ADN Exam Questions With Answers and detailed Rationales
Question 1.
A school-age child is diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. According to Erikson’s
stages of development, which stage is the nurse supporting by encouraging the child to
participate in their own insulin injections?
A. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
B. Industry vs. Inferiority
C. Trust vs. Mistrust
D. Identity vs. Role Confusion
Correct Answer: B. Industry vs. Inferiority
Explanation: School-age children (6-12 years) are in the Industry vs. Inferiority stage.
Encouraging them to master skills like self-injection builds a sense of competence and
industry.
Question 2.
Which of the following findings is most indicative of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) in a
pediatric patient?
A. Shallow, slow respirations
B. Deep, rapid Kussmaul respirations
C. Profuse diaphoresis and tremors
D. Increased urinary output with low specific gravity
Correct Answer: B. Deep, rapid Kussmaul respirations
Explanation: Kussmaul respirations are a compensatory mechanism for metabolic
acidosis in DKA, characterized by deep and rapid breathing to blow off carbon dioxide.
Question 3.
A nurse is teaching a parent about Growth Hormone (GH) deficiency. When is the best
time to administer synthetic GH (Somatropin) for optimal effect?
A. Immediately upon waking in the morning
B. Before the child goes to school
C. Right before the child’s midday nap
D. At bedtime
Correct Answer: D. At bedtime
Explanation: Growth hormone is naturally secreted in the highest amounts during the
early hours of sleep. Administering the medication at bedtime mimics this natural rhythm.
,Question 4.
A 10-year-old child with ADHD is prescribed Methylphenidate (Ritalin). Which side effect
should the nurse instruct the parents to monitor most closely?
A. Increased appetite and weight gain
B. Excessive sleepiness and lethargy
C. Weight loss and suppressed growth
D. Bradycardia and hypotension
Correct Answer: C. Weight loss and suppressed growth
Explanation: Stimulants like Methylphenidate often cause appetite suppression, which
can lead to weight loss and potential growth retardation in children.
Question 5.
An adolescent is admitted for Anorexia Nervosa. Which clinical finding should the nurse
prioritize as a sign of physiological instability?
A. Amenorrhea for three consecutive months
B. Bradycardia and orthostatic hypotension
C. Lanugo on the back and extremities
D. Obsessive thoughts about calorie counting
Correct Answer: B. Bradycardia and orthostatic hypotension
Explanation: Bradycardia and hypotension are signs of cardiovascular instability resulting
from starvation and electrolyte imbalances, requiring immediate attention.
Question 6.
Which electrolyte imbalance is a hallmark risk during the initial treatment phase of
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) when starting insulin therapy?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypercalcemia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypomagnesemia
Correct Answer: C. Hypokalemia
Explanation: Insulin causes potassium to shift from the extracellular fluid into the cells,
which can lead to a rapid drop in serum potassium levels (hypokalemia).
, Question 7.
A child is diagnosed with Diabetes Insipidus (DI). Which medication does the nurse expect
to be prescribed for long-term management?
A. Furosemide
B. Desmopressin (DDAVP)
C. Levothyroxine
D. Regular Insulin
Correct Answer: B. Desmopressin (DDAVP)
Explanation: Desmopressin is a synthetic form of vasopressin (ADH) used to treat DI by
reducing urine output and increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys.
Question 8.
A toddler with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is hospitalized. Which nursing action is
most appropriate to minimize stress?
A. Maintaining a consistent daily routine and limiting staff changes
B. Providing a high-stimulation environment with music and toys
C. Changing the nurse assignment every shift to socialize the child
D. Encouraging the child to make frequent eye contact during assessments
Correct Answer: A. Maintaining a consistent daily routine and limiting staff
changes
Explanation: Children with ASD thrive on routine and predictability. Minimizing changes
and environmental stimuli helps reduce anxiety.
Question 9.
A nurse is assessing an infant with Congenital Hypothyroidism. Which finding is consistent
with this condition?
A. Tachycardia and hyperactivity
B. Prolonged jaundice and a large tongue
C. High-pitched cry and jitteriness
D. Frequent watery diarrhea
Correct Answer: B. Prolonged jaundice and a large tongue
Explanation: Symptoms of congenital hypothyroidism include a large tongue
(macroglossia), lethargy, constipation, and prolonged jaundice.
