N173 Midterm Practice Exam 2026–2027 | Original Study Resource
N173 MIDTERM PRACTICE EXAM
2026–2027 | Questions, Answers & Detailed Rationales
Original pediatric nursing study resource
Included in this resource
• 100 multiple-choice practice questions with A–D options
• Correct answers and explanatory rationales
• Incorrect-option explanations and clinical learning points where provided
• Consolidated answer key and final review checklist
Scope note: This is an original study aid, not an official, leaked, or verified N173 examination.
N173 course schedules and midterm coverage can differ by instructor and term; use your
current syllabus and class materials to confirm the topics you are responsible for.
For study and review only • Verify course coverage against your current syllabus
, N173 Midterm Practice Exam 2026–2027 | Original Study Resource
Question 1. A nurse assesses a 2-month-old infant. Which finding requires prompt follow-
up?
A. Briefly turning toward a familiar voice
B. Bringing hands toward the mouth
C. Sleeping for several short periods
D. A bulging fontanelle while the infant is calm and upright
Correct Answer: D. A bulging fontanelle while the infant is calm and upright
Rationale: A persistently bulging fontanelle when the infant is calm and upright can
indicate increased intracranial pressure or serious illness. The other behaviors may be
expected at this age.
Why the other options are incorrect: A: Briefly turning toward a familiar voice — not the best
choice because it does not address the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this
scenario. B: Bringing hands toward the mouth — not the best choice because it does not
address the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario. C: Sleeping for several
short periods — not the best choice because it does not address the priority or conflicts with the
safety principle in this scenario.
Key Concept: Interpret developmental findings in context and assess for acute changes.
Clinical Pearl: A sunken fontanelle may suggest dehydration; a bulging fontanelle at rest
needs prompt assessment.
Question 2. Which approach is most appropriate when preparing a preschooler for a
procedure?
A. Give a detailed abstract explanation several days beforehand
B. Tell the child the procedure will not hurt if pain is possible
C. Use simple concrete words and a brief demonstration with a doll
D. Direct all explanations only to the caregiver
Correct Answer: C. Use simple concrete words and a brief demonstration with a doll
For study and review only • Verify course coverage against your current syllabus
, N173 Midterm Practice Exam 2026–2027 | Original Study Resource
Rationale: Preschoolers benefit from short, concrete explanations and therapeutic play
close to the procedure. False reassurance can undermine trust, and the child should be
included in age-appropriate communication.
Why the other options are incorrect: A: Give a detailed abstract explanation several days
beforehand — not the best choice because it does not address the priority or conflicts with the
safety principle in this scenario. B: Tell the child the procedure will not hurt if pain is possible —
not the best choice because it does not address the priority or conflicts with the safety principle
in this scenario. D: Direct all explanations only to the caregiver — not the best choice because it
does not address the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario.
Key Concept: Developmentally appropriate preparation reduces fear and supports
cooperation.
Clinical Pearl: Explain what the child will see, hear, and feel honestly.
Question 3. A school-age child asks why a blood test is needed. Which response best
supports the child?
A. Say, 'Because I said so'
B. Explain the purpose in clear, factual language and invite questions
C. Avoid all discussion to prevent anxiety
D. Promise the test will never hurt
Correct Answer: B. Explain the purpose in clear, factual language and invite questions
Rationale: School-age children can understand concrete explanations and often want to
know how and why. Honest information supports trust and participation.
Why the other options are incorrect: A: Say, 'Because I said so' — not the best choice because it
does not address the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario. C: Avoid all
discussion to prevent anxiety — not the best choice because it does not address the priority or
conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario. D: Promise the test will never hurt — not the
best choice because it does not address the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this
scenario.
Key Concept: Include children in care according to developmental level.
For study and review only • Verify course coverage against your current syllabus
, N173 Midterm Practice Exam 2026–2027 | Original Study Resource
Clinical Pearl: Use teach-back or ask the child to explain what they understand.
Question 4. Which behavior is most consistent with separation anxiety in a hospitalized
toddler?
A. Enjoying abstract reasoning
B. Crying and resisting when the caregiver leaves
C. Understanding complex future risks
D. Consistently preferring solitary adult-like tasks
Correct Answer: B. Crying and resisting when the caregiver leaves
Rationale: Toddlers commonly protest separation from primary caregivers. Familiar
objects, caregiver presence, and predictable routines can reduce distress.
Why the other options are incorrect: A: Enjoying abstract reasoning — not the best choice
because it does not address the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario. C:
Understanding complex future risks — not the best choice because it does not address the
priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario. D: Consistently preferring solitary
adult-like tasks — not the best choice because it does not address the priority or conflicts with
the safety principle in this scenario.
Key Concept: Hospitalization can disrupt attachment and routine.
Clinical Pearl: Invite caregiver participation when feasible.
Question 5. Which toy is safest for a 9-month-old infant?
A. A large, one-piece teething toy without detachable parts
B. Small beads in a cup
C. A toy with loose button batteries
D. A balloon
Correct Answer: A. A large, one-piece teething toy without detachable parts
Rationale: Infants explore orally and are at risk for choking and ingestion. Select large,
intact toys without small parts, detachable components, or accessible batteries.
