PEDS EXAM 2 | 150 Questions with Complete Solutions | 2026/2027 Edition Pediatric Nursing — NCLEX-RN Aligned
PEDS EXAM 2 | 150 QUESTIONS | WITH COMPLETE
SOLUTIONS
Edition
Pediatric Nursing Course Examination • NCLEX-RN Pediatric Competencies • Evidence-Based Pediatric Nursing
Standards
This comprehensive pediatric nursing examination contains 150 multiple-choice questions distributed across eleven core
pediatric content domains. Cognitive-level distribution is approximately 20% recall, 50% application, and 30% analysis
(clinical reasoning, prioritization, and management). Approximately 75% of items are scenario-based, reflecting patient
presentations, clinical decision-making, and family education, while 25% assess direct knowledge. Each item provides
four options (A–D) with one best answer, the correct-answer key, and a 2–4 sentence rationale grounded in the pediatric
nursing curriculum, NCLEX-RN pediatric standards, and current evidence-based practice. Use this examination to
evaluate readiness for pediatric clinical rotations and the NCLEX-RN pediatric subscale.
Section 1: Growth & Development Across the Lifespan
*Q1:* A 4-month-old infant is brought to the well-child clinic. The parents ask what motor milestones they
should expect in the next 2 months. Which response by the nurse is most accurate?
A. By 6 months, the infant should roll from abdomen to back and sit with minimal support. *[CORRECT]*
B. By 6 months, the infant should stand while holding onto furniture.
C. By 6 months, the infant should walk independently across the room.
D. By 6 months, the infant should be crawling on hands and knees.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rolling front-to-back typically emerges around 4–5 months and sitting with minimal support by 6 months, consistent
with Gesell and CDC developmental milestones. Crawling on hands and knees usually appears around 9 months, pulling to stand
around 9–11 months, and independent walking around 12–15 months. Anticipatory guidance should reinforce tummy time and
supervised sitting practice.
*Q2:* According to Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, a 7-year-old child is in which stage, and what is
the hallmark task the nurse should incorporate into teaching?
A. Concrete operational stage — using logical reasoning about concrete objects and conservation. *[CORRECT]*
B. Formal operational stage — using abstract and hypothetical reasoning.
C. Sensorimotor stage — learning through reflexes and object permanence.
D. Preoperational stage — using magical thinking and egocentrism.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A 7-year-old is in Piaget’s concrete operational stage (approximately ages 7–11), characterized by logical thought
about tangible objects, conservation, reversibility, and classification. The sensorimotor stage (0–2 years) involves reflexes and
object permanence; preoperational (2–7 years) involves egocentrism and magical thinking; formal operational (11+) involves
abstract reasoning. Teaching should use concrete examples, demonstrations, and visual aids.
*Q3:* A nurse is providing anticipatory guidance to the parents of a 2-year-old toddler. Which psychosocial
developmental conflict, according to Erikson, should the nurse emphasize?
A. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt *[CORRECT]*
Peds Exam 2 — Comprehensive Pediatric Nursing Examination Page 1
,PEDS EXAM 2 | 150 Questions with Complete Solutions | 2026/2027 Edition Pediatric Nursing — NCLEX-RN Aligned
B. Initiative vs. Guilt
C. Industry vs. Inferiority
D. Trust vs. Mistrust
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Erikson’s toddler stage (1–3 years) is Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt, in which children assert independence
through self-feeding, dressing, and toileting. Parents should offer safe choices and avoid criticism to foster autonomy. Trust vs.
Mistrust is infancy (0–1), Initiative vs. Guilt is preschool (3–6), and Industry vs. Inferiority is school-age (6–12).
*Q4:* The mother of a 14-month-old reports the child uses “mama,” “dada,” and two other words but does
not yet follow simple one-step commands. What is the most appropriate nursing response?
A. Reassure the mother that this is normal language development for 14 months. *[CORRECT]*
B. Refer immediately to a developmental specialist for suspected autism spectrum disorder.
C. Schedule a hearing test only if no words are spoken by 24 months.
D. Recommend speech therapy because the child should already use two-word phrases.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: By 12–15 months a child typically uses 1–4 words in addition to “mama/dada” and begins to follow simple one-step
commands with gestures; this child’s pattern is within normal limits. Red flags for referral include no babbling or pointing by 12
months, no words by 16 months, or no two-word phrases by 24 months. Hearing screens are warranted whenever language delay
is suspected.
