KAPLAN PEDIATRIC NURSING EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS)
Question 1: A 6-month-old infant is brought to the clinic for a well-child visit.
According to Erikson’s psychosocial theory, which developmental task is the
infant attempting to master during this stage?
A. Autonomy versus shame and doubt
B. Initiative versus guilt
C. Trust versus mistrust
D. Industry versus inferiority
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Trust versus mistrust
Rationale: Erikson’s first stage, trust versus mistrust, occurs from birth to
approximately 18 months. Consistent, responsive caregiving allows the infant to
develop a sense of trust in caregivers and the environment. Failure to meet this
need can result in mistrust.
Question 2: The nurse is teaching parents about safe sleep practices for their
newborn. Which instruction is most important to prevent sudden infant death
syndrome (SIDS)?
A. Place the infant on the side with a soft pillow
B. Place the infant supine on a firm mattress without soft bedding
C. Allow the infant to sleep in the parents’ bed for bonding
D. Use a quilt and stuffed animals to keep the infant warm
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Place the infant supine on a firm mattress without soft
bedding
Rationale: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the supine (back)
sleeping position on a firm surface free of soft objects, pillows, and loose bedding
as the most effective measure to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Question 3: A 4-year-old child is hospitalized for pneumonia. According to
Piaget’s cognitive developmental theory, which stage is this child most likely
in?
A. Sensorimotor
B. Preoperational
C. Concrete operational
Page 1 of 63
,D. Formal operational
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Preoperational
Rationale: Piaget’s preoperational stage occurs from approximately 2 to 7 years of
age. Children in this stage use symbolic thinking, engage in pretend play, and
demonstrate egocentrism, but they have not yet developed logical concrete
operations.
Question 4: The nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to
a 2-month-old infant. Which site is preferred for this age group?
A. Dorsogluteal
B. Ventrogluteal
C. Vastus lateralis
D. Deltoid
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Vastus lateralis
Rationale: The vastus lateralis muscle is the preferred intramuscular injection site for
infants younger than 12 months because it is well developed and free of major
nerves and blood vessels.
Question 5: A toddler is diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia. Which dietary
recommendation should the nurse emphasize to the parents?
A. Limit milk intake to no more than 24 ounces per day and offer iron-rich foods
B. Increase milk intake to 40 ounces per day to promote growth
C. Provide only fortified cereals and avoid all meats
D. Restrict all dairy products permanently
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Limit milk intake to no more than 24 ounces per day
and offer iron-rich foods
Rationale: Excessive cow’s milk consumption can contribute to iron-deficiency
anemia by displacing iron-rich foods and causing occult gastrointestinal blood loss.
Limiting milk and offering iron-rich foods such as meats, fortified cereals, and leafy
greens is the primary dietary intervention.
Question 6: The nurse is assessing a 9-month-old infant. Which developmental
milestone should the nurse expect to observe at this age?
A. Walking independently
B. Sitting without support and transferring objects from one hand to the other
C. Speaking in two-word sentences
D. Drawing a circle
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Sitting without support and transferring objects from
one hand to the other
Page 2 of 63
,Rationale: By 9 months, most infants can sit steadily without support and
demonstrate the ability to transfer objects hand-to-hand. Independent walking
typically occurs around 12 months, and language and fine-motor skills develop
later.
Question 7: A child with cystic fibrosis is receiving pancreatic enzyme
replacement therapy. When should the nurse instruct the parents to
administer the enzymes?
A. At bedtime only
B. With meals and snacks
C. One hour after meals
D. Only when the child has diarrhea
CORRECT ANSWER: B. With meals and snacks
Rationale: Pancreatic enzymes must be taken with every meal and snack to aid
digestion and absorption of nutrients, particularly fats and proteins, which are
poorly digested in cystic fibrosis due to pancreatic insufficiency.
Question 8: The nurse is caring for a 5-year-old child who is scheduled for
surgery. Which preoperative teaching strategy is most appropriate for this age
group?
A. Provide detailed explanations of the surgical procedure using medical
terminology
B. Use simple language, allow the child to handle equipment, and use play to
demonstrate the procedure
C. Avoid any discussion of the procedure to prevent anxiety
D. Show graphic videos of the actual surgery
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Use simple language, allow the child to handle
equipment, and use play to demonstrate the procedure
Rationale: Preschool-age children benefit from concrete, age-appropriate
explanations and the opportunity to explore medical equipment through play. This
approach reduces fear of the unknown and promotes a sense of control.
