NU 170 NURSING FUNDAMENTALS EXAM 2 (PDF) | 2026
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS + RATIONALES | STUDY GUIDE |
100% CORRECT
1. A 4-year-old child is hospitalized and has begun wetting the bed after being potty trained
for over a year. Which statement by the nurse best explains this behavior to the parents?
A) "This is a sign of regression and is a common response to the stress of
hospitalization."
B) "Your child must have a urinary tract infection that needs to be treated."
C) "This indicates a developmental delay that we need to evaluate."
D) "You should punish the child to reinforce that this behavior is not acceptable."
Correct Answer: "This is a sign of regression and is a common response to the stress of
hospitalization."
Rationale: Regression is a normal and temporary coping mechanism where a child reverts to an
earlier stage of behavior in response to stress, illness, or hospitalization. It is not a sign of a delay
or a deliberate act of defiance . Parents should be reassured and encouraged to be patient, as the
behavior typically resolves once the stressor passes.
2. The nurse is caring for a toddler receiving IV fluids. The child pulls at the IV site and
tries to remove the tubing. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate to promote
safety while supporting developmental needs?
A) Place soft restraints on the child's wrists
B) Apply an arm board and an occlusive dressing over the site
C) Use a commercial IV shield or a sock over the site and provide distraction
D) Remove the IV and restart it when the child is asleep
Correct Answer: Use a commercial IV shield or a sock over the site and provide distraction
Rationale: Toddlers are curious and need to explore, so using a protective cover over the IV site
and providing distraction are appropriate, least restrictive interventions. Restraints should be a
last resort. The nurse should also explore the Rationale for the IV and consider alternatives if
appropriate .
3. According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, a preschool-age child (3–6
years) is in which stage, and what is the central task?
A) Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt; developing independence
B) Initiative vs. Guilt; initiating activities and developing a sense of purpose
C) Industry vs. Inferiority; developing a sense of competence
D) Trust vs. Mistrust; developing a sense of security
Correct Answer: Initiative vs. Guilt; initiating activities and developing a sense of purpose
Rationale: Erikson's stage for preschoolers is Initiative vs. Guilt. Children in this stage begin to
assert their power and control over the world by initiating activities. If they are encouraged, they
, develop a sense of purpose; if they are criticized or controlled, they may develop feelings of
guilt .
4. The parent of a 2-year-old toddler asks the nurse for advice on managing temper
tantrums. Which response is most appropriate?
A) "You should ignore the tantrum and not give in to the child's demands."
B) "Use a 'time-out' of about 2 minutes and explain why the behavior is wrong."
C) "Spank the child gently to show that the behavior is unacceptable."
D) "Give the child whatever they want to stop the tantrum as quickly as possible."
Correct Answer: "Use a 'time-out' of about 2 minutes and explain why the behavior is wrong."
Rationale: A time-out of about 1 minute per year of age (2 minutes for a 2-year-old) is an
effective discipline technique for toddlers. It is brief, consistent, and helps the child connect their
behavior with the consequence. Physical punishment is not recommended. .
5. A 9-month-old infant is playing with a toy. The infant drops it, and the nurse picks it up
and gives it back. The nurse is promoting the development of which cognitive concept?
A) Animism
B) Conservation
C) Object permanence
D) Transductive reasoning
Correct Answer: Object permanence
Rationale: Object permanence is the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they
are out of sight. This milestone typically develops between 8 and 12 months of age. The infant's
action of looking for the toy demonstrates this concept, and the nurse supports it by returning the
toy .
6. A 6-month-old infant weighed 7 lb at birth. What is the expected weight for this infant at
6 months?
A) 10.5 lb
B) 14 lb
C) 17.5 lb
D) 21 lb
Correct Answer: 14 lb
Rationale: Birth weight typically doubles by 6 months of age. Therefore, an infant with a birth
weight of 7 lb would be expected to weigh approximately 14 lb at 6 months. Weight then triples
by 12 months .
7. A nurse is preparing to administer ear drops to a 2-year-old child. Which technique is
correct?
