Updated PN Pediatric Nursing Proctored Exam 2026: 100
Practice Questions with Correct Answers and Detailed
Rationales | Nursing Care of Children
Section 1: Growth and Development
1. At what age does an infant typically double their birth weight?
A. 2 months B. 5–6 months C. 9 months D. 12 months
Answer: B. 5–6 months
Rationale: Infants typically double their birth weight by about 5–6 months and triple it by
approximately 12 months. Growth patterns should be assessed using serial measurements on
appropriate growth charts.
2. Which developmental milestone is expected in a 6-month-old infant?
A. Walking independently B. Sitting with support C. Speaking in complete sentences D. Riding a
tricycle
Answer: B. Sitting with support
Rationale: Many 6-month-old infants can sit with support, roll over, reach for objects, and begin
transferring objects between their hands. Independent walking and tricycle riding occur much
later.
3. Which activity is most appropriate for a hospitalized 2-year-old child?
A. Competitive board games B. Parallel play with blocks C. Organized team sports D. Complex
strategy games
Answer: B. Parallel play with blocks
,Rationale: Toddlers commonly engage in parallel play, playing beside other children without
sustained cooperative interaction. Simple toys and familiar routines support development and
reduce anxiety.
4. Which behavior is characteristic of a preschool-age child?
A. Abstract reasoning B. Magical thinking C. Complete emotional independence D. Advanced
logical reasoning
Answer: B. Magical thinking
Rationale: Preschoolers may believe their thoughts or wishes caused an event, such as an illness.
Nurses should explain procedures simply and reassure children that illness is not punishment for
misbehavior.
5. Which approach is best when preparing a school-age child for surgery?
A. Provide no information until immediately before surgery. B. Explain the procedure using
concrete, age-appropriate language. C. Tell the child that surgery will not hurt at all. D. Direct all
explanations exclusively to the parents.
Answer: B. Explain the procedure using concrete, age-appropriate language.
Rationale: School-age children can understand increasingly logical explanations. Honest
information about what they may see, feel, and experience helps reduce fear and supports
cooperation.
6. Which finding is most concerning in a 2-month-old infant?
A. Brief periods of crying B. Sleeping between feedings C. A rectal temperature of 38°C
(100.4°F) D. Occasional hiccups
Answer: C. A rectal temperature of 38°C (100.4°F)
Rationale: A temperature of 38°C or higher in an infant younger than 3 months requires
immediate medical evaluation because serious bacterial infection may be present even when
other symptoms are subtle.
7. Which intervention best promotes development in a healthy infant?
A. Keeping the infant in a crib throughout the day B. Providing supervised tummy time while
awake C. Placing pillows around the infant during sleep D. Using screens to stimulate language
development
Answer: B. Providing supervised tummy time while awake
, Rationale: Supervised tummy time while the infant is awake promotes neck, shoulder, and
upper-body strength. Infants should always be placed on their backs for sleep.
8. Which behavior is most typical of an adolescent?
A. Stronger reliance on peer relationships B. Complete absence of privacy concerns C. Inability
to consider future consequences D. Exclusive dependence on parents for identity
Answer: A. Stronger reliance on peer relationships
Rationale: Peer relationships and identity development become increasingly important during
adolescence. Nurses should respect privacy, encourage healthy independence, and maintain
appropriate safeguarding practices.
9. A toddler repeatedly says “no” when offered choices. What is the best nursing response?
A. Punish the toddler for refusing. B. Offer two acceptable choices. C. Stop involving the toddler
in care. D. Give a lengthy explanation of the rules.
Answer: B. Offer two acceptable choices.
Rationale: Toddlers seek autonomy. Offering limited choices, such as choosing between two
shirts, promotes independence while allowing the caregiver to maintain safe boundaries.
10. Which statement about infant stranger anxiety is correct?
A. It can occur during the latter half of infancy. B. It always indicates a developmental disorder.
C. It occurs only after age 5 years. D. It should be managed by separating the infant from
caregivers.
Answer: A. It can occur during the latter half of infancy.
Rationale: Stranger anxiety often emerges around 6–9 months, although timing varies. Familiar
caregivers, gradual introductions, and comfort objects can help the infant adjust.
Section 2: Respiratory Disorders
11. A child with asthma develops severe respiratory distress and markedly diminished breath
sounds. What is the priority?
A. Encourage oral fluids. B. Initiate emergency assessment and treatment for severe airflow
obstruction. C. Obtain a routine height measurement. D. Teach long-term trigger avoidance
before treating the episode.
Answer: B. Initiate emergency assessment and treatment for severe airflow obstruction.
