1
HESI Pediatrics 2026 Exam Prep: 200 Questions
& Answers with Rationales – Comprehensive
Study Guide Covering Growth & Development,
Disorders, Pharmacology, and Nursing
Interventions for NCLEX-RN Success
HESI Pediatrics Practice Questions
Growth & Development
1. A 4-month-old infant is brought to the clinic
for a well-child visit. Which milestone should
the nurse expect to observe?
• A) Sitting without support
• B) Transferring objects hand to hand
• C) Rolling from back to side
• D) Pincer grasp
Rationale: Rolling from back to side is a typical
milestone for a 4-month-old. Sitting without
support is expected around 6-8 months,
, 2
transferring objects between hands occurs
around 7 months, and the pincer grasp
develops around 9 months.
2. The mother of a 2-year-old toddler states,
"My child only wants to say 'no' and throws
tantrums when I try to help." What is the best
nursing response?
• A) "This is normal for a toddler developing
autonomy."
• B) "You should punish the tantrums
immediately."
• C) "Your child may have oppositional defiant
disorder."
• D) "Ignore the child until the tantrum
stops."
Rationale: This behavior is typical for a toddler
in Erikson's stage of autonomy vs. shame and
, 3
doubt. Saying "no" and having tantrums are
normal expressions of developing
independence.
3. A 9-month-old infant is brought for a
checkup. Which finding would require further
evaluation?
• A) Absence of stranger anxiety
• B) Sitting unsupported for 10 seconds
• C) Babbling "mama" and "dada"
• D) Using a raking grasp to pick up a block
Rationale: Stranger anxiety typically appears by
8-9 months of age. Its absence may indicate a
developmental delay and should be evaluated
further. The other options are expected
developmental milestones for a 9-month-old.
Pediatric Assessment & Safety
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4. The nurse is measuring a 3-year-old's blood
pressure. Which cuff size is appropriate?
• A) Cuff covering 25% of the upper arm
• B) Bladder width 40% of arm circumference
• C) Cuff that is too loose for comfort
• D) Adult small cuff
Rationale: For accurate blood pressure
measurement in children, the bladder width
should be approximately 40% of the arm
circumference, and the bladder length should
cover 80-100% of the arm circumference.
5. Which pain scale is most appropriate for a 5-
year-old child?
• A) FLACC scale
• B) Faces Pain Scale – Revised (FPS-R)
• C) CRIES scale
HESI Pediatrics 2026 Exam Prep: 200 Questions
& Answers with Rationales – Comprehensive
Study Guide Covering Growth & Development,
Disorders, Pharmacology, and Nursing
Interventions for NCLEX-RN Success
HESI Pediatrics Practice Questions
Growth & Development
1. A 4-month-old infant is brought to the clinic
for a well-child visit. Which milestone should
the nurse expect to observe?
• A) Sitting without support
• B) Transferring objects hand to hand
• C) Rolling from back to side
• D) Pincer grasp
Rationale: Rolling from back to side is a typical
milestone for a 4-month-old. Sitting without
support is expected around 6-8 months,
, 2
transferring objects between hands occurs
around 7 months, and the pincer grasp
develops around 9 months.
2. The mother of a 2-year-old toddler states,
"My child only wants to say 'no' and throws
tantrums when I try to help." What is the best
nursing response?
• A) "This is normal for a toddler developing
autonomy."
• B) "You should punish the tantrums
immediately."
• C) "Your child may have oppositional defiant
disorder."
• D) "Ignore the child until the tantrum
stops."
Rationale: This behavior is typical for a toddler
in Erikson's stage of autonomy vs. shame and
, 3
doubt. Saying "no" and having tantrums are
normal expressions of developing
independence.
3. A 9-month-old infant is brought for a
checkup. Which finding would require further
evaluation?
• A) Absence of stranger anxiety
• B) Sitting unsupported for 10 seconds
• C) Babbling "mama" and "dada"
• D) Using a raking grasp to pick up a block
Rationale: Stranger anxiety typically appears by
8-9 months of age. Its absence may indicate a
developmental delay and should be evaluated
further. The other options are expected
developmental milestones for a 9-month-old.
Pediatric Assessment & Safety
, 4
4. The nurse is measuring a 3-year-old's blood
pressure. Which cuff size is appropriate?
• A) Cuff covering 25% of the upper arm
• B) Bladder width 40% of arm circumference
• C) Cuff that is too loose for comfort
• D) Adult small cuff
Rationale: For accurate blood pressure
measurement in children, the bladder width
should be approximately 40% of the arm
circumference, and the bladder length should
cover 80-100% of the arm circumference.
5. Which pain scale is most appropriate for a 5-
year-old child?
• A) FLACC scale
• B) Faces Pain Scale – Revised (FPS-R)
• C) CRIES scale
