NCLEX-RN + NEW YORK RN LICENSURE PEDIATRICS EXAM
PRACTICAL QUESTION AND ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES
EARLY BIRDS LATEST UPDATE 2026.
1. A nurse assesses a 2-month-old infant. Which finding requires immediate
follow-up?
A. Social smile
B. Posterior fontanel closed
C. Temperature of 38.5°C (101.3°F)
D. Weight gain of 30 g/day
Rationale: Fever in an infant younger than 3 months is a medical emergency
because of the high risk of serious bacterial infection.
2. Which toy is most appropriate for a 6-month-old infant?
A. 500-piece puzzle
B. Soft rattles and teething rings
C. Skateboard
D. Video game
Rationale: Infants benefit from toys that promote sensory exploration and
grasping while remaining safe to chew.
3. A nurse prepares to administer digoxin to an infant. Which action is most
important first?
A. Check blood glucose
B. Measure blood pressure
C. Assess the apical pulse for one full minute
D. Measure respiratory rate
Rationale: Digoxin should be withheld if the apical pulse is below the age-
appropriate range.
4. Which developmental milestone is expected in a 12-month-old child?
A. Riding a bicycle
B. Walking with support
, C. Writing letters
D. Skipping
Rationale: Most 12-month-old children pull to stand, cruise, and begin walking
with assistance or independently.
5. A nurse teaches parents about sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
prevention. Which statement indicates understanding?
A. Place the infant on the stomach to sleep.
B. Use fluffy blankets.
C. Place the infant on the back for every sleep.
D. Sleep with the infant in the same bed.
Rationale: Back sleeping significantly reduces the risk of SIDS.
6. Which finding is expected in a newborn during the first 24 hours?
A. Six wet diapers
B. Acrocyanosis
C. Walking reflex
D. Permanent teeth eruption
Rationale: Temporary bluish discoloration of the hands and feet is a normal
newborn finding.
7. A toddler is hospitalized. Which intervention best reduces separation
anxiety?
A. Assign different nurses daily.
B. Restrict parental visits.
C. Encourage parents to stay with the child.
D. Keep lights off.
Rationale: Consistent parental presence helps decrease anxiety in hospitalized
toddlers.
8. Which immunization is routinely administered shortly after birth?
A. MMR
B. Varicella
PRACTICAL QUESTION AND ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES
EARLY BIRDS LATEST UPDATE 2026.
1. A nurse assesses a 2-month-old infant. Which finding requires immediate
follow-up?
A. Social smile
B. Posterior fontanel closed
C. Temperature of 38.5°C (101.3°F)
D. Weight gain of 30 g/day
Rationale: Fever in an infant younger than 3 months is a medical emergency
because of the high risk of serious bacterial infection.
2. Which toy is most appropriate for a 6-month-old infant?
A. 500-piece puzzle
B. Soft rattles and teething rings
C. Skateboard
D. Video game
Rationale: Infants benefit from toys that promote sensory exploration and
grasping while remaining safe to chew.
3. A nurse prepares to administer digoxin to an infant. Which action is most
important first?
A. Check blood glucose
B. Measure blood pressure
C. Assess the apical pulse for one full minute
D. Measure respiratory rate
Rationale: Digoxin should be withheld if the apical pulse is below the age-
appropriate range.
4. Which developmental milestone is expected in a 12-month-old child?
A. Riding a bicycle
B. Walking with support
, C. Writing letters
D. Skipping
Rationale: Most 12-month-old children pull to stand, cruise, and begin walking
with assistance or independently.
5. A nurse teaches parents about sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
prevention. Which statement indicates understanding?
A. Place the infant on the stomach to sleep.
B. Use fluffy blankets.
C. Place the infant on the back for every sleep.
D. Sleep with the infant in the same bed.
Rationale: Back sleeping significantly reduces the risk of SIDS.
6. Which finding is expected in a newborn during the first 24 hours?
A. Six wet diapers
B. Acrocyanosis
C. Walking reflex
D. Permanent teeth eruption
Rationale: Temporary bluish discoloration of the hands and feet is a normal
newborn finding.
7. A toddler is hospitalized. Which intervention best reduces separation
anxiety?
A. Assign different nurses daily.
B. Restrict parental visits.
C. Encourage parents to stay with the child.
D. Keep lights off.
Rationale: Consistent parental presence helps decrease anxiety in hospitalized
toddlers.
8. Which immunization is routinely administered shortly after birth?
A. MMR
B. Varicella
