NUR 106 – Module G2: Pediatric Growth &
Development, Nursing Comprehensive Independent
Practice Questions & Answers | Pediatric Nursing
Study Guide & Exam Preparation | Growth
Patterns, Developmental Milestones, Infant &
Toddler Development, Preschool & School-Age
Development, Adolescent Development, Physical &
Psychosocial Development, Growth Assessment,
Nutrition, Safety, Health Promotion, Developmental
Screening, Family-Centered Care & Detailed
Rationales
Question 1: A 2-year-old child is brought to the clinic for a well-child visit. The
nurse notes that the child can walk up and down stairs by placing both feet on
each step and can build a tower of six blocks. According to developmental
milestones, which additional fine motor skill should the nurse expect this child
to have mastered?
A. Copy a circle
B. Hold a pencil with a mature tripod grasp
C. Turn a single page in a book
D. Use scissors to cut along a straight line
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Turn a single page in a book
Rationale: At 2 years of age, fine motor milestones include the ability to turn a single
page in a book. Copying a circle and a mature tripod grasp are expected around 3 to 4
years. Cutting along a straight line with scissors is typically achieved at 4 to 5 years.
Question 2: The nurse is assessing a 4-month-old infant during a routine visit.
Which reflex, if still present, would be considered a red flag indicating a
potential neurological delay?
A. Moro reflex
B. Babinski reflex
C. Rooting reflex
D. Tonic neck reflex
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Rooting reflex
Rationale: The rooting reflex typically disappears around 3 to 4 months of age. Its
persistence beyond 4 months is a sign of neurological immaturity. The Moro reflex
disappears by 4 to 6 months, the Babinski reflex by 12 months, and the tonic neck reflex
by 4 to 7 months.
,NUR 106 – Module G2: Pediatric Growth &
Development, Nursing Comprehensive Independent
Practice Questions & Answers | Pediatric Nursing
Study Guide & Exam Preparation | Growth
Patterns, Developmental Milestones, Infant &
Toddler Development, Preschool & School-Age
Development, Adolescent Development, Physical &
Psychosocial Development, Growth Assessment,
Nutrition, Safety, Health Promotion, Developmental
Screening, Family-Centered Care & Detailed
Rationales
Question 3: A school nurse is teaching a group of adolescents about the
changes during puberty. Which hormonal change is primarily responsible for
the deepening of the voice in males?
A. Estrogen
B. Progesterone
C. Testosterone
D. Follicle-stimulating hormone
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Testosterone
Rationale: Testosterone is the primary androgen responsible for male secondary sex
characteristics, including the deepening of the voice, increased muscle mass, and facial
hair growth. Estrogen and progesterone regulate female secondary characteristics. FSH
is involved in gamete production.
Question 4: The nurse is assessing a 3-year-old child. Which behavior is most
characteristic of the psychosocial development stage described by Erikson for
this age group?
A. Exhibiting separation anxiety when the caregiver leaves
B. Expressing a desire to perform tasks independently, such as dressing
C. Showing initiative by planning a game with peers
D. Developing a sense of industry by completing a school project
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Expressing a desire to perform tasks independently,
such as dressing
Rationale: Erikson's psychosocial stage for a 3-year-old (toddler) is Autonomy vs. Shame
and Doubt. The child is striving for independence and wants to do things by themselves.
Initiative vs. Guilt is for preschool-age (3-6 years), and Industry vs. Inferiority is for
school-age children.
,NUR 106 – Module G2: Pediatric Growth &
Development, Nursing Comprehensive Independent
Practice Questions & Answers | Pediatric Nursing
Study Guide & Exam Preparation | Growth
Patterns, Developmental Milestones, Infant &
Toddler Development, Preschool & School-Age
Development, Adolescent Development, Physical &
Psychosocial Development, Growth Assessment,
Nutrition, Safety, Health Promotion, Developmental
Screening, Family-Centered Care & Detailed
Rationales
Question 5: A nurse is calculating the caloric needs of a 2-year-old child who
weighs 12 kg. What is the approximate daily caloric requirement for this child
using the standard calculation?
A. 800 kcal/day
B. 1000 kcal/day
C. 1200 kcal/day
D. 1400 kcal/day
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 1200 kcal/day
Rationale: The standard caloric requirement for a toddler (1-3 years) is approximately
100 kcal/kg/day. For a 12 kg child, this equates to 12 kg x 100 kcal/kg = 1200 kcal/day.
This caloric need supports the child's high metabolic rate and growth.
