Pediatric Nursing Exam Prep 2026/2027:
120 NCLEX-Style Questions on Toddler,
Preschooler & Adolescent Health with
Answers & Rationales
Description:
Master pediatric nursing for 2026/2027 with 120 high-yield NCLEX-style questions
covering growth milestones, vaccines, adolescent health, and STIs. Includes complete
answer key with rationales.
Download the ultimate study guide now and pass your pediatric nursing exam on the first try!
, Pediatric Nursing Exam 2026: 120 NCLEX-Style Q&A
SECTION A: TODDLER DEVELOPMENT AND CARE (Questions 1-20)
1. A 2-year-old toddler has hearing loss caused by recurrent otitis media. What
treatment does the nurse anticipate that the practitioner will recommend?
A. Antibiotic ear drops
B. Myringotomy
C. Mastoidectomy
D. Corticosteroid therapy
Answer: B. Myringotomy
Explanation: Myringotomy is a surgical opening into the eardrum to permit drainage of
accumulated fluid associated with otitis media. Antibiotic ear drops are not used because they
would obscure visualization of the tympanic membrane. Mastoidectomy would not relieve
pressure within inflamed ears. Antibiotics, not steroids, are prescribed for infectious
processes.
2. The nurse is educating parents about frequent upper respiratory tract infections in
toddlers. What does the nurse identify as the primary cause?
A. Environmental allergens
B. Anatomical differences
C. Immature immune system
D. Poor hygiene practices
Answer: C. Immature immune system
Explanation: Toddlers have an immature immune system that has not yet developed full
immunologic competence, making them more susceptible to upper respiratory tract
infections. While environmental factors and hygiene play roles, the immaturity of the
immune system is the fundamental cause.
,3. A toddler on the pediatric unit requires temporary dietary restrictions after colorectal
surgery. What is the best approach for the nurse to promote adherence to these
restrictions?
A. Allow the toddler to choose from acceptable foods
B. Offer rewards for compliance with restrictions
C. Implement the changes matter-of-factly
D. Explain the reasons for restrictions in simple terms
Answer: C. Implement the changes matter-of-factly
Explanation: Toddlers are ritualistic and do not tolerate change well. Any change in diet
should be implemented in a matter-of-fact manner to minimize resistance. Offering choices
may be overwhelming, and rewards may create power struggles. Explanations are less
effective at this developmental stage.
4. What is the age range for the toddler developmental stage?
A. 6-12 months
B. 12-36 months
C. 24-48 months
D. 1-5 years
Answer: B. 12-36 months
Explanation: The toddler stage spans from 12 to 36 months of age. During this period,
children experience rapid physical growth, developmental milestones in gross and fine motor
skills, and significant psychosocial and cognitive development.
5. The nurse observes several toddlers in the playroom seated at a table trying to copy
pictures from a book without interacting or sharing crayons. What does this behavior
represent?
A. Social immaturity requiring intervention
B. Cooperative play
C. Parallel play
D. Associative play
Answer: C. Parallel play
, Explanation: Parallel play is a typical expression of toddlers' social development. As part of
the socialization process, toddlers enjoy playing beside other children (parallel play) but do
not socially interact with them. This is developmentally appropriate and not a sign of
immaturity.
6. A nurse is obtaining a health history from the mother of a 15-month-old toddler with
celiac disease. What characteristic stool finding does the nurse expect the mother to
report?
A. Blood-tinged and mucoid
B. Small, hard, and pellet-like
C. Steatorrhea (fatty, foul-smelling, frothy, bulky)
D. Watery and explosive
Answer: C. Steatorrhea (fatty, foul-smelling, frothy, bulky)
Explanation: Steatorrhea occurs with celiac disease because of intolerance to gluten. Toxic
substances accumulate and damage intestinal mucosal cells, causing diarrhea with fatty, foul-
smelling, frothy, and bulky stools.
7. What is the priority nursing care in the immediate postoperative period for a toddler
with a newly applied hip spica cast?
A. Monitoring for signs of infection
B. Checking peripheral circulation
C. Assessing pain level
D. Positioning the child comfortably
Answer: B. Checking peripheral circulation
Explanation: Priority nursing care for any cast application includes checking the color and
temperature of the area surrounding the cast to ensure the cast is not too tight. A tight cast
compresses arteries and veins, impairing circulation. While other assessments are important,
circulatory assessment is the priority.
8. The parent of a 2-year-old reports that the child just consumed several multivitamins
with iron. What should the nurse advise the parent to do?
