KAPLAN PEDIATRIC NURSING EXAM PRACTICE TEST QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
,Core Domains
Growth and Development Theories (Erikson, Piaget, Kohlberg)
Pediatric Respiratory Disorders and Emergencies
Pediatric Cardiovascular Conditions
Gastrointestinal and Nutritional Disorders
Neurologic Disorders and Seizures
Endocrine/Metabolic Conditions (Diabetes, DKA)
Hematology/Oncology (Sickle Cell, Leukemia, Anemia)
Renal/Genitourinary Disorders
Infectious Diseases and Immunization Schedules
Safety, Ethics, and Professional Standards
Introduction
This practice exam is designed to prepare nursing students and
professionals for the Kaplan Pediatric Nursing Exam by assessing
critical knowledge and clinical decision-making skills essential
for safe, effective pediatric care. The test features 100
multiple-choice and scenario-based questions that evaluate your
understanding of pediatric assessment, health promotion, acute
and chronic illness management, pharmacology, and family-
centered care. Questions emphasize real-world application,
priority-setting, and evidence-based interventions across
developmental stages from newborns to adolescents. This
comprehensive assessment mirrors the format and difficulty
of the actual exam, helping you identify strengths and
,areas for improvement before test day. Success on this
exam demonstrates readiness for pediatric nursing practice.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A 6-month-old infant is brought to the clinic for a routine checkup. Which developmental milestone should the nurse expect this infant to
demonstrate?
A. Walking with support
B. Sitting without support
C. Speaking two-word phrases
D. Rolling from front to back
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: By 6 months of age, infants should be able to sit without support. This is a key gross motor milestone according to Erikson and
Piaget's developmental theories. Walking with support occurs around 9-12 months, two-word phrases around 2 years, and rolling typically occurs by
4 months.
Question 2
A child with Tetralogy of Fallot experiences a "tet spell." What is the nurse's priority intervention?
A. Administer IV morphine
B. Place the child in knee-chest position
C. Provide oxygen via mask
D. Contact the physician immediately
🟢 Correct answer: B
, 🔴 RATIONALE: The knee-chest position (placing the child with knees bent toward the chest) increases systemic vascular resistance and reduces
right-to-left shunting, which is the priority intervention during a tet spell. Oxygen and morphine are secondary interventions, and while the
physician should be notified, immediate positioning is critical.
Question 3
Which immunization should be administered to a newborn at birth?
A. DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)
B. Hepatitis B
C. MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
D. Varicella
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Hepatitis B is the only vaccine recommended at birth according to the CDC immunization schedule. DTaP is given at 2, 4, and 6
months; MMR and Varicella are given at 12-15 months.
Question 4
A 3-year-old child is admitted with suspected epiglottitis. Which assessment finding is most concerning?
A. Barking cough
B. Drooling and fever
C. Wheezing on expiration
D. Mild rhinorrhea
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Epiglottitis presents with drooling, fever, dysphagia, and distress. The drooling indicates significant airway obstruction. A barking
cough is characteristic of croup, wheezing suggests asthma, and rhinorrhea is typical of viral upper respiratory infections.
Question 5
Which nursing action is appropriate for a child with intussusception?
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
,Core Domains
Growth and Development Theories (Erikson, Piaget, Kohlberg)
Pediatric Respiratory Disorders and Emergencies
Pediatric Cardiovascular Conditions
Gastrointestinal and Nutritional Disorders
Neurologic Disorders and Seizures
Endocrine/Metabolic Conditions (Diabetes, DKA)
Hematology/Oncology (Sickle Cell, Leukemia, Anemia)
Renal/Genitourinary Disorders
Infectious Diseases and Immunization Schedules
Safety, Ethics, and Professional Standards
Introduction
This practice exam is designed to prepare nursing students and
professionals for the Kaplan Pediatric Nursing Exam by assessing
critical knowledge and clinical decision-making skills essential
for safe, effective pediatric care. The test features 100
multiple-choice and scenario-based questions that evaluate your
understanding of pediatric assessment, health promotion, acute
and chronic illness management, pharmacology, and family-
centered care. Questions emphasize real-world application,
priority-setting, and evidence-based interventions across
developmental stages from newborns to adolescents. This
comprehensive assessment mirrors the format and difficulty
of the actual exam, helping you identify strengths and
,areas for improvement before test day. Success on this
exam demonstrates readiness for pediatric nursing practice.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A 6-month-old infant is brought to the clinic for a routine checkup. Which developmental milestone should the nurse expect this infant to
demonstrate?
A. Walking with support
B. Sitting without support
C. Speaking two-word phrases
D. Rolling from front to back
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: By 6 months of age, infants should be able to sit without support. This is a key gross motor milestone according to Erikson and
Piaget's developmental theories. Walking with support occurs around 9-12 months, two-word phrases around 2 years, and rolling typically occurs by
4 months.
Question 2
A child with Tetralogy of Fallot experiences a "tet spell." What is the nurse's priority intervention?
A. Administer IV morphine
B. Place the child in knee-chest position
C. Provide oxygen via mask
D. Contact the physician immediately
🟢 Correct answer: B
, 🔴 RATIONALE: The knee-chest position (placing the child with knees bent toward the chest) increases systemic vascular resistance and reduces
right-to-left shunting, which is the priority intervention during a tet spell. Oxygen and morphine are secondary interventions, and while the
physician should be notified, immediate positioning is critical.
Question 3
Which immunization should be administered to a newborn at birth?
A. DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)
B. Hepatitis B
C. MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
D. Varicella
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Hepatitis B is the only vaccine recommended at birth according to the CDC immunization schedule. DTaP is given at 2, 4, and 6
months; MMR and Varicella are given at 12-15 months.
Question 4
A 3-year-old child is admitted with suspected epiglottitis. Which assessment finding is most concerning?
A. Barking cough
B. Drooling and fever
C. Wheezing on expiration
D. Mild rhinorrhea
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Epiglottitis presents with drooling, fever, dysphagia, and distress. The drooling indicates significant airway obstruction. A barking
cough is characteristic of croup, wheezing suggests asthma, and rhinorrhea is typical of viral upper respiratory infections.
Question 5
Which nursing action is appropriate for a child with intussusception?