Question 6: During a physical assessment of a 6-month-old infant, the nurse
notes the presence of a positive Babinski sign. How should the nurse interpret
this finding?
A. This is an abnormal finding indicating possible cerebral palsy
B. This is a normal finding that should disappear by 12 months
C. This indicates a need for immediate neurological referral
D. This reflex should have disappeared by 6 months
CORRECT ANSWER: B. This is a normal finding that should disappear by 12
months
Rationale: The Babinski reflex (toe fanning when the sole of the foot is stroked) is a
normal primitive reflex present in infants. It typically disappears after the infant begins
walking, by approximately 12 months of age. It is considered normal up to 2 years in
some cases.
, NUR 106 – Module G2: Pediatric Growth &
Development, Nursing Comprehensive Independent
Practice Questions & Answers | Pediatric Nursing
Study Guide & Exam Preparation | Growth
Patterns, Developmental Milestones, Infant &
Toddler Development, Preschool & School-Age
Development, Adolescent Development, Physical &
Psychosocial Development, Growth Assessment,
Nutrition, Safety, Health Promotion, Developmental
Screening, Family-Centered Care & Detailed
Rationales
Question 7: The nurse is educating the parents of a 9-month-old infant about
nutritional needs. Which food would be most developmentally appropriate to
introduce at this age to promote fine motor skills?
A. Pureed peas
B. Iron-fortified rice cereal
C. Small pieces of soft, cooked pasta
D. Honey-sweetened applesauce
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Small pieces of soft, cooked pasta
Rationale: At 9 months, infants typically develop the pincer grasp (thumb and
forefinger). Offering soft, bite-sized pieces of food like cooked pasta encourages self-
feeding and fine motor skill development. Honey should never be given to children
under 1 year due to botulism risk. Pureed foods are for earlier stages.
Question 8: The nurse is evaluating the developmental progress of a 2-month-
old infant. Which gross motor milestone should the nurse expect to observe?
A. Lifts head and chest when prone, holding position briefly
B. Rolls from back to side
C. Sits with minimal support
D. Bears weight on legs when held upright
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Lifts head and chest when prone, holding position
briefly
Rationale: By 2 months, an infant can lift their head and chest briefly when lying on their
stomach. Rolling from back to side occurs around 4 months. Sitting with minimal
support is a 6-month milestone. Bearing weight on legs occurs around 3-4 months.
Development, Nursing Comprehensive Independent
Practice Questions & Answers | Pediatric Nursing
Study Guide & Exam Preparation | Growth
Patterns, Developmental Milestones, Infant &
Toddler Development, Preschool & School-Age
Development, Adolescent Development, Physical &
Psychosocial Development, Growth Assessment,
Nutrition, Safety, Health Promotion, Developmental
Screening, Family-Centered Care & Detailed
Rationales
Question 1: A 2-year-old child is brought to the clinic for a well-child visit. The
nurse notes that the child can walk up and down stairs by placing both feet on
each step and can build a tower of six blocks. According to developmental
milestones, which additional fine motor skill should the nurse expect this child
to have mastered?
A. Copy a circle
B. Hold a pencil with a mature tripod grasp
C. Turn a single page in a book
D. Use scissors to cut along a straight line
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Turn a single page in a book
Rationale: At 2 years of age, fine motor milestones include the ability to turn a single
page in a book. Copying a circle and a mature tripod grasp are expected around 3 to 4
years. Cutting along a straight line with scissors is typically achieved at 4 to 5 years.
Question 2: The nurse is assessing a 4-month-old infant during a routine visit.
Which reflex, if still present, would be considered a red flag indicating a
potential neurological delay?
A. Moro reflex
B. Babinski reflex
C. Rooting reflex
D. Tonic neck reflex
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Rooting reflex
Rationale: The rooting reflex typically disappears around 3 to 4 months of age. Its
persistence beyond 4 months is a sign of neurological immaturity. The Moro reflex
disappears by 4 to 6 months, the Babinski reflex by 12 months, and the tonic neck reflex
by 4 to 7 months.
,NUR 106 – Module G2: Pediatric Growth &
Development, Nursing Comprehensive Independent
Practice Questions & Answers | Pediatric Nursing
Study Guide & Exam Preparation | Growth
Patterns, Developmental Milestones, Infant &
Toddler Development, Preschool & School-Age
Development, Adolescent Development, Physical &
Psychosocial Development, Growth Assessment,
Nutrition, Safety, Health Promotion, Developmental
Screening, Family-Centered Care & Detailed
Rationales
Question 3: A school nurse is teaching a group of adolescents about the
changes during puberty. Which hormonal change is primarily responsible for
the deepening of the voice in males?
