refill
B. Slightly dry mucous membranes
C. Sunken eyes and decreased urine output
D. Increased energy
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Sunken eyes and decreased urine output indicate moderate
dehydration.
A nurse is caring for a child with increased intracranial pressure. Which position is
most appropriate?
3|Page
, A. Flat supine
B. Trendelenburg
C. Head elevated 30 degrees
D. Prone
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Elevating the head promotes venous drainage and reduces ICP.
A toddler is brought in with a high fever and drooling. The nurse suspects
epiglottitis. What should be avoided?
A. Administering oxygen
B. Keeping the child calm
C. Throat examination with tongue depressor
D. Preparing emergency airway equipment
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Throat examination may cause airway obstruction.
A nurse is teaching parents about iron supplementation for a child. Which
instruction is correct?
4|Page