*Q5:* A 9-month-old infant is assessed during a well-child visit. Which fine motor finding would the nurse
identify as a red flag requiring further evaluation?
A. Continues to demonstrate a strong palmar grasp with no thumb-finger opposition. *[CORRECT]*
B. Bangs two cubes together voluntarily.
C. Transfers objects from one hand to the other.
D. Uses a pincer grasp to pick up small objects.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: By 9 months an infant should demonstrate an early pincer grasp (thumb-finger opposition), transfer objects
hand-to-hand (6 months), and bang two cubes together (9–10 months). Persistent palmar grasp without emerging pincer grasp
suggests a fine motor delay or possible hemiplegia/neuromuscular issue and warrants referral. Persistent hand fisting beyond 4
months is also a red flag.
*Q6:* A 4-year-old preschooler insists on wearing a superhero cape to the grocery store and tells the nurse
stories about an imaginary friend. The parent asks if this is normal. Which response is best?
A. “Imaginary playmates and magical thinking are typical of preschool cognitive development.” *[CORRECT]*
B. “This indicates the child is regressing due to stress; limit pretend play.”
C. “Set firm limits; the child should distinguish reality from fantasy by age 3.”
D. “This behavior is concerning for a thought disorder and warrants psychiatric evaluation.”
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Preschool children (3–6 years, Piaget’s preoperational stage) exhibit magical thinking, animism, and imaginary
companions as part of normal cognitive and socio-emotional development. These behaviors support language, social-emotional,
and creativity skills. Setting rigid limits or pathologizing the behavior is inappropriate and may shame the child.
*Q7:* During a Tanner staging assessment of a 12-year-old female, the nurse notes breast bud development
(Tanner stage 2) that began 6 months ago, with no pubic hair. The adolescent asks if this is normal. What is
Peds Exam 2 — Comprehensive Pediatric Nursing Examination Page 2
,PEDS EXAM 2 | 150 Questions with Complete Solutions | 2026/2027 Edition Pediatric Nursing — NCLEX-RN Aligned
the best response?
A. “Breast budding is usually the first sign of puberty in girls; pubic hair typically follows within 6–12 months.”
*[CORRECT]*
B. “You should have started menstruating by now; we need to investigate.”
C. “Pubic hair develops before breast tissue in females, so this pattern is delayed.”
D. “Breast development before pubic hair is abnormal and requires an endocrine workup.”
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In females, thelarche (breast bud development, Tanner 2) is typically the first sign of puberty, occurring around 8–13
years, followed by pubarche within 6–12 months and menarche approximately 2–2.5 years after thelarche. This adolescent’s
pattern is normal. Premature thelarche before age 8 or absent secondary sex characteristics by age 13 warrants evaluation.
*Q8:* A nurse is counseling parents of a 6-month-old regarding introduction of solid foods. Which statement
by the parent indicates the teaching has been effective?
A. “I will introduce one new single-ingredient food every 3–5 days and watch for reactions.” *[CORRECT]*
B. “I will give only fruit juices until 12 months to ensure adequate vitamins.”
C. “I will switch to skim milk at 6 months to prevent obesity.”
D. “I will introduce rice cereal mixed with honey to add calories.”
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Solid foods are introduced around 4–6 months with one new single-ingredient food every 3–5 days to allow
identification of allergic reactions. Honey is contraindicated before 12 months due to infant botulism risk. Fruit juice should be
limited (≤4 oz/day after 12 months). Whole milk is recommended at 12 months; low-fat only in select obesity-risk cases.
*Q9:* A 3-year-old child is hospitalized and refuses to let the nurse approach without crying. The parent
states the child has always been clingy. Which nursing action best supports the child’s developmental needs?
