KAPLAN PEDIATRIC NURSING
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
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Core Domains:
• Growth and Development Principles
• Pediatric Health Assessment and Physical Examination
• Pediatric Medication Administration and Dosage Calculations
• Newborn and Neonatal Nursing
• Childhood Respiratory Disorders
• Childhood Cardiovascular and Hematologic Disorders
• Pediatric Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary Disorders
• Pediatric Neurologic and Musculoskeletal Disorders
• Infectious Diseases and Immunizations
• Pediatric Chronic Illness, Palliative Care, and Ethical Considerations
Introduction
This comprehensive examination is designed to evaluate the nursing
student's or practitioner's knowledge and clinical reasoning skills in the
specialized field of pediatric nursing. The exam covers a broad spectrum
of topics, from foundational principles of growth and development to the
management of acute and chronic childhood illnesses. The structure
integrates multiple-choice questions and clinical scenario-based items to
assess the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world patient care
situations. Emphasis is placed on family-centered care, age-appropriate
,communication, safety considerations, and evidence-based interventions
for children from infancy through adolescence. Candidates are expected
to demonstrate proficiency in performing pediatric assessments,
calculating and administering medications safely, and providing
anticipatory guidance to families. The exam emphasizes critical thinking,
ethical decision-making, and the ability to prioritize nursing actions in both
common and complex pediatric health conditions.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1-100
Question 1
The nurse is assessing a 4-month-old infant during a well-child visit.
Which developmental milestone should the nurse expect the infant to
have achieved?
A. Sitting independently without support
B. Transferring objects from one hand to the other
C. Rolling from front to back
D. Pincer grasp
C. Rolling from front to back
RATIONALE: By 4 months of age, infants typically can roll from front
to back. Sitting independently usually occurs around 6-8 months,
transferring objects from one hand to the other at 6-7 months, and pincer
grasp at around 9-10 months.
Question 2
The nurse is providing anticipatory guidance to the parents of a 12-
month-old child. Which statement indicates the parents understand the
child's developmental abilities?
A. "We will make sure to keep the crib rails up because our child is
climbing out."
B. "We are starting to feed our child whole cow's milk."
C. "We are concerned that our child is not yet walking."
D. "We are starting to use a forward-facing car seat."
, B. "We are starting to feed our child whole cow's milk."
RATIONALE: At 12 months, children can be transitioned to whole
cow's milk. Crib rails should be kept up, but climbing out indicates a
need for a toddler bed. Most children walk independently by 15 months,
so not walking at 12 months is not necessarily concerning. Children
should remain rear-facing until at least age 2.
Question 3
The nurse is calculating the pediatric dosage of a medication. The safe
dose range is 10-15 mg/kg/day divided into two doses. The child
weighs 22 pounds. What is the maximum single dose the child can
receive per day?
A. 100 mg
B. 150 mg
C. 200 mg
D. 250 mg
B. 150 mg
RATIONALE: First, convert weight: 22 lbs / 2.2 = 10 kg. The
maximum daily dose is 15 mg/kg x 10 kg = 150 mg/day. The question
asks for the maximum single dose per day, so the answer is 150 mg (if
divided into two doses, it would be 75 mg/dose, but the question does
not specify divided dose).
Question 4
The nurse is assessing a 2-year-old child. Which behavior is most
characteristic of the toddler stage according to Erikson's theory of
psychosocial development?
A. Seeking approval from others
B. Developing a sense of initiative
C. Expressing independence and autonomy
D. Trusting caregivers
C. Expressing independence and autonomy
, RATIONALE: According to Erikson, the toddler stage (1-3 years) is
characterized by the psychosocial crisis of autonomy versus shame and
doubt. Toddlers express their independence through activities such as
saying "no" and wanting to do things themselves.
Question 5
The nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular (IM) injection to a
6-month-old infant. Which site is most appropriate for this age group?
A. Deltoid
B. Ventrogluteal
C. Vastus lateralis
D. Dorsogluteal
C. Vastus lateralis
RATIONALE: The vastus lateralis muscle is the preferred site for IM
injections in infants and children under 3 years of age because it is a
large, well-developed muscle and is free of major nerves and blood
vessels. The dorsogluteal site is contraindicated in children under 3.
Question 6
The nurse is providing education to the parents of an infant who is being
started on iron supplementation. Which statement indicates the parents
understand the teaching?
A. "We will give the iron supplement with milk."
B. "We will give the iron supplement with orange juice."
C. "We will give the iron supplement at bedtime."
D. "We will stop the iron supplement if the stool turns black."
B. "We will give the iron supplement with orange juice."
RATIONALE: Vitamin C (found in orange juice) enhances the
absorption of iron. Iron should not be given with milk, as calcium
inhibits absorption. Iron supplements commonly cause dark stools,
which is normal.
