NUR 106 – Module G2: Pediatric Growth &
Development, Nursing Original Practice Questions &
Answers | Pediatric Nursing Course Study Guide &
Exam Preparation | Child Development Principles,
Growth Patterns, Developmental Milestones, Infant
& Toddler Development, Preschool & School-Age
Development, Adolescent Development, Growth
Assessment, Nutrition, Safety, Health Promotion,
Developmental Screening, Family-Centered Care &
Detailed Rationales
Question 1: A 2-year-old toddler is brought to the clinic for a well-child visit. The
nurse observes the child playing with a doll. According to Erikson's theory of
psychosocial development, which developmental task is this toddler primarily
attempting to achieve?
A. Trust versus Mistrust
B. Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt
C. Initiative versus Guilt
D. Industry versus Inferiority
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt
Rationale: According to Erikson, the toddler stage (1-3 years) is characterized by the
conflict of Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt. The child is developing a sense of
personal control and independence, which is often expressed through play and choice-
making. Trust versus Mistrust is for infants, Initiative versus Guilt is for preschoolers,
and Industry versus Inferiority is for school-aged children.
Question 2: The nurse is assessing a 4-month-old infant. Which fine motor skill
milestone is most characteristic of this age?
A. Pincer grasp
B. Holding a rattle briefly
C. Transferring objects from one hand to the other
D. Building a tower of two blocks
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Holding a rattle briefly
Rationale: At 4 months, infants typically have a palmar grasp and can hold a rattle
placed in their hand for a short period. The pincer grasp develops around 9-10 months.
Transferring objects occurs around 7 months, and building a tower of two blocks is a
skill seen in toddlers around 15-18 months.
Question 3: The parent of an 8-month-old expresses concern that the infant cries
and clings to them when a stranger approaches. What is the most appropriate
nursing response?
,A. "This behavior indicates a developmental delay."
B. "This is a sign of separation anxiety, which is expected at this age."
C. "You should leave the room so the infant gets used to strangers."
D. "This is abnormal; you should consult a child psychologist."
CORRECT ANSWER: B. "This is a sign of separation anxiety, which is expected at
this age."
Rationale: Stranger anxiety typically begins around 6-8 months of age and is a normal
developmental milestone related to object permanence and attachment. The infant has
learned to distinguish the primary caregiver from others and may react with distress to
unfamiliar people. It does not indicate a delay or require psychological intervention.
Question 4: A school nurse is planning a teaching session on safety for parents of
school-aged children. Which topic is most developmentally appropriate for this
age group?
A. Choking hazards with small toys
B. Fire safety and bike helmet use
C. Car seat safety for infants
D. Falls from changing tables
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Fire safety and bike helmet use
Rationale: School-aged children (6-12 years) have increased independence and
physical activity, making them at higher risk for injuries from biking, sports, and fire-
related accidents. Choking hazards are relevant to toddlers, car seat safety is for
infants, and falls from changing tables are a risk for infants.
Question 5: According to Piaget's theory of cognitive development, an adolescent
is in which stage?
A. Sensorimotor
B. Preoperational
C. Concrete Operational
D. Formal Operational
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Formal Operational
Rationale: Piaget's Formal Operational stage begins around age 11 and continues
through adulthood. It is characterized by abstract thinking, hypothetical reasoning, and
problem-solving. Sensorimotor is for infants, Preoperational is for
toddlers/preschoolers, and Concrete Operational is for school-aged children.
Question 6: A nurse is assessing a newborn's reflexes. Which finding is abnormal
and should be reported?
A. The newborn's toes curl downward when the sole is stroked.
B. The newborn's fingers spread when the head is turned to the side.
,C. The newborn's arms and legs extend when startled.
D. The newborn's toes fan out and the big toe dorsiflexes when the sole is stroked.
CORRECT ANSWER: A. The newborn's toes curl downward when the sole is stroked.
Rationale: The normal plantar reflex (Babinski) in a newborn is fanning of the toes and
dorsiflexion of the big toe. Curling of the toes is the normal response in older children
and adults and would be an abnormal finding in a newborn, indicating possible
neurological impairment.
Question 7: A 3-year-old child is hospitalized. The child's parents ask the nurse why
the child keeps asking for a favorite blanket. What is the best rationale for this
behavior?
A. It is a sign of regression.
B. It provides a sense of security and helps with coping.
C. It indicates the child is spoiled.
D. It is a way to manipulate the parents.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. It provides a sense of security and helps with coping.
Rationale: Transitional objects (like a blanket or stuffed animal) provide comfort and
security, especially during stressful situations like hospitalization. It is a normal coping
mechanism and does not indicate regression, spoiled behavior, or manipulation.
Question 8: The parents of a 15-month-old are concerned that their child is not
walking independently. What is the most appropriate nursing response?
A. "This is a sign of a developmental delay, and you should see a neurologist."
B. "This is a normal variation in development; most children walk between 12-18
months."