Question 9: A 12-month-old infant is due for immunizations. According to the
recommended childhood immunization schedule, which vaccines should the
nurse anticipate administering at this visit?
A. MMR, varicella, and hepatitis A
B. DTaP, Hib, PCV13, and IPV
C. Only the influenza vaccine
D. HPV and meningococcal vaccines
CORRECT ANSWER: A. MMR, varicella, and hepatitis A
Page 3 of 63
, Rationale: At 12 months of age, the first doses of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR),
varicella, and hepatitis A vaccines are routinely administered, provided there are no
contraindications.
Question 10: The nurse is assessing a child with suspected epiglottitis. Which
finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Mild cough and low-grade fever
B. Drooling, stridor, and sitting in a tripod position
C. Clear rhinorrhea and sneezing
D. Productive cough with green sputum
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Drooling, stridor, and sitting in a tripod position
Rationale: These signs indicate severe airway obstruction. Epiglottitis is a medical
emergency; the child should not be examined further in a setting without airway
management capability, and the airway must be secured promptly.
Question 11: A 3-year-old child is admitted with acute gastroenteritis and
moderate dehydration. Which assessment finding is most consistent with
moderate dehydration?
A. Capillary refill less than 2 seconds and moist mucous membranes
B. Sunken eyes, decreased urine output, and dry mucous membranes
C. Anuria and rapid, thready pulse
D. Bulging fontanel and hypertension
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Sunken eyes, decreased urine output, and dry mucous
membranes
Rationale: Moderate dehydration (approximately 6–9% fluid loss) presents with
sunken eyes, reduced urine output, dry mucous membranes, and mild tachycardia.
Severe dehydration includes anuria and cardiovascular compromise.
Question 12: The nurse is teaching the parents of a child with asthma about
the use of a peak flow meter. Which statement indicates that the parents
understand the teaching?
A. “We will use the peak flow meter only when our child is having an acute attack.”
B. “We will record the highest of three readings and compare it to our child’s
personal best.”
C. “The peak flow meter measures oxygen saturation.”
D. “We should have our child blow gently into the meter.”
CORRECT ANSWER: B. “We will record the highest of three readings and
compare it to our child’s personal best.”
Rationale: Peak flow monitoring involves taking three readings and recording the
highest value. This is then compared with the child’s personal best to determine the
Page 4 of 63
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS)
Question 1: A 6-month-old infant is brought to the clinic for a well-child visit.
According to Erikson’s psychosocial theory, which developmental task is the
infant attempting to master during this stage?
A. Autonomy versus shame and doubt
B. Initiative versus guilt
C. Trust versus mistrust
D. Industry versus inferiority
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Trust versus mistrust
Rationale: Erikson’s first stage, trust versus mistrust, occurs from birth to
approximately 18 months. Consistent, responsive caregiving allows the infant to
develop a sense of trust in caregivers and the environment. Failure to meet this
need can result in mistrust.
Question 2: The nurse is teaching parents about safe sleep practices for their
newborn. Which instruction is most important to prevent sudden infant death
syndrome (SIDS)?
A. Place the infant on the side with a soft pillow
B. Place the infant supine on a firm mattress without soft bedding
C. Allow the infant to sleep in the parents’ bed for bonding
D. Use a quilt and stuffed animals to keep the infant warm
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Place the infant supine on a firm mattress without soft
bedding
Rationale: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the supine (back)
sleeping position on a firm surface free of soft objects, pillows, and loose bedding
as the most effective measure to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Question 3: A 4-year-old child is hospitalized for pneumonia. According to
Piaget’s cognitive developmental theory, which stage is this child most likely
in?
A. Sensorimotor
B. Preoperational
C. Concrete operational
Page 1 of 63
,D. Formal operational
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Preoperational
Rationale: Piaget’s preoperational stage occurs from approximately 2 to 7 years of
age. Children in this stage use symbolic thinking, engage in pretend play, and
demonstrate egocentrism, but they have not yet developed logical concrete
operations.
Question 4: The nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to
a 2-month-old infant. Which site is preferred for this age group?
A. Dorsogluteal
B. Ventrogluteal
C. Vastus lateralis
D. Deltoid
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Vastus lateralis
Rationale: The vastus lateralis muscle is the preferred intramuscular injection site for
infants younger than 12 months because it is well developed and free of major
nerves and blood vessels.
Question 5: A toddler is diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia. Which dietary
recommendation should the nurse emphasize to the parents?
