NSG 3600 NURSING PRACTICE – CHILDREN'S
HEALTH
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM PREP GUIDE
250+ PRACTICE QUESTIONS & VERIFIED
ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES
2026–2027 ACADEMIC YEAR | UPDATED PER
LATEST GUIDELINES | GRADED A+
# UNIT 1: FOUNDATIONS OF PEDIATRIC NURSING
## 1.1 Family-Centered Care
### Question 1
A nurse is caring for a 6-year-old child hospitalized for pneumonia. The parents express feeling
guilty about not recognizing the symptoms earlier. Which response by the nurse best
demonstrates family-centered care?
A. "You shouldn't feel guilty; children often hide their symptoms."
B. "It's common for parents to miss early signs of illness in children."
C. "Tell me more about what you observed at home before bringing your child in."
D. "Next time, you should check your child's temperature more frequently."
**Correct Answer: C**
,Page 2 of 155
**Rationale:** Family-centered care recognizes the family as the constant in the child's life and
emphasizes collaboration between healthcare providers and families. Option C demonstrates
therapeutic communication by inviting the parents to share their observations and concerns,
validating their role as experts on their child. Option A dismisses their feelings, Option B
minimizes their concerns, and Option D is prescriptive and may increase guilt. The nurse should
partner with families rather than direct them.
---
### Question 2
A nurse is developing a plan of care for a hospitalized adolescent. Which intervention best
reflects the principles of family-centered care?
A. Restricting visitation to immediate family only
B. Allowing the adolescent to make all decisions about their care
C. Collaborating with the adolescent and family to establish care goals
D. Providing care without involving the family to promote independence
**Correct Answer: C**
**Rationale:** Family-centered care involves collaboration between the healthcare team, the
child, and the family. Option C is correct because it respects the adolescent's developing
autonomy while acknowledging the family's essential role. Option A is restrictive and not family-
centered. Option B is inappropriate as adolescents may not have full decision-making capacity.
Option D ignores the family's integral role in the child's health.
---
### Question 3
The mother of a 3-year-old child recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes asks the nurse, "Will I
be able to manage all of this at home?" Which response is most appropriate?
,Page 3 of 155
A. "You will receive extensive training before discharge."
B. "Many parents feel overwhelmed at first, but you will learn."
C. "What concerns you most about managing your child's care at home?"
D. "Your child's care will be easier once you establish a routine."
**Correct Answer: C**
**Rationale:** Family-centered care prioritizes open communication and understanding the
family's perspective. Option C uses an open-ended question to explore the mother's specific
concerns, allowing the nurse to provide targeted education and support. Options A and B, while
somewhat supportive, are prescriptive and do not address the mother's individual worries. Option
D minimizes the mother's concerns.
---
### Question 4
A nurse is admitting a child from a culturally diverse background. Which action best
demonstrates culturally competent, family-centered care?
A. Using a medical interpreter for all communication
B. Asking the family about their cultural beliefs and practices related to health
C. Assuming the family's preferences based on their cultural background
D. Following the hospital's standard admission protocol without modifications
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** Culturally competent care requires understanding the family's unique beliefs,
values, and practices. Option B demonstrates respect and a willingness to learn from the family.
, Page 4 of 155
Option A, while important, does not address cultural beliefs. Option C involves stereotyping.
Option D fails to individualize care.
---
### Question 5
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to the parents of a child with a chronic illness. Which
statement best reflects the principles of family-centered care?
A. "I will give you a list of instructions to follow at home."
B. "Let's review the discharge plan together and discuss any questions you have."
C. "You need to make sure you follow these instructions exactly."
D. "The doctor has ordered these medications for your child."
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** Family-centered care emphasizes partnership and shared decision-making.
Option B invites collaboration and addresses the family's questions, promoting successful
transition to home care. Options A, C, and D are directive and do not involve the family in the
planning process.
---
### Question 6
A nurse is caring for a child who is terminally ill. The parents are discussing end-of-life
decisions. Which nursing action best supports family-centered care during this difficult time?
A. Providing the parents with written information about hospice care
B. Encouraging the parents to make decisions quickly to avoid prolonging suffering