PEDIATRIC NURSING 2026/2027 – EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALE | 2027 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. A nurse is assessing a healthy newborn shortly after birth. Which finding is most
consistent with normal physiologic adaptation during the first hours of life?
A. Persistent central cyanosis
B. Acrocyanosis of the hands and feet
C. Respiratory rate of 12 breaths/minute
D. Absent Moro reflex
Rationale: Acrocyanosis, or bluish discoloration of the hands and feet, can occur normally
during the early neonatal period as peripheral circulation adapts. Persistent central cyanosis,
marked respiratory depression, or absent primitive reflexes requires further assessment.
2. Which assessment finding in an infant most strongly indicates the need for
immediate evaluation of respiratory distress?
A. Sneezing twice after feeding
B. Respiratory rate of 38 breaths/minute
C. Mild nasal congestion
D. Grunting with intercostal retractions
Rationale: Grunting and intercostal retractions indicate increased work of breathing and
possible respiratory compromise. These findings require prompt assessment and intervention.
3. The nurse is assessing a newborn's Apgar score. Which components are
included in the Apgar assessment?
A. Heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and color
B. Weight, length, head circumference, temperature, and pulse
C. Blood pressure, oxygen saturation, glucose, temperature, and reflexes
D. Respiratory rate, feeding ability, urine output, muscle tone, and color
Rationale: The Apgar score evaluates heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex
irritability, and color. It is used to assess a newborn's immediate adaptation after birth.
4. A parent asks why vitamin K is routinely administered to a newborn shortly after
birth. What is the best response?
A. It prevents neonatal hypoglycemia.
B. It stimulates the production of red blood cells.
C. It helps prevent bleeding caused by low vitamin K levels.
D. It prevents respiratory distress syndrome.
,Rationale: Newborns have limited vitamin K stores and immature intestinal production,
increasing the risk of vitamin K deficiency bleeding. Administration of vitamin K supports
normal coagulation.
5. During a newborn assessment, the nurse notes a soft, flat anterior fontanelle.
How should this finding be interpreted?
A. Evidence of increased intracranial pressure
B. A normal finding in a healthy newborn
C. Evidence of severe dehydration
D. An indication of premature closure of the skull sutures
Rationale: A soft, flat anterior fontanelle is normally present in newborns. A bulging fontanelle
may suggest increased intracranial pressure, whereas a markedly sunken fontanelle may occur
with dehydration.
6. Which developmental milestone would the nurse expect in most healthy infants
around 6 months of age?
A. Walking independently
B. Using two-word phrases
C. Rolling from abdomen to back and sitting with support
D. Drawing a recognizable person
Rationale: Around 6 months, infants commonly demonstrate improved trunk control, rolling, and
supported sitting. Independent walking and two-word phrases occur considerably later.
7. A nurse is providing anticipatory guidance to the parents of a 2-month-old infant.
Which recommendation is most appropriate regarding sleep?
A. Place the infant prone to reduce choking risk.
B. Allow the infant to sleep on a soft pillow.
C. Use loose blankets to keep the infant warm.
D. Place the infant supine on a firm, flat sleep surface.
Rationale: Supine positioning on a firm, flat sleep surface is recommended to reduce the risk of
sleep-related infant death. Soft bedding, pillows, and prone positioning increase risk.
8. Which behavior is most characteristic of a toddler's psychosocial development?
A. Strong interest in peer approval
B. Desire for independence and frequent use of "no"
C. Development of abstract reasoning
D. Complete separation from parents without distress
, Rationale: Toddlers are developing autonomy and commonly assert independence through
behaviors such as saying "no," attempting tasks independently, and testing limits.
9. A nurse is preparing to administer an oral medication to a toddler. Which
approach is most appropriate?
A. Mix the entire dose into a full bottle of formula.
B. Tell the child that the medication will taste like candy.
C. Force the child's mouth open and administer the medication rapidly.
D. Offer a limited choice, such as whether the child wants the medication before or after a
small drink.
Rationale: Toddlers respond well to limited choices because they support autonomy while
maintaining necessary boundaries. Medication should not be mixed into a full bottle because the
child may not consume the entire dose.
10. Which behavior is generally expected during the preschool period?
A. Engaging in imaginative play and asking numerous questions
B. Demonstrating complete understanding of abstract concepts
C. Preferring solitary activity at all times
D. Having fully developed impulse control
Rationale: Preschoolers commonly engage in imaginative play, ask many questions, and develop
rapidly in language and social skills. Abstract reasoning and mature impulse control are still
developing.
11. A school-age child is admitted for treatment and asks repeatedly when the parent
will return. Which nursing intervention best supports the child's developmental
needs?
A. Avoid discussing the parent's return to prevent anxiety.
B. Encourage the child to remain alone until the parent returns.
C. Provide concrete information about the expected schedule and maintain familiar
routines when possible.
D. Explain that being upset will delay discharge.
Rationale: School-age children benefit from concrete explanations, predictable routines, and
accurate information. These measures can reduce uncertainty and promote a sense of control.