A. Limit milk intake to no more than 24 ounces per day and offer iron-rich foods
B. Increase milk intake to 40 ounces per day to promote growth
C. Provide only fortified cereals and avoid all meats
D. Restrict all dairy products permanently
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Limit milk intake to no more than 24 ounces per day
and offer iron-rich foods
Rationale: Excessive cow’s milk consumption can contribute to iron-deficiency
anemia by displacing iron-rich foods and causing occult gastrointestinal blood loss.
Limiting milk and offering iron-rich foods such as meats, fortified cereals, and leafy
greens is the primary dietary intervention.
Question 6: The nurse is assessing a 9-month-old infant. Which developmental
milestone should the nurse expect to observe at this age?
A. Walking independently
B. Sitting without support and transferring objects from one hand to the other
C. Speaking in two-word sentences
D. Drawing a circle
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Sitting without support and transferring objects from
one hand to the other
Page 2 of 63
,Rationale: By 9 months, most infants can sit steadily without support and
demonstrate the ability to transfer objects hand-to-hand. Independent walking
typically occurs around 12 months, and language and fine-motor skills develop
later.
Question 7: A child with cystic fibrosis is receiving pancreatic enzyme
replacement therapy. When should the nurse instruct the parents to
administer the enzymes?
A. At bedtime only
B. With meals and snacks
C. One hour after meals
D. Only when the child has diarrhea
CORRECT ANSWER: B. With meals and snacks
Rationale: Pancreatic enzymes must be taken with every meal and snack to aid
digestion and absorption of nutrients, particularly fats and proteins, which are
poorly digested in cystic fibrosis due to pancreatic insufficiency.
Question 8: The nurse is caring for a 5-year-old child who is scheduled for
surgery. Which preoperative teaching strategy is most appropriate for this age
group?
A. Provide detailed explanations of the surgical procedure using medical
terminology
B. Use simple language, allow the child to handle equipment, and use play to
demonstrate the procedure
C. Avoid any discussion of the procedure to prevent anxiety
D. Show graphic videos of the actual surgery
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Use simple language, allow the child to handle
equipment, and use play to demonstrate the procedure
Rationale: Preschool-age children benefit from concrete, age-appropriate
explanations and the opportunity to explore medical equipment through play. This
approach reduces fear of the unknown and promotes a sense of control.
Question 9: A 12-month-old infant is due for immunizations. According to the
recommended childhood immunization schedule, which vaccines should the
nurse anticipate administering at this visit?
A. MMR, varicella, and hepatitis A
B. DTaP, Hib, PCV13, and IPV
C. Only the influenza vaccine
D. HPV and meningococcal vaccines
CORRECT ANSWER: A. MMR, varicella, and hepatitis A
Page 3 of 63
, Rationale: At 12 months of age, the first doses of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR),
varicella, and hepatitis A vaccines are routinely administered, provided there are no
contraindications.
Question 10: The nurse is assessing a child with suspected epiglottitis. Which
finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Mild cough and low-grade fever
B. Drooling, stridor, and sitting in a tripod position
C. Clear rhinorrhea and sneezing
D. Productive cough with green sputum
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Drooling, stridor, and sitting in a tripod position
Rationale: These signs indicate severe airway obstruction. Epiglottitis is a medical
emergency; the child should not be examined further in a setting without airway
management capability, and the airway must be secured promptly.
Question 11: A 3-year-old child is admitted with acute gastroenteritis and
moderate dehydration. Which assessment finding is most consistent with
moderate dehydration?
A. Capillary refill less than 2 seconds and moist mucous membranes
B. Sunken eyes, decreased urine output, and dry mucous membranes
C. Anuria and rapid, thready pulse
D. Bulging fontanel and hypertension
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Sunken eyes, decreased urine output, and dry mucous
membranes
Rationale: Moderate dehydration (approximately 6–9% fluid loss) presents with
sunken eyes, reduced urine output, dry mucous membranes, and mild tachycardia.
Severe dehydration includes anuria and cardiovascular compromise.
Question 12: The nurse is teaching the parents of a child with asthma about
the use of a peak flow meter. Which statement indicates that the parents
understand the teaching?
A. “We will use the peak flow meter only when our child is having an acute attack.”
B. “We will record the highest of three readings and compare it to our child’s
personal best.”
C. “The peak flow meter measures oxygen saturation.”
D. “We should have our child blow gently into the meter.”
CORRECT ANSWER: B. “We will record the highest of three readings and
compare it to our child’s personal best.”
Rationale: Peak flow monitoring involves taking three readings and recording the
highest value. This is then compared with the child’s personal best to determine the
Page 4 of 63