A. Allow the child to play with a safe medical instrument first and involve the parent in holding. *[CORRECT]*
B. Tell the child big kids don’t cry and offer a reward for bravery.
C. Delay all assessments until the child calms independently.
D. Perform the assessment quickly while the child is restrained, to reduce total distress.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Preschoolers (3–6 years, Initiative vs. Guilt) benefit from medical play and autonomy within safe limits to reduce fear
and foster coping. Involving the parent provides a secure base (Bowlby attachment). Shaming increases guilt and regression;
restraint is a last resort. Delaying necessary assessments may compromise care.
*Q10:* The nurse is preparing to administer an immunization to a 5-year-old. Which approach best matches
the child’s cognitive and developmental stage?
A. Explain the procedure using simple, concrete terms and allow the child to choose which arm. *[CORRECT]*
B. Defer the injection until the child asks for it voluntarily.
C. Tell the child the shot will not hurt to avoid anticipatory fear.
D. Give the injection while the child is sleeping to prevent awareness.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A 5-year-old (preoperational/concrete transitional) benefits from honest, simple, concrete explanations and limited
choices that support autonomy and trust. Lying about pain destroys trust; giving injections during sleep violates trust and is
unethical. Deferring indicated immunizations compromises health; the child should never be expected to request a procedure.
Peds Exam 2 — Comprehensive Pediatric Nursing Examination Page 3
, PEDS EXAM 2 | 150 Questions with Complete Solutions | 2026/2027 Edition Pediatric Nursing — NCLEX-RN Aligned
*Q11:* A 15-month-old toddler weighs 11 kg. Using the standard expected weight gain from birth, which
finding best supports that growth is on track?
A. Birth weight has tripled and current weight is appropriate for age. *[CORRECT]*
B. Birth weight has quadrupled, which is expected by 12 months.
C. Weight should be 5 times birth weight by 15 months.
D. Weight gain of 2 kg per month is expected in the second year.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Infants typically double birth weight by 4–5 months, triple by 12 months, and quadruple by 24 months. A
15-month-old weighing ~11 kg (assuming ~3.5 kg birth weight) is consistent with these expectations. Quadrupling occurs around
2 years, not 12 months. Weight gain in the second year averages 1.5–3 kg/year, not 2 kg/month.
*Q12:* The school nurse is assessing an 11-year-old. According to Erikson, which psychosocial task is the
priority focus for nursing interventions at this age?
A. Achieving a sense of personal competence and mastery (industry). *[CORRECT]*
B. Forming a coherent personal identity.
C. Developing autonomy through self-care tasks.
D. Developing a sense of trust in caregivers.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Erikson’s Industry vs. Inferiority stage (6–12 years) focuses on competence, achievement, and mastering skills
through school and peer interactions. Trust is infancy, autonomy is toddlerhood, and identity is adolescence. Nursing
interventions should reinforce mastery experiences, school success, and structured activities.
*Q13:* Parents of a 6-month-old ask when the infant’s first primary teeth typically erupt. What is the best
nursing response?
A. The first primary teeth (lower central incisors) typically erupt between 6 and 10 months. *[CORRECT]*
B. Primary teeth eruption begins around 18 months.
C. Tooth eruption is delayed until after the first birthday.
D. Most infants have all 20 primary teeth by 6 months.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The first primary teeth (mandibular central incisors) typically erupt at 6–10 months, followed by maxillary central
incisors at 8–12 months. All 20 primary teeth usually erupt by 30–36 months. Dental hygiene should begin even before tooth
eruption by wiping gums with a soft cloth, and the first dental visit is recommended by 12 months.
*Q14:* An 8-month-old infant’s weight has dropped from the 50th percentile at 4 months to below the 5th
percentile. The mother reports the infant takes 16 oz of formula daily and refuses solids. What is the priority
nursing action?
A. Initiate a failure-to-thrive workup and refer for nutritional and social assessment. *[CORRECT]*
B. Recommend adding cereal to the bottle to increase caloric density.
C. Switch from formula to whole cow’s milk to encourage intake.
D. Reassure the mother that weight fluctuations are normal in infancy.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Crossing two major percentile lines downward, especially below the 5th percentile, suggests failure to thrive (FTT)
and warrants evaluation for organic and non-organic causes, including caloric intake, feeding dynamics, and social factors.
Adding cereal to bottles risks aspiration and overfeeding; whole cow’s milk is contraindicated before 12 months. Reassurance
would delay needed intervention.