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains:
• Growth and Development Principles
• Pediatric Health Assessment and Physical Examination
• Pediatric Medication Administration and Dosage Calculations
• Newborn and Neonatal Nursing
• Childhood Respiratory Disorders
• Childhood Cardiovascular and Hematologic Disorders
• Pediatric Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary Disorders
• Pediatric Neurologic and Musculoskeletal Disorders
• Infectious Diseases and Immunizations
• Pediatric Chronic Illness, Palliative Care, and Ethical Considerations
Introduction
This comprehensive examination is designed to evaluate the nursing
student's or practitioner's knowledge and clinical reasoning skills in the
specialized field of pediatric nursing. The exam covers a broad spectrum
of topics, from foundational principles of growth and development to the
management of acute and chronic childhood illnesses. The structure
integrates multiple-choice questions and clinical scenario-based items to
assess the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world patient care
situations. Emphasis is placed on family-centered care, age-appropriate
,communication, safety considerations, and evidence-based interventions
for children from infancy through adolescence. Candidates are expected
to demonstrate proficiency in performing pediatric assessments,
calculating and administering medications safely, and providing
anticipatory guidance to families. The exam emphasizes critical thinking,
ethical decision-making, and the ability to prioritize nursing actions in both
common and complex pediatric health conditions.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1-100
Question 1
The nurse is assessing a 4-month-old infant during a well-child visit.
Which developmental milestone should the nurse expect the infant to
have achieved?
A. Sitting independently without support
B. Transferring objects from one hand to the other
C. Rolling from front to back
D. Pincer grasp
C. Rolling from front to back
RATIONALE: By 4 months of age, infants typically can roll from front
to back. Sitting independently usually occurs around 6-8 months,
transferring objects from one hand to the other at 6-7 months, and pincer
grasp at around 9-10 months.
Question 2
The nurse is providing anticipatory guidance to the parents of a 12-
month-old child. Which statement indicates the parents understand the
child's developmental abilities?
A. "We will make sure to keep the crib rails up because our child is
climbing out."
B. "We are starting to feed our child whole cow's milk."
C. "We are concerned that our child is not yet walking."
D. "We are starting to use a forward-facing car seat."
, B. "We are starting to feed our child whole cow's milk."
RATIONALE: At 12 months, children can be transitioned to whole
cow's milk. Crib rails should be kept up, but climbing out indicates a
need for a toddler bed. Most children walk independently by 15 months,
so not walking at 12 months is not necessarily concerning. Children
should remain rear-facing until at least age 2.
Question 3
The nurse is calculating the pediatric dosage of a medication. The safe
dose range is 10-15 mg/kg/day divided into two doses. The child
weighs 22 pounds. What is the maximum single dose the child can
receive per day?
A. 100 mg
B. 150 mg
C. 200 mg
D. 250 mg
B. 150 mg
RATIONALE: First, convert weight: 22 lbs / 2.2 = 10 kg. The
maximum daily dose is 15 mg/kg x 10 kg = 150 mg/day. The question
asks for the maximum single dose per day, so the answer is 150 mg (if
divided into two doses, it would be 75 mg/dose, but the question does
not specify divided dose).
Question 4
The nurse is assessing a 2-year-old child. Which behavior is most
characteristic of the toddler stage according to Erikson's theory of
psychosocial development?
A. Seeking approval from others
B. Developing a sense of initiative
C. Expressing independence and autonomy
D. Trusting caregivers
C. Expressing independence and autonomy
, RATIONALE: According to Erikson, the toddler stage (1-3 years) is
characterized by the psychosocial crisis of autonomy versus shame and
doubt. Toddlers express their independence through activities such as
saying "no" and wanting to do things themselves.
Question 5
The nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular (IM) injection to a
6-month-old infant. Which site is most appropriate for this age group?
A. Deltoid
B. Ventrogluteal
C. Vastus lateralis
D. Dorsogluteal
C. Vastus lateralis
RATIONALE: The vastus lateralis muscle is the preferred site for IM
injections in infants and children under 3 years of age because it is a
large, well-developed muscle and is free of major nerves and blood
vessels. The dorsogluteal site is contraindicated in children under 3.
Question 6
The nurse is providing education to the parents of an infant who is being
started on iron supplementation. Which statement indicates the parents
understand the teaching?
A. "We will give the iron supplement with milk."
B. "We will give the iron supplement with orange juice."
C. "We will give the iron supplement at bedtime."
D. "We will stop the iron supplement if the stool turns black."
B. "We will give the iron supplement with orange juice."
RATIONALE: Vitamin C (found in orange juice) enhances the
absorption of iron. Iron should not be given with milk, as calcium
inhibits absorption. Iron supplements commonly cause dark stools,
which is normal.
