NURS 328 COMPREHENSIVE
PEDIATRIC NURSING EXAM REVIEW
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which developmental stage is characterized by Erikson’s ‘Autonomy vs. Shame and
Doubt’?
A. Toddler (1-3 years)
B. Infant (0-1 year)
C. Preschooler (3-6 years)
D. School-age (6-12 years)
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: According to Erikson, the toddler stage (1-3 years) focuses on
developing a sense of personal control over physical skills and independence.
2. A 4-month-old infant is admitted with suspected pyloric stenosis. Which clinical
manifestation is most characteristic of this condition?
A. Currant jelly-like stools
B. Steatorrhea and failure to thrive
C. Biliary emesis and abdominal distention
,D. Projectile non-bilious vomiting
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Projectile, non-bilious vomiting occurring after feeding is the
classic sign of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis.
3. A child is diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot. During a cyanotic spell (Tet spell), what is the
nurse’s priority action?
A. Administer high-flow oxygen via mask
B. Prepare for immediate intubation
C. Place the child in a knee-chest position
D. Administer intravenous morphine
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The knee-chest position increases systemic vascular resistance,
reducing the right-to-left shunt and improving oxygenation.
4. Which assessment finding is a hallmark sign of Nephrotic Syndrome in a 5-year-old child?
A. Gross hematuria and hypertension
B. Low serum cholesterol levels
C. Massive proteinuria and generalized edema
D. Increased urinary output
, Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by massive proteinuria,
hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema.
5. A nurse is caring for a child with epiglottitis. Which action is strictly contraindicated?
A. Using a tongue blade to visualize the throat
B. Administering humidified oxygen
C. Keeping the child in an upright position
D. Preparing for lateral neck X-rays
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Attempting to visualize the throat with a tongue blade or swab
can trigger laryngospasm and complete airway obstruction in a child with epiglottitis.
6. In a child with Cystic Fibrosis, what is the primary purpose of administering pancreatic
enzymes?
A. To thin the mucus in the respiratory tract
B. To aid in the digestion and absorption of fats and proteins
C. To prevent bacterial infections in the gut
D. To stimulate the production of insulin
Answer: B
PEDIATRIC NURSING EXAM REVIEW
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which developmental stage is characterized by Erikson’s ‘Autonomy vs. Shame and
Doubt’?
A. Toddler (1-3 years)
B. Infant (0-1 year)
C. Preschooler (3-6 years)
D. School-age (6-12 years)
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: According to Erikson, the toddler stage (1-3 years) focuses on
developing a sense of personal control over physical skills and independence.
2. A 4-month-old infant is admitted with suspected pyloric stenosis. Which clinical
manifestation is most characteristic of this condition?
A. Currant jelly-like stools
B. Steatorrhea and failure to thrive
C. Biliary emesis and abdominal distention
,D. Projectile non-bilious vomiting
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Projectile, non-bilious vomiting occurring after feeding is the
classic sign of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis.
3. A child is diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot. During a cyanotic spell (Tet spell), what is the
nurse’s priority action?
A. Administer high-flow oxygen via mask
B. Prepare for immediate intubation
C. Place the child in a knee-chest position
D. Administer intravenous morphine
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The knee-chest position increases systemic vascular resistance,
reducing the right-to-left shunt and improving oxygenation.
4. Which assessment finding is a hallmark sign of Nephrotic Syndrome in a 5-year-old child?
A. Gross hematuria and hypertension
B. Low serum cholesterol levels
C. Massive proteinuria and generalized edema
D. Increased urinary output
, Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by massive proteinuria,
hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema.
5. A nurse is caring for a child with epiglottitis. Which action is strictly contraindicated?
A. Using a tongue blade to visualize the throat
B. Administering humidified oxygen
C. Keeping the child in an upright position
D. Preparing for lateral neck X-rays
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Attempting to visualize the throat with a tongue blade or swab
can trigger laryngospasm and complete airway obstruction in a child with epiglottitis.
6. In a child with Cystic Fibrosis, what is the primary purpose of administering pancreatic
enzymes?
A. To thin the mucus in the respiratory tract
B. To aid in the digestion and absorption of fats and proteins
C. To prevent bacterial infections in the gut
D. To stimulate the production of insulin
Answer: B