A) Pull the ear up and back
B) Pull the ear down and back
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS + RATIONALES | STUDY GUIDE |
100% CORRECT
1. A 4-year-old child is hospitalized and has begun wetting the bed after being potty trained
for over a year. Which statement by the nurse best explains this behavior to the parents?
A) "This is a sign of regression and is a common response to the stress of
hospitalization."
B) "Your child must have a urinary tract infection that needs to be treated."
C) "This indicates a developmental delay that we need to evaluate."
D) "You should punish the child to reinforce that this behavior is not acceptable."
Correct Answer: "This is a sign of regression and is a common response to the stress of
hospitalization."
Rationale: Regression is a normal and temporary coping mechanism where a child reverts to an
earlier stage of behavior in response to stress, illness, or hospitalization. It is not a sign of a delay
or a deliberate act of defiance . Parents should be reassured and encouraged to be patient, as the
behavior typically resolves once the stressor passes.
2. The nurse is caring for a toddler receiving IV fluids. The child pulls at the IV site and
tries to remove the tubing. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate to promote
safety while supporting developmental needs?
A) Place soft restraints on the child's wrists
B) Apply an arm board and an occlusive dressing over the site
C) Use a commercial IV shield or a sock over the site and provide distraction
D) Remove the IV and restart it when the child is asleep
Correct Answer: Use a commercial IV shield or a sock over the site and provide distraction
Rationale: Toddlers are curious and need to explore, so using a protective cover over the IV site
and providing distraction are appropriate, least restrictive interventions. Restraints should be a
last resort. The nurse should also explore the Rationale for the IV and consider alternatives if
appropriate .
3. According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, a preschool-age child (3–6
years) is in which stage, and what is the central task?
A) Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt; developing independence
B) Initiative vs. Guilt; initiating activities and developing a sense of purpose
C) Industry vs. Inferiority; developing a sense of competence
D) Trust vs. Mistrust; developing a sense of security
Correct Answer: Initiative vs. Guilt; initiating activities and developing a sense of purpose
Rationale: Erikson's stage for preschoolers is Initiative vs. Guilt. Children in this stage begin to
assert their power and control over the world by initiating activities. If they are encouraged, they
, develop a sense of purpose; if they are criticized or controlled, they may develop feelings of
guilt .
4. The parent of a 2-year-old toddler asks the nurse for advice on managing temper
tantrums. Which response is most appropriate?
A) "You should ignore the tantrum and not give in to the child's demands."
B) "Use a 'time-out' of about 2 minutes and explain why the behavior is wrong."
C) "Spank the child gently to show that the behavior is unacceptable."
D) "Give the child whatever they want to stop the tantrum as quickly as possible."
Correct Answer: "Use a 'time-out' of about 2 minutes and explain why the behavior is wrong."
Rationale: A time-out of about 1 minute per year of age (2 minutes for a 2-year-old) is an
effective discipline technique for toddlers. It is brief, consistent, and helps the child connect their
behavior with the consequence. Physical punishment is not recommended. .
5. A 9-month-old infant is playing with a toy. The infant drops it, and the nurse picks it up
and gives it back. The nurse is promoting the development of which cognitive concept?
A) Animism
B) Conservation
C) Object permanence
D) Transductive reasoning
Correct Answer: Object permanence
Rationale: Object permanence is the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they
are out of sight. This milestone typically develops between 8 and 12 months of age. The infant's
action of looking for the toy demonstrates this concept, and the nurse supports it by returning the
toy .
6. A 6-month-old infant weighed 7 lb at birth. What is the expected weight for this infant at
6 months?
A) 10.5 lb
B) 14 lb
C) 17.5 lb
D) 21 lb
Correct Answer: 14 lb
Rationale: Birth weight typically doubles by 6 months of age. Therefore, an infant with a birth
weight of 7 lb would be expected to weigh approximately 14 lb at 6 months. Weight then triples
by 12 months .
7. A nurse is preparing to administer ear drops to a 2-year-old child. Which technique is
correct?
A) Pull the ear up and back
B) Pull the ear down and back