C. "You should force the child to walk to encourage development."
D. "You should wait until the child is 2 years old before worrying."
CORRECT ANSWER: B. "This is a normal variation in development; most children
walk between 12-18 months."
Rationale: The age range for independent walking is wide, with most children walking
between 12 and 18 months. A 15-month-old who is not yet walking is within the normal
range. It is not necessary to force the child or seek immediate neurological
consultation.
Question 9: The nurse is providing anticipatory guidance to the parents of a 2-week-
old infant. Which statement indicates the parents understand the infant's needs?
A. "I will start feeding the baby solid foods next week."
B. "I will place the baby on the stomach to sleep to prevent choking."
C. "I will place the baby on the back to sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS."
D. "I will add cereal to the bottle to help the baby sleep through the night."
, CORRECT ANSWER: C. "I will place the baby on the back to sleep to reduce the risk
of SIDS."
Rationale: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends placing infants on their
back to sleep to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Solid foods
are not introduced until around 6 months, and cereal in a bottle is a choking hazard.
Question 10: A preschool-aged child is in the hospital. The child refuses to eat and
tells the nurse, "I am so hungry." The nurse understands that this behavior is
related to which developmental characteristic?
A. The child is trying to manipulate the parents.
B. The child has a fear of vomiting.
C. The child is demonstrating a lack of trust.
D. The child is exhibiting a need for control.
CORRECT ANSWER: D. The child is exhibiting a need for control.
Rationale: Preschoolers often feel a loss of control in the hospital setting and may use
eating as a way to exert control. This is a normal developmental response. While fear of
vomiting can occur, it is not as common as the desire for control.
Question 11: A 6-year-old child is asked by the nurse to draw a picture of a person.
The nurse expects to see which cognitive milestone?
A. A realistic portrait with all details.
B. A stick figure with a head, body, and legs.
C. A scribble with no recognizable features.
D. A detailed landscape.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. A stick figure with a head, body, and legs.
Rationale: At age 6, in the Concrete Operational stage, a child typically draws a person
as a stick figure with a head, body, and legs. They are not yet capable of detailed realism
or abstract landscapes. Scribbling is common in toddlers.
Question 12: The parents of a 10-year-old girl ask the nurse about the expected
sequence of pubertal changes. What is the typical first sign of puberty in girls?
A. Menarche
B. Pubic hair growth
C. Breast budding
D. Axillary hair growth
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Breast budding
Rationale: Breast budding (thelarche) is typically the first sign of puberty in girls, usually
occurring between ages 8 and 13. Menarche is a later event, and pubic and axillary hair
growth usually appear after breast development.
Development, Nursing Original Practice Questions &
Answers | Pediatric Nursing Course Study Guide &
Exam Preparation | Child Development Principles,
Growth Patterns, Developmental Milestones, Infant
& Toddler Development, Preschool & School-Age
Development, Adolescent Development, Growth
Assessment, Nutrition, Safety, Health Promotion,
Developmental Screening, Family-Centered Care &
Detailed Rationales
Question 1: A 2-year-old toddler is brought to the clinic for a well-child visit. The
nurse observes the child playing with a doll. According to Erikson's theory of
psychosocial development, which developmental task is this toddler primarily
attempting to achieve?
A. Trust versus Mistrust
B. Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt
C. Initiative versus Guilt
D. Industry versus Inferiority
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt
Rationale: According to Erikson, the toddler stage (1-3 years) is characterized by the
conflict of Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt. The child is developing a sense of
personal control and independence, which is often expressed through play and choice-
making. Trust versus Mistrust is for infants, Initiative versus Guilt is for preschoolers,
and Industry versus Inferiority is for school-aged children.
Question 2: The nurse is assessing a 4-month-old infant. Which fine motor skill
milestone is most characteristic of this age?
A. Pincer grasp
B. Holding a rattle briefly
C. Transferring objects from one hand to the other
D. Building a tower of two blocks
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Holding a rattle briefly
Rationale: At 4 months, infants typically have a palmar grasp and can hold a rattle
placed in their hand for a short period. The pincer grasp develops around 9-10 months.
Transferring objects occurs around 7 months, and building a tower of two blocks is a
skill seen in toddlers around 15-18 months.
Question 3: The parent of an 8-month-old expresses concern that the infant cries
and clings to them when a stranger approaches. What is the most appropriate
nursing response?
,A. "This behavior indicates a developmental delay."
B. "This is a sign of separation anxiety, which is expected at this age."
C. "You should leave the room so the infant gets used to strangers."
D. "This is abnormal; you should consult a child psychologist."
CORRECT ANSWER: B. "This is a sign of separation anxiety, which is expected at
this age."
Rationale: Stranger anxiety typically begins around 6-8 months of age and is a normal
developmental milestone related to object permanence and attachment. The infant has
learned to distinguish the primary caregiver from others and may react with distress to
unfamiliar people. It does not indicate a delay or require psychological intervention.
Question 4: A school nurse is planning a teaching session on safety for parents of
school-aged children. Which topic is most developmentally appropriate for this
age group?
