Q&A | Pediatric Nursing
1. A nurse is assessing a 4-month-old infant during a well-child visit. Which
developmental milestone should the nurse expect to observe?
A) Sitting without support
B) Rolling from back to front
C) Transferring objects from hand to hand
D) Walking with assistance
Correct Answer: Rolling from back to front
Rationale: At 4 months, infants typically can roll from back to front. Sitting
without support occurs around 6-7 months, transferring objects around 6-7
months, and walking with assistance around 9-12 months.
2. According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, what is the
primary developmental task of infancy (birth to 1 year)?
A) Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
B) Trust vs. Mistrust
C) Initiative vs. Guilt
D) Industry vs. Inferiority
Correct Answer: Trust vs. Mistrust
Rationale: Erikson's first stage, Trust vs. Mistrust, occurs during infancy. The
infant develops trust when basic needs are consistently met by caregivers.
Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt is the toddler stage.
,3. A nurse is teaching a parent about introducing a cup to an infant. At what
age should the parent introduce a cup?
A) 4 months
B) 6 months
C) 9 months
D) 12 months
Correct Answer: 6 months
Rationale: Infants can begin using a cup around 6 months of age, typically
starting with a sippy cup. This supports the transition from bottle or breast to
independent drinking.
4. An infant's birth weight has typically tripled by what age?
A) 6 months
B) 9 months
C) 12 months
D) 18 months
Correct Answer: 12 months
Rationale: Infants typically triple their birth weight by 12 months of age. Birth
weight usually doubles by 6 months and triples by one year.
5. What is the major cause of death for children older than 1 year?
A) Heart disease
B) Congenital anomalies
C) Cancer
,D) Unintentional injuries
Correct Answer: Unintentional injuries
Rationale: Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death for children
older than 1 year. For children under 1 year, congenital anomalies and SIDS
are the leading causes.
6. The posterior fontanelle typically closes by which age?
A) 2-3 months
B) 6-8 weeks
C) 12-18 months
D) 24 months
Correct Answer: 2-3 months
Rationale: The posterior fontanelle closes by 2-3 months of age. The anterior
fontanelle closes later, between 12-18 months.
7. At what age does an infant typically begin to sit without support?
A) 4 months
B) 6 months
C) 8 months
D) 10 months
Correct Answer: 8 months
, Rationale: Most infants achieve independent sitting around 8 months. At 6
months they may sit with support; by 10 months they often pull to stand.
8. What is the primary goal of pediatric nursing care?
A) To cure all childhood diseases
B) To help a child achieve his or her individual potential for growth and
development
C) To minimize parental involvement in care
D) To focus exclusively on physical health
Correct Answer: To help a child achieve his or her individual potential for
growth and development
Rationale: The two goals of pediatric nursing care are to help a child achieve
his or her individual potential for growth and development. This holistic
approach encompasses physical, emotional, and social well-being.
9. According to Piaget, at what age does the concept of object permanence
typically develop?
A) 2-4 months
B) 6-9 months
C) 12-18 months
D) 24 months
Correct Answer: 6-9 months
Rationale: Object permanence, the understanding that objects continue to
exist even when out of sight, develops around 6-9 months of age. This is a
key milestone in the sensorimotor stage.