KAPLAN PEDIATRIC NURSING EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
,* *
* CORE DOMAINS *
* *
* 1. Growth and Development Across the Pediatric Lifespan *
* 2. Pediatric Assessment and Diagnostic Evaluation *
* 3. Pediatric Pharmacology and Medication Administration *
* 4. Respiratory and Cardiovascular Disorders in Children *
* 5. Gastrointestinal, Genitourinary, and Endocrine Conditions *
* 6. Neurologic, Musculoskeletal, and Hematologic Disorders *
* 7. Infectious Diseases and Immunization Protocols *
* 8. Emergency Care, Trauma, and Crisis Intervention *
* 9. Ethical, Legal, and Professional Standards in Pediatric Nursing *
* 10. Family-Centered Care and Health Promotion *
* *
* INTRODUCTION *
* *
* This assessment is designed to evaluate comprehensive knowledge and *
* clinical judgment essential for competent pediatric nursing practice. *
* It assesses skills in critical thinking, prioritization, delegation, *
* safe medication administration, and evidence-based interventions for *
* infants, children, and adolescents. The exam consists of multiple- *
* choice and scenario-based questions that mirror real-world clinical *
* situations nurses encounter daily. Emphasis is placed on *
* family-centered care, developmental considerations, safety, *
* and ethical decision-making. Successful performance demonstrates *
* readiness for professional practice and certification in pediatric *
* nursing. *
* *
,SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A 3-year-old child is admitted with suspected croup. Which assessment finding should the nurse prioritize?
A. Barking cough and stridor
B. Low-grade fever
C. Mild tachycardia
D. Decreased appetite
🟢 A. Barking cough and stridor
🔴 RATIONALE: Barking cough and stridor are hallmark signs of croup indicating upper airway obstruction. Airway patency is
the highest priority in pediatric assessment using ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation). Low-grade fever, mild tachycardia, and
decreased appetite are less urgent findings.
Question 2
Which growth milestone is expected in a healthy 12-month-old infant?
A. Walking independently
B. Saying three to five words
C. Sitting without support
D. Rolling over
, 🟢 B. Saying three to five words
🔴 RATIONALE: By 12 months, infants typically say 3–5 words besides "mama/dada." Walking independently usually occurs by
15 months, sitting without support by 7–8 months, and rolling over by 4–6 months.
Question 3
A nurse is administering acetaminophen to a 6-year-old child weighing 20 kg. The recommended dose is 15 mg/kg. How many
mg should the nurse administer?
A. 200 mg
B. 300 mg
C. 400 mg
D. 150 mg
🟢 B. 300 mg
🔴 RATIONALE: Dose calculation: 20 kg × 15 mg/kg = 300 mg. This is a standard pediatric acetaminophen dose within safe
limits.
Question 4
Which immunization is contraindicated in a child with severe egg allergy?
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
,* *
* CORE DOMAINS *
* *
* 1. Growth and Development Across the Pediatric Lifespan *
* 2. Pediatric Assessment and Diagnostic Evaluation *
* 3. Pediatric Pharmacology and Medication Administration *
* 4. Respiratory and Cardiovascular Disorders in Children *
* 5. Gastrointestinal, Genitourinary, and Endocrine Conditions *
* 6. Neurologic, Musculoskeletal, and Hematologic Disorders *
* 7. Infectious Diseases and Immunization Protocols *
* 8. Emergency Care, Trauma, and Crisis Intervention *
* 9. Ethical, Legal, and Professional Standards in Pediatric Nursing *
* 10. Family-Centered Care and Health Promotion *
* *
* INTRODUCTION *
* *
* This assessment is designed to evaluate comprehensive knowledge and *
* clinical judgment essential for competent pediatric nursing practice. *
* It assesses skills in critical thinking, prioritization, delegation, *
* safe medication administration, and evidence-based interventions for *
* infants, children, and adolescents. The exam consists of multiple- *
* choice and scenario-based questions that mirror real-world clinical *
* situations nurses encounter daily. Emphasis is placed on *
* family-centered care, developmental considerations, safety, *
* and ethical decision-making. Successful performance demonstrates *
* readiness for professional practice and certification in pediatric *
* nursing. *
* *
,SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A 3-year-old child is admitted with suspected croup. Which assessment finding should the nurse prioritize?
A. Barking cough and stridor
B. Low-grade fever
C. Mild tachycardia
D. Decreased appetite
🟢 A. Barking cough and stridor
🔴 RATIONALE: Barking cough and stridor are hallmark signs of croup indicating upper airway obstruction. Airway patency is
the highest priority in pediatric assessment using ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation). Low-grade fever, mild tachycardia, and
decreased appetite are less urgent findings.
Question 2
Which growth milestone is expected in a healthy 12-month-old infant?
A. Walking independently
B. Saying three to five words
C. Sitting without support
D. Rolling over
, 🟢 B. Saying three to five words
🔴 RATIONALE: By 12 months, infants typically say 3–5 words besides "mama/dada." Walking independently usually occurs by
15 months, sitting without support by 7–8 months, and rolling over by 4–6 months.
Question 3
A nurse is administering acetaminophen to a 6-year-old child weighing 20 kg. The recommended dose is 15 mg/kg. How many
mg should the nurse administer?
A. 200 mg
B. 300 mg
C. 400 mg
D. 150 mg
🟢 B. 300 mg
🔴 RATIONALE: Dose calculation: 20 kg × 15 mg/kg = 300 mg. This is a standard pediatric acetaminophen dose within safe
limits.
Question 4
Which immunization is contraindicated in a child with severe egg allergy?
