KAPLAN NCLEX PEDIATRICS QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains:
• Growth and Developmental Milestones Across the Lifespan
• Pediatric Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
• Acute and Chronic Pediatric Illnesses
• Pediatric Medication Administration and Dosage Calculations
• Newborn and Neonatal Nursing Care
• Pediatric Respiratory, Cardiovascular, and Neurologic Disorders
• Pediatric Gastrointestinal, Genitourinary, and Musculoskeletal
Disorders
• Infectious Diseases and Immunizations
• Pediatric Emergencies and Trauma
• Psychosocial, Ethical, and Legal Considerations in Pediatric Nursing
Introduction
This NCLEX-focused pediatric nursing examination is designed to evaluate
the candidate's knowledge and clinical judgment in the care of infants,
children, and adolescents. The exam integrates foundational growth and
development concepts with clinical scenarios that assess the ability to
provide safe, family-centered care. The multiple-choice and scenario-
based questions require the application of nursing interventions,
medication administration principles, and disease management strategies
across the pediatric spectrum. Emphasis is placed on identifying
developmental norms, recognizing deviations from expected growth
,patterns, and prioritizing nursing actions in acute and chronic conditions.
Candidates are expected to demonstrate proficiency in communicating
with children and families, implementing age-appropriate care, and
advocating for the unique needs of the pediatric population. The exam
emphasizes critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and the ability to make
sound decisions in complex pediatric healthcare settings.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1-100
Question 1
The nurse is assessing a 12-month-old infant during a well-child visit.
Which finding is consistent with normal development for this age?
A. The infant can walk independently without support.
B. The infant has a pincer grasp.
C. The infant can speak in short sentences.
D. The infant can stack four blocks.
B. The infant has a pincer grasp.
RATIONALE: At 12 months, infants typically have a pincer grasp and
can pick up small objects. Walking independently is a milestone for 15
months, speaking in short sentences is for 2-3 years, and stacking blocks
develops around 18 months.
Question 2
The nurse is calculating the dose of acetaminophen for a child who
weighs 44 pounds. The recommended dose is 10-15 mg/kg/dose every
4-6 hours. What is the maximum single dose for this child?
A. 100 mg
B. 200 mg
C. 300 mg
D. 400 mg
C. 300 mg
, RATIONALE: First convert weight: 44 lbs / 2.2 = 20 kg. The maximum
dose is 15 mg/kg x 20 kg = 300 mg. Therefore, the maximum single
dose for this child is 300 mg.
Question 3
The nurse is providing education to the parents of a 2-year-old child who
was recently diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia. Which food should
the nurse recommend as a good source of iron?
A. Milk
B. Applesauce
C. Lean red meat
D. White bread
C. Lean red meat
RATIONALE: Lean red meat is an excellent source of heme iron,
which is easily absorbed by the body. Milk and white bread are low in
iron, and applesauce does not contain significant amounts of iron.
Question 4
The nurse is caring for a 4-month-old infant who has been diagnosed
with bronchiolitis. Which finding would be most concerning?
A. Respiratory rate of 40 breaths per minute
B. Nasal flaring and retractions
C. Heart rate of 120 beats per minute
D. Oxygen saturation of 95%
B. Nasal flaring and retractions
RATIONALE: Nasal flaring and retractions are signs of respiratory
distress and increased work of breathing in infants. A respiratory rate of
40 bpm is elevated but less concerning than signs of increased effort. An
oxygen saturation of 95% is acceptable. A heart rate of 120 bpm is within
normal limits.
Question 5
The nurse is assessing a newborn with a diagnosis of congenital hip
, dysplasia. Which assessment finding is consistent with this condition?
A. Symmetrical gluteal folds
B. Limited abduction of the affected hip
C. Hypertonia in the lower extremities
D. Full range of motion in both hips
B. Limited abduction of the affected hip
RATIONALE: Congenital hip dysplasia is characterized by limited
abduction of the affected hip due to dislocation or instability of the hip
joint. Asymmetrical gluteal folds are also a sign.
Question 6
The nurse is providing education to a parent about the introduction of
solid foods. Which statement indicates the parent understands the
teaching?
A. "I will start solid foods at 2 months of age."
B. "I will introduce one new food at a time and wait 3-5 days before
adding another."
C. "I will add honey to my baby's cereal for taste."
D. "I will start with pureed meats as the first food."
B. "I will introduce one new food at a time and wait 3-5 days before
adding another."
RATIONALE: Solid foods should be introduced around 6 months of
age. One new food should be introduced at a time, waiting 3-5 days to
observe for allergic reactions. Honey should be avoided until age 1 due
to botulism risk.
Question 7
The nurse is caring for a child who has been diagnosed with acute
glomerulonephritis. Which intervention is most important?
