HESI Pediatrics Exam 1
Fall 2026 Practice Test: Growth, Development & Pediatric Safety
ERIKSON & PIAGET THEORIES
1. A nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant. Which developmental
milestone should the nurse expect the infant to have achieved?
A. Sitting steadily without support
B. Rolling from back to abdomen
C. Using a neat pincer grasp
D. Standing while holding onto furniture
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rolling from back to abdomen usually occurs by 6 months.
Sitting without support is 8 months; Pincer grasp is 9 months; Standing
while holding on is 9 months.
IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULES & CONTRAINDICATIONS
2. The mother of a 15-month-old toddler asks the nurse why her child is
having frequent temper tantrums. Which response by the nurse is most
appropriate?
A. 'Your child is trying to manipulate you to get their way.'
B. 'Tantrums are a sign of developmental delay at this age.'
C. 'Tantrums are a normal expression of the toddler's quest for autonomy.'
D. 'You should punish the child immediately when a tantrum occurs.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: According to Erikson, toddlers are in the 'Autonomy vs. Shame
and Doubt' stage. Tantrums result from frustration as they attempt to
master new skills and assert independence.
HESI Pediatrics Exam 1 - Page 1
,PEDIATRIC VITAL SIGNS & PHYSICAL EXAM
3. Which vital sign should the nurse measure first when assessing a
sleeping 3-year-old child?
A. Rectal temperature
B. Blood pressure
C. Respiratory rate
D. Heart rate
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: For pediatric patients, always measure the least invasive vital
sign first to avoid agitating the child. Counting respirations while the child
is quiet/sleeping provides the most accurate data.
SAFETY & INJURY PREVENTION BY AGE
4. A 4-year-old child is being admitted to the hospital. According to Piaget,
which approach should the nurse use to prepare the child for a
procedure?
A. Provide a detailed written pamphlet for the child to read.
B. Use a doll to demonstrate what will happen during the procedure.
C. Explain the physiological reasons for the procedure in medical terms.
D. Wait until the last minute to tell the child about the procedure.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Preschoolers are in the Preoperational stage (Piaget). They are
'magical thinkers' and benefit from concrete, sensory play-based
explanations using dolls or medical play kits.
HESI Pediatrics Exam 1 - Page 2
,THE HOSPITALIZED CHILD & SEPARATION ANXIETY
5. A nurse is teaching parents about car seat safety for their newborn.
Which instruction is most important?
A. Place the car seat in the front passenger seat if there is an airbag.
B. Use a rear-facing car seat in the back seat until at least age 2.
C. Switch to a booster seat once the child reaches 20 pounds.
D. Secure the harness loosely so the baby can move comfortably.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Safety standards recommend children remain in a rear-facing
car seat in the back seat until they reach the maximum height/weight
allowed by the seat manufacturer, typically at least age 2.
PEDIATRIC MEDICATION SAFETY
6. HESI Pediatrics Question 6: A nurse is providing care for a child in the
Pediatric Medication Safety category. Which intervention is the priority
for the nurse to implement?
A. Ensure the side rails are up and the bed is in the lowest position
B. Administer a sedative to keep the child quiet
C. Limit the parents' presence to designated visiting hours
D. Perform all assessments at the end of the shift
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Safety is always the priority in pediatric nursing. Preventing falls
and maintaining a safe environment takes precedence over secondary
interventions.
HESI Pediatrics Exam 1 - Page 3
, NUTRITION & FEEDING GUIDELINES
7. HESI Pediatrics Question 7: A nurse is providing care for a child in the
Nutrition & Feeding Guidelines category. Which intervention is the
priority for the nurse to implement?
A. Ensure the side rails are up and the bed is in the lowest position
B. Administer a sedative to keep the child quiet
C. Limit the parents' presence to designated visiting hours
D. Perform all assessments at the end of the shift
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Safety is always the priority in pediatric nursing. Preventing falls
and maintaining a safe environment takes precedence over secondary
interventions.
DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES (INFANT TO ADOLESCENT)
8. HESI Pediatrics Question 8: A nurse is providing care for a child in the
Developmental Milestones (Infant to Adolescent) category. Which
intervention is the priority for the nurse to implement?
A. Ensure the side rails are up and the bed is in the lowest position
B. Administer a sedative to keep the child quiet
C. Limit the parents' presence to designated visiting hours
D. Perform all assessments at the end of the shift
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Safety is always the priority in pediatric nursing. Preventing falls
and maintaining a safe environment takes precedence over secondary
interventions.