Peds Exam 2 — Comprehensive Pediatric Nursing Examination Page 4
PEDS EXAM 2 | 150 QUESTIONS | WITH COMPLETE
SOLUTIONS
Edition
Pediatric Nursing Course Examination • NCLEX-RN Pediatric Competencies • Evidence-Based Pediatric Nursing
Standards
This comprehensive pediatric nursing examination contains 150 multiple-choice questions distributed across eleven core
pediatric content domains. Cognitive-level distribution is approximately 20% recall, 50% application, and 30% analysis
(clinical reasoning, prioritization, and management). Approximately 75% of items are scenario-based, reflecting patient
presentations, clinical decision-making, and family education, while 25% assess direct knowledge. Each item provides
four options (A–D) with one best answer, the correct-answer key, and a 2–4 sentence rationale grounded in the pediatric
nursing curriculum, NCLEX-RN pediatric standards, and current evidence-based practice. Use this examination to
evaluate readiness for pediatric clinical rotations and the NCLEX-RN pediatric subscale.
Section 1: Growth & Development Across the Lifespan
*Q1:* A 4-month-old infant is brought to the well-child clinic. The parents ask what motor milestones they
should expect in the next 2 months. Which response by the nurse is most accurate?
A. By 6 months, the infant should roll from abdomen to back and sit with minimal support. *[CORRECT]*
B. By 6 months, the infant should stand while holding onto furniture.
C. By 6 months, the infant should walk independently across the room.
D. By 6 months, the infant should be crawling on hands and knees.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rolling front-to-back typically emerges around 4–5 months and sitting with minimal support by 6 months, consistent
with Gesell and CDC developmental milestones. Crawling on hands and knees usually appears around 9 months, pulling to stand
around 9–11 months, and independent walking around 12–15 months. Anticipatory guidance should reinforce tummy time and
supervised sitting practice.
*Q2:* According to Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, a 7-year-old child is in which stage, and what is
the hallmark task the nurse should incorporate into teaching?
A. Concrete operational stage — using logical reasoning about concrete objects and conservation. *[CORRECT]*
B. Formal operational stage — using abstract and hypothetical reasoning.
C. Sensorimotor stage — learning through reflexes and object permanence.
D. Preoperational stage — using magical thinking and egocentrism.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A 7-year-old is in Piaget’s concrete operational stage (approximately ages 7–11), characterized by logical thought
about tangible objects, conservation, reversibility, and classification. The sensorimotor stage (0–2 years) involves reflexes and
object permanence; preoperational (2–7 years) involves egocentrism and magical thinking; formal operational (11+) involves
abstract reasoning. Teaching should use concrete examples, demonstrations, and visual aids.
*Q3:* A nurse is providing anticipatory guidance to the parents of a 2-year-old toddler. Which psychosocial
developmental conflict, according to Erikson, should the nurse emphasize?
A. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt *[CORRECT]*
Peds Exam 2 — Comprehensive Pediatric Nursing Examination Page 1
,PEDS EXAM 2 | 150 Questions with Complete Solutions | 2026/2027 Edition Pediatric Nursing — NCLEX-RN Aligned
B. Initiative vs. Guilt
C. Industry vs. Inferiority
D. Trust vs. Mistrust
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Erikson’s toddler stage (1–3 years) is Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt, in which children assert independence
through self-feeding, dressing, and toileting. Parents should offer safe choices and avoid criticism to foster autonomy. Trust vs.
Mistrust is infancy (0–1), Initiative vs. Guilt is preschool (3–6), and Industry vs. Inferiority is school-age (6–12).
*Q4:* The mother of a 14-month-old reports the child uses “mama,” “dada,” and two other words but does
not yet follow simple one-step commands. What is the most appropriate nursing response?
A. Reassure the mother that this is normal language development for 14 months. *[CORRECT]*
B. Refer immediately to a developmental specialist for suspected autism spectrum disorder.
C. Schedule a hearing test only if no words are spoken by 24 months.
D. Recommend speech therapy because the child should already use two-word phrases.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: By 12–15 months a child typically uses 1–4 words in addition to “mama/dada” and begins to follow simple one-step
commands with gestures; this child’s pattern is within normal limits. Red flags for referral include no babbling or pointing by 12
months, no words by 16 months, or no two-word phrases by 24 months. Hearing screens are warranted whenever language delay
is suspected.
