,NUR 203 Exam 1 | Pediatric Nursing (2026) Actual
Q&A PDF | Fortis College
1. According to Piaget's theory of cognitive development, a child in the sensorimotor
stage (birth to 18–24 months) learns primarily through:
A) Abstract reasoning and logic
B) Imitation and interaction with the environment
C) Language development and symbolic thought
D) Moral reasoning and social rules
Correct Answer: Imitation and interaction with the environment
Rationale: In Piaget's sensorimotor stage, infants learn about the world through
their senses and motor activities. They develop object permanence and learn
through imitation and experimentation with their environment. Abstract reasoning,
language development, and moral reasoning are characteristic of later stages.
2. A 4-year-old child believes that everyone sees the world the same way they do.
This cognitive characteristic is known as:
A) Conservation
B) Egocentrism
C) Object permanence
D) Centration
Correct Answer: Egocentrism
Rationale: Egocentrism is the inability to distinguish one's own perspective from
that of others. It is characteristic of Piaget's preoperational stage (ages 2–7).
,Conservation is the understanding that quantity remains the same despite changes
in shape, object permanence develops in infancy, and centration is focusing on one
aspect of a situation.
3. According to Erikson, the psychosocial task of infancy (birth to 1 year) is:
A) Autonomy versus shame and doubt
B) Initiative versus guilt
C) Trust versus mistrust
D) Industry versus inferiority
Correct Answer: Trust versus mistrust
Rationale: Erikson's first stage, trust versus mistrust, occurs from birth to 1 year.
Consistent, responsive caregiving fosters trust, while inconsistent care leads to
mistrust. Autonomy versus shame and doubt is the toddler stage, initiative versus
guilt is the preschool stage, and industry versus inferiority is the school-age stage.
4. Which reflex should disappear by 3 to 4 months of age in a normally developing
infant?
A) Rooting reflex
B) Moro reflex
C) Palmar grasp reflex
D) Stepping reflex
Correct Answer: Moro reflex
Rationale: The Moro (startle) reflex typically disappears by 3 to 4 months of age.
The rooting reflex disappears by 4 months, the palmar grasp by 5 to 6 months, and
the stepping reflex by 2 months. Persistence of primitive reflexes beyond expected
ages may indicate neurological impairment.
, 5. At what age does an infant typically develop a social smile?
A) 1 month
B) 2 months
C) 4 months
D) 6 months
Correct Answer: 2 months
Rationale: A social smile emerges at approximately 2 months of age, signaling
social engagement. Smiling at 1 month is often reflexive, while 4- and 6-month
smiles are more interactive and intentional. Absence of a social smile at 2 months is
a red flag for developmental delay.
6. The nurse should expect a 6-month-old infant to be able to:
A) Sit without support
B) Roll from back to abdomen
C) Say "mama" and "dada" specifically
D) Walk with assistance
Correct Answer: Roll from back to abdomen
Rationale: Rolling from back to abdomen typically occurs at 5 to 6 months. Sitting
without support is expected at 8 months, saying "mama" and "dada" specifically at 10
to 12 months, and walking with assistance at 12 months. These milestones guide
developmental surveillance.
7. Which developmental milestone is expected in a 12-month-old infant?
Q&A PDF | Fortis College
1. According to Piaget's theory of cognitive development, a child in the sensorimotor
stage (birth to 18–24 months) learns primarily through:
A) Abstract reasoning and logic
B) Imitation and interaction with the environment
C) Language development and symbolic thought
D) Moral reasoning and social rules
Correct Answer: Imitation and interaction with the environment
Rationale: In Piaget's sensorimotor stage, infants learn about the world through
their senses and motor activities. They develop object permanence and learn
through imitation and experimentation with their environment. Abstract reasoning,
language development, and moral reasoning are characteristic of later stages.
2. A 4-year-old child believes that everyone sees the world the same way they do.
This cognitive characteristic is known as:
A) Conservation
B) Egocentrism
C) Object permanence
D) Centration
Correct Answer: Egocentrism
Rationale: Egocentrism is the inability to distinguish one's own perspective from
that of others. It is characteristic of Piaget's preoperational stage (ages 2–7).
,Conservation is the understanding that quantity remains the same despite changes
in shape, object permanence develops in infancy, and centration is focusing on one
aspect of a situation.
3. According to Erikson, the psychosocial task of infancy (birth to 1 year) is:
A) Autonomy versus shame and doubt
B) Initiative versus guilt
C) Trust versus mistrust
D) Industry versus inferiority
Correct Answer: Trust versus mistrust
Rationale: Erikson's first stage, trust versus mistrust, occurs from birth to 1 year.
Consistent, responsive caregiving fosters trust, while inconsistent care leads to
mistrust. Autonomy versus shame and doubt is the toddler stage, initiative versus
guilt is the preschool stage, and industry versus inferiority is the school-age stage.
4. Which reflex should disappear by 3 to 4 months of age in a normally developing
infant?
A) Rooting reflex
B) Moro reflex
C) Palmar grasp reflex
D) Stepping reflex
Correct Answer: Moro reflex
Rationale: The Moro (startle) reflex typically disappears by 3 to 4 months of age.
The rooting reflex disappears by 4 months, the palmar grasp by 5 to 6 months, and
the stepping reflex by 2 months. Persistence of primitive reflexes beyond expected
ages may indicate neurological impairment.
, 5. At what age does an infant typically develop a social smile?
A) 1 month
B) 2 months
C) 4 months
D) 6 months
Correct Answer: 2 months
Rationale: A social smile emerges at approximately 2 months of age, signaling
social engagement. Smiling at 1 month is often reflexive, while 4- and 6-month
smiles are more interactive and intentional. Absence of a social smile at 2 months is
a red flag for developmental delay.
6. The nurse should expect a 6-month-old infant to be able to:
A) Sit without support
B) Roll from back to abdomen
C) Say "mama" and "dada" specifically
D) Walk with assistance
Correct Answer: Roll from back to abdomen
Rationale: Rolling from back to abdomen typically occurs at 5 to 6 months. Sitting
without support is expected at 8 months, saying "mama" and "dada" specifically at 10
to 12 months, and walking with assistance at 12 months. These milestones guide
developmental surveillance.
7. Which developmental milestone is expected in a 12-month-old infant?
