PNCB CPNP Exam 2026: Practice Test
Questions, Answers & Explanations
Description:
Ace your Pediatric Nurse Practitioner certification with our targeted PNCB exam prep for 2026.
This resource is meticulously crafted for nursing students and PNPs preparing for the CPNP-PC
or PEDS-BC exams. Inside, you'll find a curated set of practice questions mirroring the actual
exam's style and content, covering essential domains like pediatric growth and development,
immunizations, asthma management, congenital heart defects, and childhood dermatology.
Each question includes detailed answer explanations that clarify the clinical reasoning,
reinforcing critical concepts and current AAP guidelines. We've updated all content to reflect the
latest 2025/2026 standards, ensuring you study the most relevant information. Whether you're in
your final semester or scheduling your test date, this is the focused practice you need to identify
knowledge gaps and build confidence.
Stop searching and start mastering the material. Download your free high-yield practice test now
and take the first confident step toward earning your PNP credential!
, PNCB Exam Prep 2026: Practice Questions & Answers for Pediatric
NP Certification
1. A mother brings her 4-week-old infant to the clinic, reporting that the infant's right eye is
consistently teary and occasionally has thick mucus on the lashes. The infant is afebrile and
feeding well. Your examination reveals a clear red reflex bilaterally, no conjunctival redness, no
purulent discharge, and a clear cornea. What is the most likely diagnosis?
a) Adenoviral conjunctivitis
b) Nasolacrimal duct obstruction
c) Chlamydial conjunctivitis
d) Congenital cataract
Answer: b) Nasolacrimal duct obstruction
Explanation: The presentation of persistent tearing (epiphora) and mucus in an otherwise well
infant with a normal eye exam is classic for nasolacrimal duct obstruction. This is caused by an
imperforate membrane at the valve of Hasner and is common in infancy, often resolving
spontaneously.
2. During a well-child visit for a 9-month-old infant born at 32 weeks gestation, you observe the
infant reaching for a toy exclusively with the left hand while the right arm remains immobile at
the side. As the PNP, what is the most appropriate action?
a) Document the finding as typical for a preterm infant
b) Refer the infant for a comprehensive developmental and neurological evaluation
c) Order a muscle biopsy
d) Counsel the parents that the child will likely be left-handed
Answer: b) Refer the infant for a comprehensive developmental and neurological evaluation
Explanation: A consistent hand preference before 12 months of age is atypical and can be a sign
of a neurological deficit, such as hemiparesis, on the non-preferred side. This warrants a prompt
referral for further investigation.
3. During a routine examination of a 2-month-old, you note that the red reflex in the left eye
appears noticeably duller than in the right eye. What is the most critical next step?
a) Document a normal corneal light reflex
b) Perform a cover/uncover test
c) Recheck the red reflex at the next visit in two weeks
, d) Immediately refer the infant to a pediatric ophthalmologist
Answer: d) Immediately refer the infant to a pediatric ophthalmologist
Explanation: An absent or asymmetric red reflex is a red flag for serious conditions like
retinoblastoma, cataract, or glaucoma. This requires immediate ophthalmologic evaluation to
prevent permanent vision loss or address life-threatening pathology.
4. During which age range do primary teeth typically erupt in children?
a) 6 to 11 years
b) 6 to 30 months
c) 1 to 5 years
d) 12 to 24 months
Answer: b) 6 to 30 months
Explanation: Primary dentition, also known as baby teeth, generally begins to erupt around 6
months of age and is usually complete by 30 months.
5. A parent shows a 4-year-old a photograph and says, "Look, it's your sister!" The child replies,
"No, it's my baby!" This response is a classic example of which cognitive characteristic of
preschoolers?
a) Animism
b) Artificialism
c) Egocentrism
d) Realism
Answer: d) Realism
Explanation: This demonstrates realism, where a child believes that a picture or object is the
actual thing it represents, not a symbol for it. The child sees the photograph as the real baby, not
a picture of the baby.
6. During a developmental screening of a 32-month-old, a parent states that about 70% of the
child's speech is understandable. You note the child has difficulty pronouncing the sounds "t,"
"d," "k," and "g." What is the correct action?
a) Initiate a cognitive assessment
b) Schedule a hearing evaluation
c) Reassure the parent that this is within normal expectations
d) Refer the child to a speech-language pathologist
Questions, Answers & Explanations
Description:
Ace your Pediatric Nurse Practitioner certification with our targeted PNCB exam prep for 2026.