For study and review only • Verify course coverage against your current syllabus
N173 MIDTERM PRACTICE EXAM
2026–2027 | Questions, Answers & Detailed Rationales
Original pediatric nursing study resource
Included in this resource
• 100 multiple-choice practice questions with A–D options
• Correct answers and explanatory rationales
• Incorrect-option explanations and clinical learning points where provided
• Consolidated answer key and final review checklist
Scope note: This is an original study aid, not an official, leaked, or verified N173 examination.
N173 course schedules and midterm coverage can differ by instructor and term; use your
current syllabus and class materials to confirm the topics you are responsible for.
For study and review only • Verify course coverage against your current syllabus
, N173 Midterm Practice Exam 2026–2027 | Original Study Resource
Question 1. A nurse assesses a 2-month-old infant. Which finding requires prompt follow-
up?
A. Briefly turning toward a familiar voice
B. Bringing hands toward the mouth
C. Sleeping for several short periods
D. A bulging fontanelle while the infant is calm and upright
Correct Answer: D. A bulging fontanelle while the infant is calm and upright
Rationale: A persistently bulging fontanelle when the infant is calm and upright can
indicate increased intracranial pressure or serious illness. The other behaviors may be
expected at this age.
Why the other options are incorrect: A: Briefly turning toward a familiar voice — not the best
choice because it does not address the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this
scenario. B: Bringing hands toward the mouth — not the best choice because it does not
address the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario. C: Sleeping for several
short periods — not the best choice because it does not address the priority or conflicts with the
safety principle in this scenario.
Key Concept: Interpret developmental findings in context and assess for acute changes.
Clinical Pearl: A sunken fontanelle may suggest dehydration; a bulging fontanelle at rest
needs prompt assessment.
Question 2. Which approach is most appropriate when preparing a preschooler for a
procedure?
A. Give a detailed abstract explanation several days beforehand
B. Tell the child the procedure will not hurt if pain is possible
C. Use simple concrete words and a brief demonstration with a doll
D. Direct all explanations only to the caregiver
Correct Answer: C. Use simple concrete words and a brief demonstration with a doll
For study and review only • Verify course coverage against your current syllabus
, N173 Midterm Practice Exam 2026–2027 | Original Study Resource
Rationale: Preschoolers benefit from short, concrete explanations and therapeutic play
close to the procedure. False reassurance can undermine trust, and the child should be
included in age-appropriate communication.
Why the other options are incorrect: A: Give a detailed abstract explanation several days
beforehand — not the best choice because it does not address the priority or conflicts with the
safety principle in this scenario. B: Tell the child the procedure will not hurt if pain is possible —
not the best choice because it does not address the priority or conflicts with the safety principle
in this scenario. D: Direct all explanations only to the caregiver — not the best choice because it
does not address the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario.
Key Concept: Developmentally appropriate preparation reduces fear and supports
cooperation.
Clinical Pearl: Explain what the child will see, hear, and feel honestly.
Question 3. A school-age child asks why a blood test is needed. Which response best
supports the child?
A. Say, 'Because I said so'
B. Explain the purpose in clear, factual language and invite questions
C. Avoid all discussion to prevent anxiety
D. Promise the test will never hurt
Correct Answer: B. Explain the purpose in clear, factual language and invite questions
Rationale: School-age children can understand concrete explanations and often want to
know how and why. Honest information supports trust and participation.
Why the other options are incorrect: A: Say, 'Because I said so' — not the best choice because it
does not address the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario. C: Avoid all
discussion to prevent anxiety — not the best choice because it does not address the priority or
conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario. D: Promise the test will never hurt — not the
best choice because it does not address the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this
scenario.
Key Concept: Include children in care according to developmental level.
For study and review only • Verify course coverage against your current syllabus
, N173 Midterm Practice Exam 2026–2027 | Original Study Resource
Clinical Pearl: Use teach-back or ask the child to explain what they understand.
Question 4. Which behavior is most consistent with separation anxiety in a hospitalized
toddler?
A. Enjoying abstract reasoning
B. Crying and resisting when the caregiver leaves
C. Understanding complex future risks
D. Consistently preferring solitary adult-like tasks
Correct Answer: B. Crying and resisting when the caregiver leaves
Rationale: Toddlers commonly protest separation from primary caregivers. Familiar
objects, caregiver presence, and predictable routines can reduce distress.
Why the other options are incorrect: A: Enjoying abstract reasoning — not the best choice
because it does not address the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario. C:
Understanding complex future risks — not the best choice because it does not address the
priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario. D: Consistently preferring solitary
adult-like tasks — not the best choice because it does not address the priority or conflicts with
the safety principle in this scenario.
Key Concept: Hospitalization can disrupt attachment and routine.
Clinical Pearl: Invite caregiver participation when feasible.
Question 5. Which toy is safest for a 9-month-old infant?
A. A large, one-piece teething toy without detachable parts
B. Small beads in a cup
C. A toy with loose button batteries
D. A balloon
Correct Answer: A. A large, one-piece teething toy without detachable parts
Rationale: Infants explore orally and are at risk for choking and ingestion. Select large,
intact toys without small parts, detachable components, or accessible batteries.
For study and review only • Verify course coverage against your current syllabus