12. An adolescent hospitalized for an acute illness appears concerned about body
image and privacy. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
A. Discuss all findings with the adolescent's parents before speaking with the adolescent.
B. Avoid discussing body-related concerns.
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALE | 2027 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. A nurse is assessing a healthy newborn shortly after birth. Which finding is most
consistent with normal physiologic adaptation during the first hours of life?
A. Persistent central cyanosis
B. Acrocyanosis of the hands and feet
C. Respiratory rate of 12 breaths/minute
D. Absent Moro reflex
Rationale: Acrocyanosis, or bluish discoloration of the hands and feet, can occur normally
during the early neonatal period as peripheral circulation adapts. Persistent central cyanosis,
marked respiratory depression, or absent primitive reflexes requires further assessment.
2. Which assessment finding in an infant most strongly indicates the need for
immediate evaluation of respiratory distress?
A. Sneezing twice after feeding
B. Respiratory rate of 38 breaths/minute
C. Mild nasal congestion
D. Grunting with intercostal retractions
Rationale: Grunting and intercostal retractions indicate increased work of breathing and
possible respiratory compromise. These findings require prompt assessment and intervention.
3. The nurse is assessing a newborn's Apgar score. Which components are
included in the Apgar assessment?
A. Heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and color
B. Weight, length, head circumference, temperature, and pulse
C. Blood pressure, oxygen saturation, glucose, temperature, and reflexes
D. Respiratory rate, feeding ability, urine output, muscle tone, and color
Rationale: The Apgar score evaluates heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex
irritability, and color. It is used to assess a newborn's immediate adaptation after birth.
4. A parent asks why vitamin K is routinely administered to a newborn shortly after
birth. What is the best response?
A. It prevents neonatal hypoglycemia.
B. It stimulates the production of red blood cells.
C. It helps prevent bleeding caused by low vitamin K levels.
D. It prevents respiratory distress syndrome.
,Rationale: Newborns have limited vitamin K stores and immature intestinal production,
increasing the risk of vitamin K deficiency bleeding. Administration of vitamin K supports
normal coagulation.
5. During a newborn assessment, the nurse notes a soft, flat anterior fontanelle.
How should this finding be interpreted?
A. Evidence of increased intracranial pressure
B. A normal finding in a healthy newborn
C. Evidence of severe dehydration
D. An indication of premature closure of the skull sutures
Rationale: A soft, flat anterior fontanelle is normally present in newborns. A bulging fontanelle
may suggest increased intracranial pressure, whereas a markedly sunken fontanelle may occur
with dehydration.
6. Which developmental milestone would the nurse expect in most healthy infants
around 6 months of age?
A. Walking independently
B. Using two-word phrases
C. Rolling from abdomen to back and sitting with support
D. Drawing a recognizable person
Rationale: Around 6 months, infants commonly demonstrate improved trunk control, rolling, and
supported sitting. Independent walking and two-word phrases occur considerably later.
7. A nurse is providing anticipatory guidance to the parents of a 2-month-old infant.
Which recommendation is most appropriate regarding sleep?
A. Place the infant prone to reduce choking risk.
B. Allow the infant to sleep on a soft pillow.
C. Use loose blankets to keep the infant warm.
D. Place the infant supine on a firm, flat sleep surface.
Rationale: Supine positioning on a firm, flat sleep surface is recommended to reduce the risk of
sleep-related infant death. Soft bedding, pillows, and prone positioning increase risk.
8. Which behavior is most characteristic of a toddler's psychosocial development?
A. Strong interest in peer approval
B. Desire for independence and frequent use of "no"
C. Development of abstract reasoning
D. Complete separation from parents without distress
, Rationale: Toddlers are developing autonomy and commonly assert independence through
behaviors such as saying "no," attempting tasks independently, and testing limits.
9. A nurse is preparing to administer an oral medication to a toddler. Which
approach is most appropriate?
A. Mix the entire dose into a full bottle of formula.
B. Tell the child that the medication will taste like candy.
C. Force the child's mouth open and administer the medication rapidly.
D. Offer a limited choice, such as whether the child wants the medication before or after a
small drink.
Rationale: Toddlers respond well to limited choices because they support autonomy while
maintaining necessary boundaries. Medication should not be mixed into a full bottle because the
child may not consume the entire dose.
10. Which behavior is generally expected during the preschool period?
A. Engaging in imaginative play and asking numerous questions
B. Demonstrating complete understanding of abstract concepts
C. Preferring solitary activity at all times
D. Having fully developed impulse control
Rationale: Preschoolers commonly engage in imaginative play, ask many questions, and develop
rapidly in language and social skills. Abstract reasoning and mature impulse control are still
developing.
11. A school-age child is admitted for treatment and asks repeatedly when the parent
will return. Which nursing intervention best supports the child's developmental
needs?
A. Avoid discussing the parent's return to prevent anxiety.
B. Encourage the child to remain alone until the parent returns.
C. Provide concrete information about the expected schedule and maintain familiar
routines when possible.
D. Explain that being upset will delay discharge.
Rationale: School-age children benefit from concrete explanations, predictable routines, and
accurate information. These measures can reduce uncertainty and promote a sense of control.
12. An adolescent hospitalized for an acute illness appears concerned about body
image and privacy. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
A. Discuss all findings with the adolescent's parents before speaking with the adolescent.
B. Avoid discussing body-related concerns.