A. Encouraging high-protein diet
B. Monitoring for signs of fluid overload
C. Administering antibiotics
D. Restricting potassium
AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains:
• Growth and Developmental Milestones Across the Lifespan
• Pediatric Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
• Acute and Chronic Pediatric Illnesses
• Pediatric Medication Administration and Dosage Calculations
• Newborn and Neonatal Nursing Care
• Pediatric Respiratory, Cardiovascular, and Neurologic Disorders
• Pediatric Gastrointestinal, Genitourinary, and Musculoskeletal
Disorders
• Infectious Diseases and Immunizations
• Pediatric Emergencies and Trauma
• Psychosocial, Ethical, and Legal Considerations in Pediatric Nursing
Introduction
This NCLEX-focused pediatric nursing examination is designed to evaluate
the candidate's knowledge and clinical judgment in the care of infants,
children, and adolescents. The exam integrates foundational growth and
development concepts with clinical scenarios that assess the ability to
provide safe, family-centered care. The multiple-choice and scenario-
based questions require the application of nursing interventions,
medication administration principles, and disease management strategies
across the pediatric spectrum. Emphasis is placed on identifying
developmental norms, recognizing deviations from expected growth
,patterns, and prioritizing nursing actions in acute and chronic conditions.
Candidates are expected to demonstrate proficiency in communicating
with children and families, implementing age-appropriate care, and
advocating for the unique needs of the pediatric population. The exam
emphasizes critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and the ability to make
sound decisions in complex pediatric healthcare settings.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1-100
Question 1
The nurse is assessing a 12-month-old infant during a well-child visit.
Which finding is consistent with normal development for this age?
A. The infant can walk independently without support.
B. The infant has a pincer grasp.
C. The infant can speak in short sentences.
D. The infant can stack four blocks.
B. The infant has a pincer grasp.
RATIONALE: At 12 months, infants typically have a pincer grasp and
can pick up small objects. Walking independently is a milestone for 15
months, speaking in short sentences is for 2-3 years, and stacking blocks
develops around 18 months.
Question 2
The nurse is calculating the dose of acetaminophen for a child who
weighs 44 pounds. The recommended dose is 10-15 mg/kg/dose every
4-6 hours. What is the maximum single dose for this child?
A. 100 mg
B. 200 mg
C. 300 mg
D. 400 mg
C. 300 mg
, RATIONALE: First convert weight: 44 lbs / 2.2 = 20 kg. The maximum
dose is 15 mg/kg x 20 kg = 300 mg. Therefore, the maximum single
dose for this child is 300 mg.
Question 3
The nurse is providing education to the parents of a 2-year-old child who
was recently diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia. Which food should
the nurse recommend as a good source of iron?
A. Milk
B. Applesauce
C. Lean red meat
D. White bread
C. Lean red meat
RATIONALE: Lean red meat is an excellent source of heme iron,
which is easily absorbed by the body. Milk and white bread are low in
iron, and applesauce does not contain significant amounts of iron.
Question 4
The nurse is caring for a 4-month-old infant who has been diagnosed
with bronchiolitis. Which finding would be most concerning?
A. Respiratory rate of 40 breaths per minute
B. Nasal flaring and retractions
C. Heart rate of 120 beats per minute
D. Oxygen saturation of 95%
B. Nasal flaring and retractions
RATIONALE: Nasal flaring and retractions are signs of respiratory
distress and increased work of breathing in infants. A respiratory rate of
40 bpm is elevated but less concerning than signs of increased effort. An
oxygen saturation of 95% is acceptable. A heart rate of 120 bpm is within
normal limits.
Question 5
The nurse is assessing a newborn with a diagnosis of congenital hip
, dysplasia. Which assessment finding is consistent with this condition?
A. Symmetrical gluteal folds
B. Limited abduction of the affected hip
C. Hypertonia in the lower extremities
D. Full range of motion in both hips
B. Limited abduction of the affected hip
RATIONALE: Congenital hip dysplasia is characterized by limited
abduction of the affected hip due to dislocation or instability of the hip
joint. Asymmetrical gluteal folds are also a sign.
Question 6
The nurse is providing education to a parent about the introduction of
solid foods. Which statement indicates the parent understands the
teaching?
A. "I will start solid foods at 2 months of age."
B. "I will introduce one new food at a time and wait 3-5 days before
adding another."
C. "I will add honey to my baby's cereal for taste."
D. "I will start with pureed meats as the first food."
B. "I will introduce one new food at a time and wait 3-5 days before
adding another."
RATIONALE: Solid foods should be introduced around 6 months of
age. One new food should be introduced at a time, waiting 3-5 days to
observe for allergic reactions. Honey should be avoided until age 1 due
to botulism risk.
Question 7
The nurse is caring for a child who has been diagnosed with acute
glomerulonephritis. Which intervention is most important?
A. Encouraging high-protein diet
B. Monitoring for signs of fluid overload
C. Administering antibiotics
D. Restricting potassium