*Q5:* A 9-month-old infant is assessed during a well-child visit. Which fine motor finding would the nurse
identify as a red flag requiring further evaluation?
A. Continues to demonstrate a strong palmar grasp with no thumb-finger opposition. *[CORRECT]*
B. Bangs two cubes together voluntarily.
C. Transfers objects from one hand to the other.
D. Uses a pincer grasp to pick up small objects.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: By 9 months an infant should demonstrate an early pincer grasp (thumb-finger opposition), transfer objects
hand-to-hand (6 months), and bang two cubes together (9–10 months). Persistent palmar grasp without emerging pincer grasp
suggests a fine motor delay or possible hemiplegia/neuromuscular issue and warrants referral. Persistent hand fisting beyond 4
months is also a red flag.
*Q6:* A 4-year-old preschooler insists on wearing a superhero cape to the grocery store and tells the nurse
stories about an imaginary friend. The parent asks if this is normal. Which response is best?
A. “Imaginary playmates and magical thinking are typical of preschool cognitive development.” *[CORRECT]*
B. “This indicates the child is regressing due to stress; limit pretend play.”
C. “Set firm limits; the child should distinguish reality from fantasy by age 3.”
D. “This behavior is concerning for a thought disorder and warrants psychiatric evaluation.”
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Preschool children (3–6 years, Piaget’s preoperational stage) exhibit magical thinking, animism, and imaginary
companions as part of normal cognitive and socio-emotional development. These behaviors support language, social-emotional,
and creativity skills. Setting rigid limits or pathologizing the behavior is inappropriate and may shame the child.
*Q7:* During a Tanner staging assessment of a 12-year-old female, the nurse notes breast bud development
(Tanner stage 2) that began 6 months ago, with no pubic hair. The adolescent asks if this is normal. What is
Peds Exam 2 — Comprehensive Pediatric Nursing Examination Page 2
,PEDS EXAM 2 | 150 Questions with Complete Solutions | 2026/2027 Edition Pediatric Nursing — NCLEX-RN Aligned
the best response?
A. “Breast budding is usually the first sign of puberty in girls; pubic hair typically follows within 6–12 months.”
*[CORRECT]*
B. “You should have started menstruating by now; we need to investigate.”
C. “Pubic hair develops before breast tissue in females, so this pattern is delayed.”
D. “Breast development before pubic hair is abnormal and requires an endocrine workup.”
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In females, thelarche (breast bud development, Tanner 2) is typically the first sign of puberty, occurring around 8–13
years, followed by pubarche within 6–12 months and menarche approximately 2–2.5 years after thelarche. This adolescent’s
pattern is normal. Premature thelarche before age 8 or absent secondary sex characteristics by age 13 warrants evaluation.
*Q8:* A nurse is counseling parents of a 6-month-old regarding introduction of solid foods. Which statement
by the parent indicates the teaching has been effective?
A. “I will introduce one new single-ingredient food every 3–5 days and watch for reactions.” *[CORRECT]*
B. “I will give only fruit juices until 12 months to ensure adequate vitamins.”
C. “I will switch to skim milk at 6 months to prevent obesity.”
D. “I will introduce rice cereal mixed with honey to add calories.”
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Solid foods are introduced around 4–6 months with one new single-ingredient food every 3–5 days to allow
identification of allergic reactions. Honey is contraindicated before 12 months due to infant botulism risk. Fruit juice should be
limited (≤4 oz/day after 12 months). Whole milk is recommended at 12 months; low-fat only in select obesity-risk cases.
*Q9:* A 3-year-old child is hospitalized and refuses to let the nurse approach without crying. The parent
states the child has always been clingy. Which nursing action best supports the child’s developmental needs?
A. Allow the child to play with a safe medical instrument first and involve the parent in holding. *[CORRECT]*
B. Tell the child big kids don’t cry and offer a reward for bravery.
C. Delay all assessments until the child calms independently.
D. Perform the assessment quickly while the child is restrained, to reduce total distress.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Preschoolers (3–6 years, Initiative vs. Guilt) benefit from medical play and autonomy within safe limits to reduce fear
and foster coping. Involving the parent provides a secure base (Bowlby attachment). Shaming increases guilt and regression;
restraint is a last resort. Delaying necessary assessments may compromise care.