A. Induce vomiting immediately
B. Administer activated charcoal
120 NCLEX-Style Questions on Toddler,
Preschooler & Adolescent Health with
Answers & Rationales
Description:
Master pediatric nursing for 2026/2027 with 120 high-yield NCLEX-style questions
covering growth milestones, vaccines, adolescent health, and STIs. Includes complete
answer key with rationales.
Download the ultimate study guide now and pass your pediatric nursing exam on the first try!
, Pediatric Nursing Exam 2026: 120 NCLEX-Style Q&A
SECTION A: TODDLER DEVELOPMENT AND CARE (Questions 1-20)
1. A 2-year-old toddler has hearing loss caused by recurrent otitis media. What
treatment does the nurse anticipate that the practitioner will recommend?
A. Antibiotic ear drops
B. Myringotomy
C. Mastoidectomy
D. Corticosteroid therapy
Answer: B. Myringotomy
Explanation: Myringotomy is a surgical opening into the eardrum to permit drainage of
accumulated fluid associated with otitis media. Antibiotic ear drops are not used because they
would obscure visualization of the tympanic membrane. Mastoidectomy would not relieve
pressure within inflamed ears. Antibiotics, not steroids, are prescribed for infectious
processes.
2. The nurse is educating parents about frequent upper respiratory tract infections in
toddlers. What does the nurse identify as the primary cause?
A. Environmental allergens
B. Anatomical differences
C. Immature immune system
D. Poor hygiene practices
Answer: C. Immature immune system
Explanation: Toddlers have an immature immune system that has not yet developed full
immunologic competence, making them more susceptible to upper respiratory tract
infections. While environmental factors and hygiene play roles, the immaturity of the
immune system is the fundamental cause.
,3. A toddler on the pediatric unit requires temporary dietary restrictions after colorectal
surgery. What is the best approach for the nurse to promote adherence to these
restrictions?
A. Allow the toddler to choose from acceptable foods
B. Offer rewards for compliance with restrictions
C. Implement the changes matter-of-factly
D. Explain the reasons for restrictions in simple terms
Answer: C. Implement the changes matter-of-factly
Explanation: Toddlers are ritualistic and do not tolerate change well. Any change in diet
should be implemented in a matter-of-fact manner to minimize resistance. Offering choices
may be overwhelming, and rewards may create power struggles. Explanations are less
effective at this developmental stage.
4. What is the age range for the toddler developmental stage?
A. 6-12 months
B. 12-36 months
C. 24-48 months
D. 1-5 years
Answer: B. 12-36 months
Explanation: The toddler stage spans from 12 to 36 months of age. During this period,
children experience rapid physical growth, developmental milestones in gross and fine motor
skills, and significant psychosocial and cognitive development.
5. The nurse observes several toddlers in the playroom seated at a table trying to copy
pictures from a book without interacting or sharing crayons. What does this behavior
represent?
A. Social immaturity requiring intervention
B. Cooperative play
C. Parallel play
D. Associative play
Answer: C. Parallel play
, Explanation: Parallel play is a typical expression of toddlers' social development. As part of
the socialization process, toddlers enjoy playing beside other children (parallel play) but do
not socially interact with them. This is developmentally appropriate and not a sign of
immaturity.
6. A nurse is obtaining a health history from the mother of a 15-month-old toddler with
celiac disease. What characteristic stool finding does the nurse expect the mother to
report?
A. Blood-tinged and mucoid
B. Small, hard, and pellet-like
C. Steatorrhea (fatty, foul-smelling, frothy, bulky)
D. Watery and explosive
Answer: C. Steatorrhea (fatty, foul-smelling, frothy, bulky)
Explanation: Steatorrhea occurs with celiac disease because of intolerance to gluten. Toxic
substances accumulate and damage intestinal mucosal cells, causing diarrhea with fatty, foul-
smelling, frothy, and bulky stools.
7. What is the priority nursing care in the immediate postoperative period for a toddler
with a newly applied hip spica cast?
A. Monitoring for signs of infection
B. Checking peripheral circulation
C. Assessing pain level
D. Positioning the child comfortably
Answer: B. Checking peripheral circulation
Explanation: Priority nursing care for any cast application includes checking the color and
temperature of the area surrounding the cast to ensure the cast is not too tight. A tight cast
compresses arteries and veins, impairing circulation. While other assessments are important,
circulatory assessment is the priority.
8. The parent of a 2-year-old reports that the child just consumed several multivitamins
with iron. What should the nurse advise the parent to do?
A. Induce vomiting immediately
B. Administer activated charcoal