Practice Questions with Correct Answers and Detailed
Rationales | Nursing Care of Children
Section 1: Growth and Development
1. At what age does an infant typically double their birth weight?
A. 2 months B. 5–6 months C. 9 months D. 12 months
Answer: B. 5–6 months
Rationale: Infants typically double their birth weight by about 5–6 months and triple it by
approximately 12 months. Growth patterns should be assessed using serial measurements on
appropriate growth charts.
2. Which developmental milestone is expected in a 6-month-old infant?
A. Walking independently B. Sitting with support C. Speaking in complete sentences D. Riding a
tricycle
Answer: B. Sitting with support
Rationale: Many 6-month-old infants can sit with support, roll over, reach for objects, and begin
transferring objects between their hands. Independent walking and tricycle riding occur much
later.
3. Which activity is most appropriate for a hospitalized 2-year-old child?
A. Competitive board games B. Parallel play with blocks C. Organized team sports D. Complex
strategy games
Answer: B. Parallel play with blocks
,Rationale: Toddlers commonly engage in parallel play, playing beside other children without
sustained cooperative interaction. Simple toys and familiar routines support development and
reduce anxiety.
4. Which behavior is characteristic of a preschool-age child?
A. Abstract reasoning B. Magical thinking C. Complete emotional independence D. Advanced
logical reasoning
Answer: B. Magical thinking
Rationale: Preschoolers may believe their thoughts or wishes caused an event, such as an illness.
Nurses should explain procedures simply and reassure children that illness is not punishment for
misbehavior.
5. Which approach is best when preparing a school-age child for surgery?
A. Provide no information until immediately before surgery. B. Explain the procedure using
concrete, age-appropriate language. C. Tell the child that surgery will not hurt at all. D. Direct all
explanations exclusively to the parents.
Answer: B. Explain the procedure using concrete, age-appropriate language.
Rationale: School-age children can understand increasingly logical explanations. Honest
information about what they may see, feel, and experience helps reduce fear and supports
cooperation.
6. Which finding is most concerning in a 2-month-old infant?
A. Brief periods of crying B. Sleeping between feedings C. A rectal temperature of 38°C
(100.4°F) D. Occasional hiccups
Answer: C. A rectal temperature of 38°C (100.4°F)
Rationale: A temperature of 38°C or higher in an infant younger than 3 months requires
immediate medical evaluation because serious bacterial infection may be present even when
other symptoms are subtle.
7. Which intervention best promotes development in a healthy infant?
A. Keeping the infant in a crib throughout the day B. Providing supervised tummy time while
awake C. Placing pillows around the infant during sleep D. Using screens to stimulate language
development
Answer: B. Providing supervised tummy time while awake
, Rationale: Supervised tummy time while the infant is awake promotes neck, shoulder, and
upper-body strength. Infants should always be placed on their backs for sleep.
8. Which behavior is most typical of an adolescent?
A. Stronger reliance on peer relationships B. Complete absence of privacy concerns C. Inability
to consider future consequences D. Exclusive dependence on parents for identity
Answer: A. Stronger reliance on peer relationships
Rationale: Peer relationships and identity development become increasingly important during
adolescence. Nurses should respect privacy, encourage healthy independence, and maintain
appropriate safeguarding practices.
9. A toddler repeatedly says “no” when offered choices. What is the best nursing response?
A. Punish the toddler for refusing. B. Offer two acceptable choices. C. Stop involving the toddler
in care. D. Give a lengthy explanation of the rules.
Answer: B. Offer two acceptable choices.
Rationale: Toddlers seek autonomy. Offering limited choices, such as choosing between two
shirts, promotes independence while allowing the caregiver to maintain safe boundaries.
10. Which statement about infant stranger anxiety is correct?
A. It can occur during the latter half of infancy. B. It always indicates a developmental disorder.
C. It occurs only after age 5 years. D. It should be managed by separating the infant from
caregivers.
Answer: A. It can occur during the latter half of infancy.
Rationale: Stranger anxiety often emerges around 6–9 months, although timing varies. Familiar
caregivers, gradual introductions, and comfort objects can help the infant adjust.
Section 2: Respiratory Disorders
11. A child with asthma develops severe respiratory distress and markedly diminished breath
sounds. What is the priority?
A. Encourage oral fluids. B. Initiate emergency assessment and treatment for severe airflow
obstruction. C. Obtain a routine height measurement. D. Teach long-term trigger avoidance
before treating the episode.
Answer: B. Initiate emergency assessment and treatment for severe airflow obstruction.