*Q10:* The nurse is preparing to administer an immunization to a 5-year-old. Which approach best matches
the child’s cognitive and developmental stage?
A. Explain the procedure using simple, concrete terms and allow the child to choose which arm. *[CORRECT]*
B. Defer the injection until the child asks for it voluntarily.
C. Tell the child the shot will not hurt to avoid anticipatory fear.
D. Give the injection while the child is sleeping to prevent awareness.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A 5-year-old (preoperational/concrete transitional) benefits from honest, simple, concrete explanations and limited
choices that support autonomy and trust. Lying about pain destroys trust; giving injections during sleep violates trust and is
unethical. Deferring indicated immunizations compromises health; the child should never be expected to request a procedure.
Peds Exam 2 — Comprehensive Pediatric Nursing Examination Page 3
, PEDS EXAM 2 | 150 Questions with Complete Solutions | 2026/2027 Edition Pediatric Nursing — NCLEX-RN Aligned
*Q11:* A 15-month-old toddler weighs 11 kg. Using the standard expected weight gain from birth, which
finding best supports that growth is on track?
A. Birth weight has tripled and current weight is appropriate for age. *[CORRECT]*
B. Birth weight has quadrupled, which is expected by 12 months.
C. Weight should be 5 times birth weight by 15 months.
D. Weight gain of 2 kg per month is expected in the second year.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Infants typically double birth weight by 4–5 months, triple by 12 months, and quadruple by 24 months. A
15-month-old weighing ~11 kg (assuming ~3.5 kg birth weight) is consistent with these expectations. Quadrupling occurs around
2 years, not 12 months. Weight gain in the second year averages 1.5–3 kg/year, not 2 kg/month.
*Q12:* The school nurse is assessing an 11-year-old. According to Erikson, which psychosocial task is the
priority focus for nursing interventions at this age?
A. Achieving a sense of personal competence and mastery (industry). *[CORRECT]*
B. Forming a coherent personal identity.
C. Developing autonomy through self-care tasks.
D. Developing a sense of trust in caregivers.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Erikson’s Industry vs. Inferiority stage (6–12 years) focuses on competence, achievement, and mastering skills
through school and peer interactions. Trust is infancy, autonomy is toddlerhood, and identity is adolescence. Nursing
interventions should reinforce mastery experiences, school success, and structured activities.
*Q13:* Parents of a 6-month-old ask when the infant’s first primary teeth typically erupt. What is the best
nursing response?
A. The first primary teeth (lower central incisors) typically erupt between 6 and 10 months. *[CORRECT]*
B. Primary teeth eruption begins around 18 months.
C. Tooth eruption is delayed until after the first birthday.
D. Most infants have all 20 primary teeth by 6 months.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The first primary teeth (mandibular central incisors) typically erupt at 6–10 months, followed by maxillary central
incisors at 8–12 months. All 20 primary teeth usually erupt by 30–36 months. Dental hygiene should begin even before tooth
eruption by wiping gums with a soft cloth, and the first dental visit is recommended by 12 months.
*Q14:* An 8-month-old infant’s weight has dropped from the 50th percentile at 4 months to below the 5th
percentile. The mother reports the infant takes 16 oz of formula daily and refuses solids. What is the priority
nursing action?
A. Initiate a failure-to-thrive workup and refer for nutritional and social assessment. *[CORRECT]*
B. Recommend adding cereal to the bottle to increase caloric density.
C. Switch from formula to whole cow’s milk to encourage intake.
D. Reassure the mother that weight fluctuations are normal in infancy.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Crossing two major percentile lines downward, especially below the 5th percentile, suggests failure to thrive (FTT)
and warrants evaluation for organic and non-organic causes, including caloric intake, feeding dynamics, and social factors.
Adding cereal to bottles risks aspiration and overfeeding; whole cow’s milk is contraindicated before 12 months. Reassurance
would delay needed intervention.
Peds Exam 2 — Comprehensive Pediatric Nursing Examination Page 4
