NSG 3600 Exam 1 – Pediatric Nursing 2026 UPDATE 2026 Update • Verified Answers
✓ VERIFIED • 2026 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NSG 3600 Exam 1 – Pediatric Nursing 2026 UPDATE
Actual Exam Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Rationales
Document Type: Exam (Elaborations)
Academic Year:
Total Questions: 50 Multiple Choice
Includes: Correct Answers + Full Rationales
Status: Verified & Updated for 2026
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 1
,NSG 3600 Exam 1 – Pediatric Nursing 2026 UPDATE 2026 Update • Verified Answers
Questions & Verified Answers
1. When assessing the heart rate of a 6-month-old infant, which method is most accurate?
A. Palpating the radial pulse for 30 seconds
B. Palpating the carotid pulse for 15 seconds
C. Using a pulse oximeter on the toe
D. Auscultating the apical pulse for 1 full minute
Answer: D
Rationale: For infants and young children, the apical pulse should be auscultated for one full minute due to
potential irregularities in rhythm and the difficulty of palpating peripheral pulses. This is an important clinical
concept because selecting the correct answer (D) requires understanding both the pathophysiology and the
practical nursing implications.
2. According to Erikson, which developmental task is primary for a toddler aged 1 to 3 years?
A. Trust vs. Mistrust
B. Initiative vs. Guilt
C. Industry vs. Inferiority
D. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
Answer: D
Rationale: Toddlers are in the stage of Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt, where they seek to gain a sense of
self-control and independence. Exam questions often test the ability to distinguish this concept from closely
related distractors, making a clear rationale essential for mastery. Applying this knowledge in clinical settings
supports safe, evidence-based practice and improves patient outcomes.
3. At what age does the anterior fontanelle typically close?
A. 12 to 18 months
B. 6 to 9 months
C. 2 to 3 months
D. 24 to 30 months
Answer: A
Rationale: The anterior fontanelle usually closes between 12 and 18 months of age, while the posterior
fontanelle closes by 2 to 3 months. This is an important clinical concept because selecting the correct answer
(A) requires understanding both the pathophysiology and the practical nursing implications. Recognizing this
principle allows the nurse to prioritize care, anticipate complications, and provide accurate patient education.
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 2
, NSG 3600 Exam 1 – Pediatric Nursing 2026 UPDATE 2026 Update • Verified Answers
4. The nurse is assessing a child using the FLACC scale. What does this scale measure?
A. Pain in non-verbal or pre-verbal children
B. Respiratory distress level
C. Neurological status after a head injury
D. Physical growth compared to percentiles
Answer: A
Rationale: The FLACC scale (Faces, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) is a behavioral pain assessment tool
used for children who cannot verbally communicate their pain level. Recognizing this principle allows the nurse
to prioritize care, anticipate complications, and provide accurate patient education.
5. A child is admitted with suspected epiglottitis. Which action should the nurse avoid?
A. Assessing the child’s oxygen saturation
B. Using a tongue blade to inspect the throat
C. Allowing the child to sit in a tripod position
D. Preparing for emergency intubation
Answer: B
Rationale: Inspecting the throat with a tongue blade or swab can trigger a laryngospasm, which can completely
obstruct the airway in a child with epiglottitis. Recognizing this principle allows the nurse to prioritize care,
anticipate complications, and provide accurate patient education. Exam questions often test the ability to
distinguish this concept from closely related distractors, making a clear rationale essential for mastery.
6. What is the hallmark clinical manifestation of Laryngotracheobronchitis (Croup)?
A. Barking, brassy cough
B. High fever and drooling
C. Productive cough with thick green mucus
D. Expiratory wheezing and silent chest
Answer: A
Rationale: Croup is characterized by edema of the larynx and trachea, leading to the classic barking or brassy
cough and inspiratory stridor. This is an important clinical concept because selecting the correct answer (A)
requires understanding both the pathophysiology and the practical nursing implications. Recognizing this
principle allows the nurse to prioritize care, anticipate complications, and provide accurate patient education.