Question 1.
A school-age child is diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. According to Erikson’s
stages of development, which stage is the nurse supporting by encouraging the child to
participate in their own insulin injections?
A. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
B. Industry vs. Inferiority
C. Trust vs. Mistrust
D. Identity vs. Role Confusion
Correct Answer: B. Industry vs. Inferiority
Explanation: School-age children (6-12 years) are in the Industry vs. Inferiority stage.
Encouraging them to master skills like self-injection builds a sense of competence and
industry.
Question 2.
Which of the following findings is most indicative of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) in a
pediatric patient?
A. Shallow, slow respirations
B. Deep, rapid Kussmaul respirations
C. Profuse diaphoresis and tremors
D. Increased urinary output with low specific gravity
Correct Answer: B. Deep, rapid Kussmaul respirations
Explanation: Kussmaul respirations are a compensatory mechanism for metabolic
acidosis in DKA, characterized by deep and rapid breathing to blow off carbon dioxide.
Question 3.
A nurse is teaching a parent about Growth Hormone (GH) deficiency. When is the best
time to administer synthetic GH (Somatropin) for optimal effect?
A. Immediately upon waking in the morning
B. Before the child goes to school
C. Right before the child’s midday nap
D. At bedtime
Correct Answer: D. At bedtime
Explanation: Growth hormone is naturally secreted in the highest amounts during the
early hours of sleep. Administering the medication at bedtime mimics this natural rhythm.
,Question 4.
A 10-year-old child with ADHD is prescribed Methylphenidate (Ritalin). Which side effect
should the nurse instruct the parents to monitor most closely?
A. Increased appetite and weight gain
B. Excessive sleepiness and lethargy
C. Weight loss and suppressed growth
D. Bradycardia and hypotension
Correct Answer: C. Weight loss and suppressed growth
Explanation: Stimulants like Methylphenidate often cause appetite suppression, which
can lead to weight loss and potential growth retardation in children.
Question 5.
An adolescent is admitted for Anorexia Nervosa. Which clinical finding should the nurse
prioritize as a sign of physiological instability?
A. Amenorrhea for three consecutive months
B. Bradycardia and orthostatic hypotension
C. Lanugo on the back and extremities
D. Obsessive thoughts about calorie counting
Correct Answer: B. Bradycardia and orthostatic hypotension
Explanation: Bradycardia and hypotension are signs of cardiovascular instability resulting
from starvation and electrolyte imbalances, requiring immediate attention.
Question 6.
Which electrolyte imbalance is a hallmark risk during the initial treatment phase of
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) when starting insulin therapy?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypercalcemia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypomagnesemia
Correct Answer: C. Hypokalemia
Explanation: Insulin causes potassium to shift from the extracellular fluid into the cells,
which can lead to a rapid drop in serum potassium levels (hypokalemia).
, Question 7.
A child is diagnosed with Diabetes Insipidus (DI). Which medication does the nurse expect
to be prescribed for long-term management?
A. Furosemide
B. Desmopressin (DDAVP)
C. Levothyroxine
D. Regular Insulin
Correct Answer: B. Desmopressin (DDAVP)
Explanation: Desmopressin is a synthetic form of vasopressin (ADH) used to treat DI by
reducing urine output and increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys.
Question 8.
A toddler with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is hospitalized. Which nursing action is
most appropriate to minimize stress?
A. Maintaining a consistent daily routine and limiting staff changes
B. Providing a high-stimulation environment with music and toys
C. Changing the nurse assignment every shift to socialize the child
D. Encouraging the child to make frequent eye contact during assessments
Correct Answer: A. Maintaining a consistent daily routine and limiting staff
changes
Explanation: Children with ASD thrive on routine and predictability. Minimizing changes
and environmental stimuli helps reduce anxiety.
Question 9.
A nurse is assessing an infant with Congenital Hypothyroidism. Which finding is consistent
with this condition?
A. Tachycardia and hyperactivity
B. Prolonged jaundice and a large tongue
C. High-pitched cry and jitteriness
D. Frequent watery diarrhea
Correct Answer: B. Prolonged jaundice and a large tongue
Explanation: Symptoms of congenital hypothyroidism include a large tongue
(macroglossia), lethargy, constipation, and prolonged jaundice.