HESI Pediatrics Exam 1 - Page 4
Fall 2026 Practice Test: Growth, Development & Pediatric Safety
ERIKSON & PIAGET THEORIES
1. A nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant. Which developmental
milestone should the nurse expect the infant to have achieved?
A. Sitting steadily without support
B. Rolling from back to abdomen
C. Using a neat pincer grasp
D. Standing while holding onto furniture
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rolling from back to abdomen usually occurs by 6 months.
Sitting without support is 8 months; Pincer grasp is 9 months; Standing
while holding on is 9 months.
IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULES & CONTRAINDICATIONS
2. The mother of a 15-month-old toddler asks the nurse why her child is
having frequent temper tantrums. Which response by the nurse is most
appropriate?
A. 'Your child is trying to manipulate you to get their way.'
B. 'Tantrums are a sign of developmental delay at this age.'
C. 'Tantrums are a normal expression of the toddler's quest for autonomy.'
D. 'You should punish the child immediately when a tantrum occurs.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: According to Erikson, toddlers are in the 'Autonomy vs. Shame
and Doubt' stage. Tantrums result from frustration as they attempt to
master new skills and assert independence.
HESI Pediatrics Exam 1 - Page 1
,PEDIATRIC VITAL SIGNS & PHYSICAL EXAM
3. Which vital sign should the nurse measure first when assessing a
sleeping 3-year-old child?
A. Rectal temperature
B. Blood pressure
C. Respiratory rate
D. Heart rate
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: For pediatric patients, always measure the least invasive vital
sign first to avoid agitating the child. Counting respirations while the child
is quiet/sleeping provides the most accurate data.
SAFETY & INJURY PREVENTION BY AGE
4. A 4-year-old child is being admitted to the hospital. According to Piaget,
which approach should the nurse use to prepare the child for a
procedure?
A. Provide a detailed written pamphlet for the child to read.
B. Use a doll to demonstrate what will happen during the procedure.
C. Explain the physiological reasons for the procedure in medical terms.
D. Wait until the last minute to tell the child about the procedure.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Preschoolers are in the Preoperational stage (Piaget). They are
'magical thinkers' and benefit from concrete, sensory play-based
explanations using dolls or medical play kits.
HESI Pediatrics Exam 1 - Page 2
,THE HOSPITALIZED CHILD & SEPARATION ANXIETY
5. A nurse is teaching parents about car seat safety for their newborn.
Which instruction is most important?
A. Place the car seat in the front passenger seat if there is an airbag.
B. Use a rear-facing car seat in the back seat until at least age 2.
C. Switch to a booster seat once the child reaches 20 pounds.
D. Secure the harness loosely so the baby can move comfortably.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Safety standards recommend children remain in a rear-facing
car seat in the back seat until they reach the maximum height/weight
allowed by the seat manufacturer, typically at least age 2.
PEDIATRIC MEDICATION SAFETY
6. HESI Pediatrics Question 6: A nurse is providing care for a child in the
Pediatric Medication Safety category. Which intervention is the priority
for the nurse to implement?
A. Ensure the side rails are up and the bed is in the lowest position
B. Administer a sedative to keep the child quiet
C. Limit the parents' presence to designated visiting hours
D. Perform all assessments at the end of the shift
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Safety is always the priority in pediatric nursing. Preventing falls
and maintaining a safe environment takes precedence over secondary
interventions.
HESI Pediatrics Exam 1 - Page 3
, NUTRITION & FEEDING GUIDELINES
7. HESI Pediatrics Question 7: A nurse is providing care for a child in the
Nutrition & Feeding Guidelines category. Which intervention is the
priority for the nurse to implement?
A. Ensure the side rails are up and the bed is in the lowest position
B. Administer a sedative to keep the child quiet
C. Limit the parents' presence to designated visiting hours
D. Perform all assessments at the end of the shift
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Safety is always the priority in pediatric nursing. Preventing falls
and maintaining a safe environment takes precedence over secondary
interventions.
DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES (INFANT TO ADOLESCENT)
8. HESI Pediatrics Question 8: A nurse is providing care for a child in the
Developmental Milestones (Infant to Adolescent) category. Which
intervention is the priority for the nurse to implement?
A. Ensure the side rails are up and the bed is in the lowest position
B. Administer a sedative to keep the child quiet
C. Limit the parents' presence to designated visiting hours
D. Perform all assessments at the end of the shift
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Safety is always the priority in pediatric nursing. Preventing falls
and maintaining a safe environment takes precedence over secondary
interventions.
HESI Pediatrics Exam 1 - Page 4
