PNR 204/PNR204 Exam 1 V1 | Pediatric Nursing
Q&A with Rationale | Fortis College
1. According to Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, what is the primary
developmental task for an infant from birth to 1 year of age?
A. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
B. Trust vs. Mistrust
C. Initiative vs. Guilt
D. Industry vs. Inferiority
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: In the stage of Trust vs. Mistrust, the infant relies on caregivers for basic
needs like food and comfort. Consistent care allows the infant to develop a sense of security
and belief that the world is a safe place. If these needs are not met, the child may develop a
pervasive sense of suspicion and anxiety regarding their environment.
2. A nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant. Which developmental milestone should the
nurse expect to observe?
A. Rolling from back to abdomen
B. Sitting steadily without support
C. Walking with assistance
D. Using a neat pincer grasp
,Correct Answer: A
Explanation: By 6 months of age, infants typically have the trunk control and muscle
strength to roll from their back to their abdomen. While they may begin to sit with support,
sitting steadily alone is usually a milestone for 7 to 8 months. The pincer grasp and walking
are developmental tasks that occur much later in the first year of life.
3. At what age does the posterior fontanel typically close in a healthy infant?
A. 2 to 3 months
B. 6 to 9 months
C. 12 to 18 months
D. 18 to 24 months
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The posterior fontanel is the smaller, triangular opening at the back of the
skull and usually closes by 6 to 8 weeks of age. This closure is much earlier than the
anterior fontanel, which remains open to allow for brain growth. Nurses monitor fontanel
closure to ensure proper cranial development and to assess for signs of dehydration or
increased intracranial pressure.
4. A mother asks when she should start introducing solid foods to her infant. Which
recommendation is most appropriate?
A. At 2 months, starting with fruit juice
B. At 8 months, starting with mashed meats
, C. At 4 to 6 months, starting with iron-fortified rice cereal
D. At 12 months, starting with whole cow’s milk
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Introduction of solid foods is recommended between 4 and 6 months
because the infant’s extrusion reflex disappears and their digestive system matures. Iron-
fortified cereal is the preferred first food as infant iron stores begin to deplete around this
age. New foods should be introduced one at a time with several days in between to monitor
for potential allergic reactions.
5. According to Piaget, which stage of cognitive development is characterized by the child’s
use of symbols and ‘magical thinking’?
A. Preoperational
B. Sensorimotor
C. Concrete Operational
D. Formal Operational
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The preoperational stage occurs from ages 2 to 7 and is marked by
egocentrism and the belief that thoughts can influence real-world events. Children in this
stage use language and mental imagery to represent their world but lack logical reasoning.
Magical thinking is a hallmark of this period, often manifesting as a belief that inanimate
objects have feelings or that they caused an illness through their thoughts.
Q&A with Rationale | Fortis College
1. According to Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, what is the primary
developmental task for an infant from birth to 1 year of age?
A. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
B. Trust vs. Mistrust
C. Initiative vs. Guilt
D. Industry vs. Inferiority
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: In the stage of Trust vs. Mistrust, the infant relies on caregivers for basic
needs like food and comfort. Consistent care allows the infant to develop a sense of security
and belief that the world is a safe place. If these needs are not met, the child may develop a
pervasive sense of suspicion and anxiety regarding their environment.
2. A nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant. Which developmental milestone should the
nurse expect to observe?
A. Rolling from back to abdomen
B. Sitting steadily without support
C. Walking with assistance
D. Using a neat pincer grasp
,Correct Answer: A
Explanation: By 6 months of age, infants typically have the trunk control and muscle
strength to roll from their back to their abdomen. While they may begin to sit with support,
sitting steadily alone is usually a milestone for 7 to 8 months. The pincer grasp and walking
are developmental tasks that occur much later in the first year of life.
3. At what age does the posterior fontanel typically close in a healthy infant?
A. 2 to 3 months
B. 6 to 9 months
C. 12 to 18 months
D. 18 to 24 months
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The posterior fontanel is the smaller, triangular opening at the back of the
skull and usually closes by 6 to 8 weeks of age. This closure is much earlier than the
anterior fontanel, which remains open to allow for brain growth. Nurses monitor fontanel
closure to ensure proper cranial development and to assess for signs of dehydration or
increased intracranial pressure.
4. A mother asks when she should start introducing solid foods to her infant. Which
recommendation is most appropriate?
A. At 2 months, starting with fruit juice
B. At 8 months, starting with mashed meats
, C. At 4 to 6 months, starting with iron-fortified rice cereal
D. At 12 months, starting with whole cow’s milk
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Introduction of solid foods is recommended between 4 and 6 months
because the infant’s extrusion reflex disappears and their digestive system matures. Iron-
fortified cereal is the preferred first food as infant iron stores begin to deplete around this
age. New foods should be introduced one at a time with several days in between to monitor
for potential allergic reactions.
5. According to Piaget, which stage of cognitive development is characterized by the child’s
use of symbols and ‘magical thinking’?
A. Preoperational
B. Sensorimotor
C. Concrete Operational
D. Formal Operational
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The preoperational stage occurs from ages 2 to 7 and is marked by
egocentrism and the belief that thoughts can influence real-world events. Children in this
stage use language and mental imagery to represent their world but lack logical reasoning.
Magical thinking is a hallmark of this period, often manifesting as a belief that inanimate
objects have feelings or that they caused an illness through their thoughts.
