GCU NSG 434 Exam 3 – Nursing Care of Children – (2026) Actual Questions &
Answers
GCU NSG 434 Exam 3 – Nursing Care of Children – (2026) Practice Questions
200 Multiple-Choice Questions with Answers & Rationales
Questions 1-20: Respiratory Disorders & Emergencies
Question 1
A 4-year-old is brought to the emergency room. They have a "froglike" croaking
sound on inspiration, are agitated, and are drooling. They insist on sitting upright.
What should the nurse do FIRST?
A) Lay the child flat and examine the throat
B) Give oral fluids to soothe the throat
C) Notify the physician immediately and be prepared to assist with a
tracheostomy or intubation
D) Obtain a throat culture with a tongue depressor
Answer: C
Rationale: These are classic signs of acute epiglottitis, a medical emergency
caused by Haemophilus influenzae type B. The child's upright position ("tripod
positioning") and drooling indicate severe airway compromise. The airway must
be secured quickly; throat examination with a tongue depressor is
,contraindicated as it can trigger complete airway obstruction. The nurse should
notify the provider immediately and prepare for possible intubation or
tracheostomy .
Question 2
A humidified atmosphere is recommended for a young child with an upper
respiratory tract infection. What does this humidification do to help the child?
A) Dries secretions so they are easier to cough up
B) Soothes inflamed mucous membrane
C) Increases oxygen concentration in the air
D) Prevents the need for other respiratory treatments
Answer: B
Rationale: Cool or warm humidified air helps moisten and soothe irritated mucous
membranes, decreases discomfort, and can help loosen secretions. This is a
common supportive intervention for URI in children, though it does not replace
other treatments when indicated .
Question 3
,The mother of a 20-month-old boy tells the nurse that he has a barking cough at
night. His temperature is 37°C (98.6°F). The nurse suspects the child has croup.
What should the nurse recommend?
A) Give aspirin and a cold bath
B) Try a cool-mist vaporizer at night and watch for signs of difficulty breathing
C) Start oral antibiotics immediately
D) Keep him in a steamy bathroom for hours
Answer: B
Rationale: Mild viral croup (laryngotracheobronchitis) can be managed at home
with cool moist air and close monitoring. The absence of fever and mild
symptoms support this approach. Parents should be instructed to watch for signs
of respiratory distress (retractions, stridor at rest, nasal flaring). Aspirin is
contraindicated in children due to Reye syndrome risk .
Question 4
A child with asthma is having pulmonary function tests. What is the purpose of
the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR)?
A) Measures blood oxygen levels
, B) Assesses the severity of asthma
C) Diagnoses pneumonia
D) Detects heart failure
Answer: B
Rationale: Peak expiratory flow rate measures how fast a person can exhale and
helps assess the severity of asthma, monitor treatment effectiveness, and guide
management decisions. Each child has a personal best PEFR; values below 50% of
personal best indicate a severe exacerbation requiring immediate intervention .
Question 5
A child presents with a "barking" cough, stridor, and subcostal retractions. The
parent reports the symptoms began suddenly at midnight. The child is afebrile.
Which condition is most likely?
A) Acute epiglottitis
B) Bacterial tracheitis
C) Viral croup
D) Foreign body aspiration
Answers
GCU NSG 434 Exam 3 – Nursing Care of Children – (2026) Practice Questions
200 Multiple-Choice Questions with Answers & Rationales
Questions 1-20: Respiratory Disorders & Emergencies
Question 1
A 4-year-old is brought to the emergency room. They have a "froglike" croaking
sound on inspiration, are agitated, and are drooling. They insist on sitting upright.
What should the nurse do FIRST?
A) Lay the child flat and examine the throat
B) Give oral fluids to soothe the throat
C) Notify the physician immediately and be prepared to assist with a
tracheostomy or intubation
D) Obtain a throat culture with a tongue depressor
Answer: C
Rationale: These are classic signs of acute epiglottitis, a medical emergency
caused by Haemophilus influenzae type B. The child's upright position ("tripod
positioning") and drooling indicate severe airway compromise. The airway must
be secured quickly; throat examination with a tongue depressor is
,contraindicated as it can trigger complete airway obstruction. The nurse should
notify the provider immediately and prepare for possible intubation or
tracheostomy .
Question 2
A humidified atmosphere is recommended for a young child with an upper
respiratory tract infection. What does this humidification do to help the child?
A) Dries secretions so they are easier to cough up
B) Soothes inflamed mucous membrane
C) Increases oxygen concentration in the air
D) Prevents the need for other respiratory treatments
Answer: B
Rationale: Cool or warm humidified air helps moisten and soothe irritated mucous
membranes, decreases discomfort, and can help loosen secretions. This is a
common supportive intervention for URI in children, though it does not replace
other treatments when indicated .
Question 3
,The mother of a 20-month-old boy tells the nurse that he has a barking cough at
night. His temperature is 37°C (98.6°F). The nurse suspects the child has croup.
What should the nurse recommend?
A) Give aspirin and a cold bath
B) Try a cool-mist vaporizer at night and watch for signs of difficulty breathing
C) Start oral antibiotics immediately
D) Keep him in a steamy bathroom for hours
Answer: B
Rationale: Mild viral croup (laryngotracheobronchitis) can be managed at home
with cool moist air and close monitoring. The absence of fever and mild
symptoms support this approach. Parents should be instructed to watch for signs
of respiratory distress (retractions, stridor at rest, nasal flaring). Aspirin is
contraindicated in children due to Reye syndrome risk .
Question 4
A child with asthma is having pulmonary function tests. What is the purpose of
the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR)?
A) Measures blood oxygen levels
, B) Assesses the severity of asthma
C) Diagnoses pneumonia
D) Detects heart failure
Answer: B
Rationale: Peak expiratory flow rate measures how fast a person can exhale and
helps assess the severity of asthma, monitor treatment effectiveness, and guide
management decisions. Each child has a personal best PEFR; values below 50% of
personal best indicate a severe exacerbation requiring immediate intervention .
Question 5
A child presents with a "barking" cough, stridor, and subcostal retractions. The
parent reports the symptoms began suddenly at midnight. The child is afebrile.
Which condition is most likely?
A) Acute epiglottitis
B) Bacterial tracheitis
C) Viral croup
D) Foreign body aspiration
