Essentials of Pediatric Nursing – 5th Edition by Terri Kyle & Susan Carman exam
180 + questions with correct answers 2026 latest update
A nurse is caring for a newborn who is jittery, irritable, and has a high-pitched cry.
The mother has a history of opioid use during pregnancy. What is the most likely
condition?
A. Neonatal hypoglycemia
B. Neonatal abstinence syndrome
C. Sepsis
D. Respiratory distress syndrome
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Neonatal abstinence syndrome occurs due to withdrawal from
substances like opioids and presents with irritability, tremors, and high-pitched
crying.
A child with Down syndrome is being assessed. Which characteristic finding
should the nurse expect?
A. Long narrow face
B. Hypotonia and flat facial features
C. Hyperactivity and tall stature
D. Enlarged extremities
1|Page
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Down syndrome is associated with hypotonia, flat facial profile, and
developmental delays.
A nurse is assessing a child with dehydration. Which sign indicates severe
dehydration?
A. Slight thirst
B. Dry lips
C. Weak pulse and delayed capillary refill
D. Mild irritability
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Weak pulse and delayed capillary refill indicate poor perfusion and
severe dehydration.
A child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia is undergoing chemotherapy. Which
side effect requires immediate attention?
A. Hair loss
B. Mild fatigue
2|Page
,C. Fever and signs of infection
D. Decreased appetite
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Infection is life-threatening due to immunosuppression.
A nurse is caring for a child with hydrocephalus. Which assessment finding is
expected?
A. Sunken fontanel
B. Increased head circumference
C. Decreased intracranial pressure
D. Small head size
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hydrocephalus causes accumulation of CSF leading to enlarged head.
A child presents with a barking cough and inspiratory stridor. What condition is
most likely?
A. Asthma
B. Croup
3|Page
, C. Pneumonia
D. Bronchitis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Croup presents with a barking cough and stridor.
A nurse is assessing a child with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which finding is
expected?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Fruity breath odor
C. Bradycardia
D. Decreased respirations
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Fruity breath is due to ketones in DKA.
A child with Kawasaki disease is treated with IVIG. What is the purpose of this
treatment?
A. Reduce fever only
B. Prevent coronary artery complications
4|Page
180 + questions with correct answers 2026 latest update
A nurse is caring for a newborn who is jittery, irritable, and has a high-pitched cry.
The mother has a history of opioid use during pregnancy. What is the most likely
condition?
A. Neonatal hypoglycemia
B. Neonatal abstinence syndrome
C. Sepsis
D. Respiratory distress syndrome
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Neonatal abstinence syndrome occurs due to withdrawal from
substances like opioids and presents with irritability, tremors, and high-pitched
crying.
A child with Down syndrome is being assessed. Which characteristic finding
should the nurse expect?
A. Long narrow face
B. Hypotonia and flat facial features
C. Hyperactivity and tall stature
D. Enlarged extremities
1|Page
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Down syndrome is associated with hypotonia, flat facial profile, and
developmental delays.
A nurse is assessing a child with dehydration. Which sign indicates severe
dehydration?
A. Slight thirst
B. Dry lips
C. Weak pulse and delayed capillary refill
D. Mild irritability
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Weak pulse and delayed capillary refill indicate poor perfusion and
severe dehydration.
A child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia is undergoing chemotherapy. Which
side effect requires immediate attention?
A. Hair loss
B. Mild fatigue
2|Page
,C. Fever and signs of infection
D. Decreased appetite
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Infection is life-threatening due to immunosuppression.
A nurse is caring for a child with hydrocephalus. Which assessment finding is
expected?
A. Sunken fontanel
B. Increased head circumference
C. Decreased intracranial pressure
D. Small head size
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hydrocephalus causes accumulation of CSF leading to enlarged head.
A child presents with a barking cough and inspiratory stridor. What condition is
most likely?
A. Asthma
B. Croup
3|Page
, C. Pneumonia
D. Bronchitis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Croup presents with a barking cough and stridor.
A nurse is assessing a child with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which finding is
expected?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Fruity breath odor
C. Bradycardia
D. Decreased respirations
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Fruity breath is due to ketones in DKA.
A child with Kawasaki disease is treated with IVIG. What is the purpose of this
treatment?
A. Reduce fever only
B. Prevent coronary artery complications
4|Page