This resource is meticulously crafted for nursing students and PNPs preparing for the CPNP-PC
or PEDS-BC exams. Inside, you'll find a curated set of practice questions mirroring the actual
exam's style and content, covering essential domains like pediatric growth and development,
immunizations, asthma management, congenital heart defects, and childhood dermatology.
Each question includes detailed answer explanations that clarify the clinical reasoning,
reinforcing critical concepts and current AAP guidelines. We've updated all content to reflect the
latest 2025/2026 standards, ensuring you study the most relevant information. Whether you're in
your final semester or scheduling your test date, this is the focused practice you need to identify
knowledge gaps and build confidence.
Stop searching and start mastering the material. Download your free high-yield practice test now
and take the first confident step toward earning your PNP credential!
, PNCB Exam Prep 2026: Practice Questions & Answers for Pediatric
NP Certification
1. A mother brings her 4-week-old infant to the clinic, reporting that the infant's right eye is
consistently teary and occasionally has thick mucus on the lashes. The infant is afebrile and
feeding well. Your examination reveals a clear red reflex bilaterally, no conjunctival redness, no
purulent discharge, and a clear cornea. What is the most likely diagnosis?
a) Adenoviral conjunctivitis
b) Nasolacrimal duct obstruction
c) Chlamydial conjunctivitis
d) Congenital cataract
Answer: b) Nasolacrimal duct obstruction
Explanation: The presentation of persistent tearing (epiphora) and mucus in an otherwise well
infant with a normal eye exam is classic for nasolacrimal duct obstruction. This is caused by an
imperforate membrane at the valve of Hasner and is common in infancy, often resolving
spontaneously.
2. During a well-child visit for a 9-month-old infant born at 32 weeks gestation, you observe the
infant reaching for a toy exclusively with the left hand while the right arm remains immobile at
the side. As the PNP, what is the most appropriate action?
a) Document the finding as typical for a preterm infant
b) Refer the infant for a comprehensive developmental and neurological evaluation
c) Order a muscle biopsy
d) Counsel the parents that the child will likely be left-handed
Answer: b) Refer the infant for a comprehensive developmental and neurological evaluation
Explanation: A consistent hand preference before 12 months of age is atypical and can be a sign
of a neurological deficit, such as hemiparesis, on the non-preferred side. This warrants a prompt
referral for further investigation.
3. During a routine examination of a 2-month-old, you note that the red reflex in the left eye
appears noticeably duller than in the right eye. What is the most critical next step?
a) Document a normal corneal light reflex
b) Perform a cover/uncover test
c) Recheck the red reflex at the next visit in two weeks
, d) Immediately refer the infant to a pediatric ophthalmologist
Answer: d) Immediately refer the infant to a pediatric ophthalmologist
Explanation: An absent or asymmetric red reflex is a red flag for serious conditions like
retinoblastoma, cataract, or glaucoma. This requires immediate ophthalmologic evaluation to
prevent permanent vision loss or address life-threatening pathology.
4. During which age range do primary teeth typically erupt in children?
a) 6 to 11 years
b) 6 to 30 months
c) 1 to 5 years
d) 12 to 24 months
Answer: b) 6 to 30 months
Explanation: Primary dentition, also known as baby teeth, generally begins to erupt around 6
months of age and is usually complete by 30 months.
5. A parent shows a 4-year-old a photograph and says, "Look, it's your sister!" The child replies,
"No, it's my baby!" This response is a classic example of which cognitive characteristic of
preschoolers?
a) Animism
b) Artificialism
c) Egocentrism
d) Realism
Answer: d) Realism
Explanation: This demonstrates realism, where a child believes that a picture or object is the
actual thing it represents, not a symbol for it. The child sees the photograph as the real baby, not
a picture of the baby.
6. During a developmental screening of a 32-month-old, a parent states that about 70% of the
child's speech is understandable. You note the child has difficulty pronouncing the sounds "t,"
"d," "k," and "g." What is the correct action?
a) Initiate a cognitive assessment
b) Schedule a hearing evaluation
c) Reassure the parent that this is within normal expectations
d) Refer the child to a speech-language pathologist