A. Choking hazards with small toys
B. Fire safety and bike helmet use
C. Car seat safety for infants
D. Falls from changing tables
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Fire safety and bike helmet use
Rationale: School-aged children (6-12 years) have increased independence and
physical activity, making them at higher risk for injuries from biking, sports, and fire-
related accidents. Choking hazards are relevant to toddlers, car seat safety is for
infants, and falls from changing tables are a risk for infants.
Question 5: According to Piaget's theory of cognitive development, an adolescent
is in which stage?
A. Sensorimotor
B. Preoperational
C. Concrete Operational
D. Formal Operational
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Formal Operational
Rationale: Piaget's Formal Operational stage begins around age 11 and continues
through adulthood. It is characterized by abstract thinking, hypothetical reasoning, and
problem-solving. Sensorimotor is for infants, Preoperational is for
toddlers/preschoolers, and Concrete Operational is for school-aged children.
Question 6: A nurse is assessing a newborn's reflexes. Which finding is abnormal
and should be reported?
A. The newborn's toes curl downward when the sole is stroked.
B. The newborn's fingers spread when the head is turned to the side.
,C. The newborn's arms and legs extend when startled.
D. The newborn's toes fan out and the big toe dorsiflexes when the sole is stroked.
CORRECT ANSWER: A. The newborn's toes curl downward when the sole is stroked.
Rationale: The normal plantar reflex (Babinski) in a newborn is fanning of the toes and
dorsiflexion of the big toe. Curling of the toes is the normal response in older children
and adults and would be an abnormal finding in a newborn, indicating possible
neurological impairment.
Question 7: A 3-year-old child is hospitalized. The child's parents ask the nurse why
the child keeps asking for a favorite blanket. What is the best rationale for this
behavior?
A. It is a sign of regression.
B. It provides a sense of security and helps with coping.
C. It indicates the child is spoiled.
D. It is a way to manipulate the parents.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. It provides a sense of security and helps with coping.
Rationale: Transitional objects (like a blanket or stuffed animal) provide comfort and
security, especially during stressful situations like hospitalization. It is a normal coping
mechanism and does not indicate regression, spoiled behavior, or manipulation.
Question 8: The parents of a 15-month-old are concerned that their child is not
walking independently. What is the most appropriate nursing response?
A. "This is a sign of a developmental delay, and you should see a neurologist."
B. "This is a normal variation in development; most children walk between 12-18
months."
C. "You should force the child to walk to encourage development."
D. "You should wait until the child is 2 years old before worrying."
CORRECT ANSWER: B. "This is a normal variation in development; most children
walk between 12-18 months."
Rationale: The age range for independent walking is wide, with most children walking
between 12 and 18 months. A 15-month-old who is not yet walking is within the normal
range. It is not necessary to force the child or seek immediate neurological
consultation.
Question 9: The nurse is providing anticipatory guidance to the parents of a 2-week-
old infant. Which statement indicates the parents understand the infant's needs?
A. "I will start feeding the baby solid foods next week."
B. "I will place the baby on the stomach to sleep to prevent choking."
C. "I will place the baby on the back to sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS."
D. "I will add cereal to the bottle to help the baby sleep through the night."
, CORRECT ANSWER: C. "I will place the baby on the back to sleep to reduce the risk
of SIDS."
Rationale: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends placing infants on their
back to sleep to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Solid foods
are not introduced until around 6 months, and cereal in a bottle is a choking hazard.
Question 10: A preschool-aged child is in the hospital. The child refuses to eat and
tells the nurse, "I am so hungry." The nurse understands that this behavior is
related to which developmental characteristic?
A. The child is trying to manipulate the parents.
B. The child has a fear of vomiting.
C. The child is demonstrating a lack of trust.
D. The child is exhibiting a need for control.
CORRECT ANSWER: D. The child is exhibiting a need for control.
Rationale: Preschoolers often feel a loss of control in the hospital setting and may use
eating as a way to exert control. This is a normal developmental response. While fear of
vomiting can occur, it is not as common as the desire for control.
Question 11: A 6-year-old child is asked by the nurse to draw a picture of a person.
The nurse expects to see which cognitive milestone?
A. A realistic portrait with all details.
B. A stick figure with a head, body, and legs.
C. A scribble with no recognizable features.
D. A detailed landscape.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. A stick figure with a head, body, and legs.
Rationale: At age 6, in the Concrete Operational stage, a child typically draws a person
as a stick figure with a head, body, and legs. They are not yet capable of detailed realism
or abstract landscapes. Scribbling is common in toddlers.
Question 12: The parents of a 10-year-old girl ask the nurse about the expected
sequence of pubertal changes. What is the typical first sign of puberty in girls?
A. Menarche
B. Pubic hair growth
C. Breast budding
D. Axillary hair growth
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Breast budding
Rationale: Breast budding (thelarche) is typically the first sign of puberty in girls, usually
occurring between ages 8 and 13. Menarche is a later event, and pubic and axillary hair
growth usually appear after breast development.