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 3
✓ VERIFIED • 2026 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NSG 3600 Exam 1 – Pediatric Nursing 2026 UPDATE
Actual Exam Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Rationales
Document Type: Exam (Elaborations)
Academic Year:
Total Questions: 50 Multiple Choice
Includes: Correct Answers + Full Rationales
Status: Verified & Updated for 2026
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 1
,NSG 3600 Exam 1 – Pediatric Nursing 2026 UPDATE 2026 Update • Verified Answers
Questions & Verified Answers
1. When assessing the heart rate of a 6-month-old infant, which method is most accurate?
A. Palpating the radial pulse for 30 seconds
B. Palpating the carotid pulse for 15 seconds
C. Using a pulse oximeter on the toe
D. Auscultating the apical pulse for 1 full minute
Answer: D
Rationale: For infants and young children, the apical pulse should be auscultated for one full minute due to
potential irregularities in rhythm and the difficulty of palpating peripheral pulses. This is an important clinical
concept because selecting the correct answer (D) requires understanding both the pathophysiology and the
practical nursing implications.
2. According to Erikson, which developmental task is primary for a toddler aged 1 to 3 years?
A. Trust vs. Mistrust
B. Initiative vs. Guilt
C. Industry vs. Inferiority
D. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
Answer: D
Rationale: Toddlers are in the stage of Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt, where they seek to gain a sense of
self-control and independence. Exam questions often test the ability to distinguish this concept from closely
related distractors, making a clear rationale essential for mastery. Applying this knowledge in clinical settings
supports safe, evidence-based practice and improves patient outcomes.
3. At what age does the anterior fontanelle typically close?
A. 12 to 18 months
B. 6 to 9 months
C. 2 to 3 months
D. 24 to 30 months
Answer: A
Rationale: The anterior fontanelle usually closes between 12 and 18 months of age, while the posterior
fontanelle closes by 2 to 3 months. This is an important clinical concept because selecting the correct answer
(A) requires understanding both the pathophysiology and the practical nursing implications. Recognizing this
principle allows the nurse to prioritize care, anticipate complications, and provide accurate patient education.
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 2
, NSG 3600 Exam 1 – Pediatric Nursing 2026 UPDATE 2026 Update • Verified Answers
4. The nurse is assessing a child using the FLACC scale. What does this scale measure?
A. Pain in non-verbal or pre-verbal children
B. Respiratory distress level
C. Neurological status after a head injury
D. Physical growth compared to percentiles
Answer: A
Rationale: The FLACC scale (Faces, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) is a behavioral pain assessment tool
used for children who cannot verbally communicate their pain level. Recognizing this principle allows the nurse
to prioritize care, anticipate complications, and provide accurate patient education.
5. A child is admitted with suspected epiglottitis. Which action should the nurse avoid?
A. Assessing the child’s oxygen saturation
B. Using a tongue blade to inspect the throat
C. Allowing the child to sit in a tripod position
D. Preparing for emergency intubation
Answer: B
Rationale: Inspecting the throat with a tongue blade or swab can trigger a laryngospasm, which can completely
obstruct the airway in a child with epiglottitis. Recognizing this principle allows the nurse to prioritize care,
anticipate complications, and provide accurate patient education. Exam questions often test the ability to
distinguish this concept from closely related distractors, making a clear rationale essential for mastery.
6. What is the hallmark clinical manifestation of Laryngotracheobronchitis (Croup)?
A. Barking, brassy cough
B. High fever and drooling
C. Productive cough with thick green mucus
D. Expiratory wheezing and silent chest
Answer: A
Rationale: Croup is characterized by edema of the larynx and trachea, leading to the classic barking or brassy
cough and inspiratory stridor. This is an important clinical concept because selecting the correct answer (A)
requires understanding both the pathophysiology and the practical nursing implications. Recognizing this
principle allows the nurse to prioritize care, anticipate complications, and provide accurate patient education.
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 3
