NUR 2513 MCH EXAM 3 REVIEW | QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS | 2026 UPDATE | WITH COMPLETE
SOLUTIONS.
SECTION 1: PEDIATRIC RESPIRATORY DISORDERS
1. A child is diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia. What type of lung sounds
would the nurse expect to auscultate?
A) Wheezing
B) Crackles (rales)
C) Stridor
D) Rhonchi
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Crackles (also called rales) are common with bacterial pneumonia due
to fluid accumulation in the alveoli. Other signs include productive cough with
greenish or yellow sputum, fever, and use of accessory muscles .
2. What is the priority nursing intervention for a child with epiglottitis?
A) Place the child in a supine position for comfort
B) Encourage the child to drink fluids
C) Position the child upright to maintain airway patency
D) Administer oral antibiotics immediately
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Epiglottitis requires maintaining the airway. The child should be
positioned upright (tripod position) to maximize airway patency. This is a priority
before any other intervention .
,3. A child is prescribed a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). What is the correct
sequence for administering this medication?
A) Exhale, shake, activate while inhaling, hold breath for 5-10 seconds
B) Shake, exhale, activate while inhaling, hold breath for 5-10 seconds
C) Activate first, then inhale, hold breath for 10-15 seconds
D) Exhale, inhale, activate, hold breath for 5-10 seconds
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: MDI use: shake the canister, exhale deeply, activate the inhaler as the
child begins to inhale, take a long slow inhalation, hold breath for 5-10 seconds,
exhale normally. One puff at a time with a 1-minute wait between puffs. An
aerochamber/spacer is generally recommended for children .
4. Common treatments for croup include:
A) Antibiotics and antivirals
B) Cool mist humidification and corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone)
C) Bronchodilators alone
D) Opioids for pain control
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Croup is typically treated with cool mist humidification and
corticosteroids (such as dexamethasone). Racemic epinephrine administered via
nebulizer may also be used for bronchodilation in severe cases .
5. A child with a history of pharyngitis is at risk for developing which
complication?
A) Otitis media
B) Rheumatic fever
C) Sinusitis
D) Tonsillitis
, Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rheumatic fever is a serious complication of untreated or inadequately
treated strep pharyngitis. It can cause damage to the heart valves. Adequate
antibiotic treatment is essential to prevent this complication .
6. Following a tonsillectomy, what is the main focus of nursing care besides pain
management?
A) Preventing infection at the surgical site
B) Monitoring for hemorrhage and promoting hydration
C) Encouraging the child to eat solid foods
D) Limiting fluid intake to prevent vomiting
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Post-tonsillectomy care focuses on monitoring for hemorrhage
(swallowing blood) and promoting hydration. Patients often do not want to drink
due to pain, so hydration is a priority. Clear fluids are recommended; avoid
carbonated beverages, acidic, or red dyes .
7. What position should a child with epiglottitis be placed in to maintain the
airway?
A) Supine
B) Prone
C) Upright (tripod position)
D) Left lateral
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The upright or tripod position helps maintain airway patency in a child
with epiglottitis by maximizing airflow and reducing obstruction .
8. A child with pneumonia may present with which assessment findings?
AND ANSWERS | 2026 UPDATE | WITH COMPLETE
SOLUTIONS.
SECTION 1: PEDIATRIC RESPIRATORY DISORDERS
1. A child is diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia. What type of lung sounds
would the nurse expect to auscultate?
A) Wheezing
B) Crackles (rales)
C) Stridor
D) Rhonchi
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Crackles (also called rales) are common with bacterial pneumonia due
to fluid accumulation in the alveoli. Other signs include productive cough with
greenish or yellow sputum, fever, and use of accessory muscles .
2. What is the priority nursing intervention for a child with epiglottitis?
A) Place the child in a supine position for comfort
B) Encourage the child to drink fluids
C) Position the child upright to maintain airway patency
D) Administer oral antibiotics immediately
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Epiglottitis requires maintaining the airway. The child should be
positioned upright (tripod position) to maximize airway patency. This is a priority
before any other intervention .
,3. A child is prescribed a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). What is the correct
sequence for administering this medication?
A) Exhale, shake, activate while inhaling, hold breath for 5-10 seconds
B) Shake, exhale, activate while inhaling, hold breath for 5-10 seconds
C) Activate first, then inhale, hold breath for 10-15 seconds
D) Exhale, inhale, activate, hold breath for 5-10 seconds
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: MDI use: shake the canister, exhale deeply, activate the inhaler as the
child begins to inhale, take a long slow inhalation, hold breath for 5-10 seconds,
exhale normally. One puff at a time with a 1-minute wait between puffs. An
aerochamber/spacer is generally recommended for children .
4. Common treatments for croup include:
A) Antibiotics and antivirals
B) Cool mist humidification and corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone)
C) Bronchodilators alone
D) Opioids for pain control
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Croup is typically treated with cool mist humidification and
corticosteroids (such as dexamethasone). Racemic epinephrine administered via
nebulizer may also be used for bronchodilation in severe cases .
5. A child with a history of pharyngitis is at risk for developing which
complication?
A) Otitis media
B) Rheumatic fever
C) Sinusitis
D) Tonsillitis
, Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rheumatic fever is a serious complication of untreated or inadequately
treated strep pharyngitis. It can cause damage to the heart valves. Adequate
antibiotic treatment is essential to prevent this complication .
6. Following a tonsillectomy, what is the main focus of nursing care besides pain
management?
A) Preventing infection at the surgical site
B) Monitoring for hemorrhage and promoting hydration
C) Encouraging the child to eat solid foods
D) Limiting fluid intake to prevent vomiting
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Post-tonsillectomy care focuses on monitoring for hemorrhage
(swallowing blood) and promoting hydration. Patients often do not want to drink
due to pain, so hydration is a priority. Clear fluids are recommended; avoid
carbonated beverages, acidic, or red dyes .
7. What position should a child with epiglottitis be placed in to maintain the
airway?
A) Supine
B) Prone
C) Upright (tripod position)
D) Left lateral
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The upright or tripod position helps maintain airway patency in a child
with epiglottitis by maximizing airflow and reducing obstruction .
8. A child with pneumonia may present with which assessment findings?