A. Estrogen
B. Progesterone
C. Testosterone
D. Follicle-stimulating hormone
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Testosterone
Rationale: Testosterone is the primary androgen responsible for male secondary sex
characteristics, including the deepening of the voice, increased muscle mass, and facial
hair growth. Estrogen and progesterone regulate female secondary characteristics. FSH
is involved in gamete production.
Question 4: The nurse is assessing a 3-year-old child. Which behavior is most
characteristic of the psychosocial development stage described by Erikson for
this age group?
A. Exhibiting separation anxiety when the caregiver leaves
B. Expressing a desire to perform tasks independently, such as dressing
C. Showing initiative by planning a game with peers
D. Developing a sense of industry by completing a school project
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Expressing a desire to perform tasks independently,
such as dressing
Rationale: Erikson's psychosocial stage for a 3-year-old (toddler) is Autonomy vs. Shame
and Doubt. The child is striving for independence and wants to do things by themselves.
Initiative vs. Guilt is for preschool-age (3-6 years), and Industry vs. Inferiority is for
school-age children.
,NUR 106 – Module G2: Pediatric Growth &
Development, Nursing Comprehensive Independent
Practice Questions & Answers | Pediatric Nursing
Study Guide & Exam Preparation | Growth
Patterns, Developmental Milestones, Infant &
Toddler Development, Preschool & School-Age
Development, Adolescent Development, Physical &
Psychosocial Development, Growth Assessment,
Nutrition, Safety, Health Promotion, Developmental
Screening, Family-Centered Care & Detailed
Rationales
Question 5: A nurse is calculating the caloric needs of a 2-year-old child who
weighs 12 kg. What is the approximate daily caloric requirement for this child
using the standard calculation?
A. 800 kcal/day
B. 1000 kcal/day
C. 1200 kcal/day
D. 1400 kcal/day
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 1200 kcal/day
Rationale: The standard caloric requirement for a toddler (1-3 years) is approximately
100 kcal/kg/day. For a 12 kg child, this equates to 12 kg x 100 kcal/kg = 1200 kcal/day.
This caloric need supports the child's high metabolic rate and growth.
Question 6: During a physical assessment of a 6-month-old infant, the nurse
notes the presence of a positive Babinski sign. How should the nurse interpret
this finding?
A. This is an abnormal finding indicating possible cerebral palsy
B. This is a normal finding that should disappear by 12 months
C. This indicates a need for immediate neurological referral
D. This reflex should have disappeared by 6 months
CORRECT ANSWER: B. This is a normal finding that should disappear by 12
months
Rationale: The Babinski reflex (toe fanning when the sole of the foot is stroked) is a
normal primitive reflex present in infants. It typically disappears after the infant begins
walking, by approximately 12 months of age. It is considered normal up to 2 years in
some cases.
, NUR 106 – Module G2: Pediatric Growth &
Development, Nursing Comprehensive Independent
Practice Questions & Answers | Pediatric Nursing
Study Guide & Exam Preparation | Growth
Patterns, Developmental Milestones, Infant &
Toddler Development, Preschool & School-Age
Development, Adolescent Development, Physical &
Psychosocial Development, Growth Assessment,
Nutrition, Safety, Health Promotion, Developmental
Screening, Family-Centered Care & Detailed
Rationales
Question 7: The nurse is educating the parents of a 9-month-old infant about
nutritional needs. Which food would be most developmentally appropriate to
introduce at this age to promote fine motor skills?
A. Pureed peas
B. Iron-fortified rice cereal
C. Small pieces of soft, cooked pasta
D. Honey-sweetened applesauce
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Small pieces of soft, cooked pasta
Rationale: At 9 months, infants typically develop the pincer grasp (thumb and
forefinger). Offering soft, bite-sized pieces of food like cooked pasta encourages self-
feeding and fine motor skill development. Honey should never be given to children
under 1 year due to botulism risk. Pureed foods are for earlier stages.
Question 8: The nurse is evaluating the developmental progress of a 2-month-
old infant. Which gross motor milestone should the nurse expect to observe?
A. Lifts head and chest when prone, holding position briefly
B. Rolls from back to side
C. Sits with minimal support
D. Bears weight on legs when held upright
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Lifts head and chest when prone, holding position
briefly
Rationale: By 2 months, an infant can lift their head and chest briefly when lying on their
stomach. Rolling from back to side occurs around 4 months. Sitting with minimal
support is a 6-month milestone. Bearing weight on legs occurs around 3-4 months.
