Pediatric Nursing Fundamentals Test Bank
– 100 Questions with Correct Answers
1. A 3-year-old child is admitted with dehydration. Which sign is the
most reliable indicator of fluid loss in this age group?
Dry mucous membranes
Rationale: In children, dry mucous membranes are a sensitive
indicator of dehydration, especially when combined with poor skin
turgor and decreased urine output.
2. The nurse is caring for a child with cystic fibrosis. Which
intervention is most important?
Encourage airway clearance techniques
Rationale: Airway clearance is essential in cystic fibrosis to prevent
mucus plugging and respiratory infections.
3. A parent asks about administering acetaminophen to a febrile 2-
year-old. Which statement should the nurse provide?
"Give 10–15 mg/kg per dose every 4–6 hours as needed, not
exceeding 5 doses in 24 hours."
Rationale: Pediatric acetaminophen dosing is weight-based, and
proper timing prevents toxicity.
4. A 5-year-old with acute otitis media is prescribed amoxicillin. The
parent asks why antibiotics are necessary. What is the best
response?
"The antibiotic treats the bacterial infection causing the ear pain
and fever."
Rationale: Antibiotics are indicated for bacterial otitis media to
reduce infection duration and prevent complications.
,5. Which immunization is recommended at 12 months of age?
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
Rationale: The first dose of MMR is typically given at 12 months to
provide immunity against these viral diseases.
6. A 7-year-old child is admitted with asthma exacerbation. Which
assessment finding is most concerning?
Retractions and nasal flaring
Rationale: Retractions and nasal flaring indicate increased work of
breathing and potential respiratory distress in children.
7. The nurse is teaching parents about SIDS prevention. Which
position is safest for infants?
Supine (on the back)
Rationale: Placing infants on their back reduces the risk of sudden
infant death syndrome (SIDS).
8. A 10-year-old with type 1 diabetes presents with fruity-smelling
breath and rapid breathing. What is the priority action?
Check blood glucose and ketones immediately
Rationale: Fruity breath and Kussmaul respirations suggest
diabetic ketoacidosis, which requires prompt monitoring and
treatment.
9. Which medication is the first-line treatment for pediatric
hypertension?
ACE inhibitors
Rationale: ACE inhibitors are commonly used in children with
hypertension, especially with renal involvement.
10. A nurse is assessing a child with suspected appendicitis.
Which symptom is most indicative?
Pain in the right lower quadrant (McBurney's point)
, Rationale: RLQ pain is classic for appendicitis, often preceded by
periumbilical pain.
11. The nurse is caring for a child with nephrotic syndrome.
Which finding is expected?
Periorbital edema
Rationale: Nephrotic syndrome causes proteinuria leading to
hypoalbuminemia and edema, especially around the eyes.
12. A 4-year-old with asthma is prescribed a metered-dose
inhaler (MDI). Which instruction should the nurse give?
"Shake the inhaler, exhale completely, press the inhaler and
inhale slowly, then hold your breath for 10 seconds."
Rationale: Proper technique ensures medication reaches the lower
airways for maximum effect.
13. The nurse is monitoring a child after tonsillectomy. Which
sign indicates hemorrhage?
Frequent swallowing or vomiting blood
Rationale: Postoperative bleeding is a serious complication;
frequent swallowing or hematemesis is an early sign.
14. Which type of play is typical for a 2-year-old child?
Parallel play
Rationale: Toddlers engage in parallel play, playing alongside
other children without direct interaction.
15. The nurse is teaching parents about a child with iron-
deficiency anemia. Which food is recommended?
Lean red meats and iron-fortified cereals
Rationale: These foods provide heme and non-heme iron, essential
for correcting anemia.
– 100 Questions with Correct Answers
1. A 3-year-old child is admitted with dehydration. Which sign is the
most reliable indicator of fluid loss in this age group?
Dry mucous membranes
Rationale: In children, dry mucous membranes are a sensitive
indicator of dehydration, especially when combined with poor skin
turgor and decreased urine output.
2. The nurse is caring for a child with cystic fibrosis. Which
intervention is most important?
Encourage airway clearance techniques
Rationale: Airway clearance is essential in cystic fibrosis to prevent
mucus plugging and respiratory infections.
3. A parent asks about administering acetaminophen to a febrile 2-
year-old. Which statement should the nurse provide?
"Give 10–15 mg/kg per dose every 4–6 hours as needed, not
exceeding 5 doses in 24 hours."
Rationale: Pediatric acetaminophen dosing is weight-based, and
proper timing prevents toxicity.
4. A 5-year-old with acute otitis media is prescribed amoxicillin. The
parent asks why antibiotics are necessary. What is the best
response?
"The antibiotic treats the bacterial infection causing the ear pain
and fever."
Rationale: Antibiotics are indicated for bacterial otitis media to
reduce infection duration and prevent complications.
,5. Which immunization is recommended at 12 months of age?
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
Rationale: The first dose of MMR is typically given at 12 months to
provide immunity against these viral diseases.
6. A 7-year-old child is admitted with asthma exacerbation. Which
assessment finding is most concerning?
Retractions and nasal flaring
Rationale: Retractions and nasal flaring indicate increased work of
breathing and potential respiratory distress in children.
7. The nurse is teaching parents about SIDS prevention. Which
position is safest for infants?
Supine (on the back)
Rationale: Placing infants on their back reduces the risk of sudden
infant death syndrome (SIDS).
8. A 10-year-old with type 1 diabetes presents with fruity-smelling
breath and rapid breathing. What is the priority action?
Check blood glucose and ketones immediately
Rationale: Fruity breath and Kussmaul respirations suggest
diabetic ketoacidosis, which requires prompt monitoring and
treatment.
9. Which medication is the first-line treatment for pediatric
hypertension?
ACE inhibitors
Rationale: ACE inhibitors are commonly used in children with
hypertension, especially with renal involvement.
10. A nurse is assessing a child with suspected appendicitis.
Which symptom is most indicative?
Pain in the right lower quadrant (McBurney's point)
, Rationale: RLQ pain is classic for appendicitis, often preceded by
periumbilical pain.
11. The nurse is caring for a child with nephrotic syndrome.
Which finding is expected?
Periorbital edema
Rationale: Nephrotic syndrome causes proteinuria leading to
hypoalbuminemia and edema, especially around the eyes.
12. A 4-year-old with asthma is prescribed a metered-dose
inhaler (MDI). Which instruction should the nurse give?
"Shake the inhaler, exhale completely, press the inhaler and
inhale slowly, then hold your breath for 10 seconds."
Rationale: Proper technique ensures medication reaches the lower
airways for maximum effect.
13. The nurse is monitoring a child after tonsillectomy. Which
sign indicates hemorrhage?
Frequent swallowing or vomiting blood
Rationale: Postoperative bleeding is a serious complication;
frequent swallowing or hematemesis is an early sign.
14. Which type of play is typical for a 2-year-old child?
Parallel play
Rationale: Toddlers engage in parallel play, playing alongside
other children without direct interaction.
15. The nurse is teaching parents about a child with iron-
deficiency anemia. Which food is recommended?
Lean red meats and iron-fortified cereals
Rationale: These foods provide heme and non-heme iron, essential
for correcting anemia.
