, NSG 5442 Pediatric Primary Care Exam 2
South College | 2026 Edition
300 Questions with Answers and Rationales
SECTION 1: DEVELOPMENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL PEDIATRICS
1. A 6-year-old child who attends first grade reports "hating" school. The parent states the child pretends
to be sick frequently to stay home. To further assess this situation, the nurse practitioner will first ask the
child to:
A. Describe school performance and grades
B. Explain why school is so distressing
C. Name one or two friends
D. Report whether bullying is occurring
Answer: C. Name one or two friends
Rationale: Asking the child to name friends assesses social connectedness, which is a key indicator of
school adjustment. Difficulty with peer relationships is often a cause of school avoidance. This is a non-
threatening starting point before exploring more sensitive topics such as bullying or academic struggles .
2. The parents of a 12-year-old child are concerned that older classmates may be a bad influence. What
will the NP tell the parents?
,A. Allowing poor choices and accepting consequences is important for learning values
B. Children at this age have a high regard for authority and social norms
C. Moral values instilled in the early school-age period will persist throughout childhood
D. The pressures from outside influences may supersede parental teachings and should be confronted
Answer: D. The pressures from outside influences may supersede parental teachings and should be
confronted
Rationale: During adolescence, peer influence becomes increasingly powerful and can challenge
previously held values. Parents should be aware of this dynamic and maintain open communication.
Moral values from early school-age are important but may be tested by outside influences .
3. The parent of a 14-year-old child reports the adolescent has expressed a desire to be vegetarian, is
refusing meat served at home, and wants the family to eat vegetarian meals. What will the NP
recommend?
A. Do not allow a vegetarian diet to maintain appropriate limits
B. Provide vegetarian options that preserve adequate nutrition and protein intake
C. Suggest the adolescent prepare appropriate vegetarian dishes to complement family meals
D. Tell the adolescent that a vegetarian diet may be considered in adulthood only
Answer: C. Suggest the adolescent prepare appropriate vegetarian dishes to complement family meals
Rationale: Encouraging the adolescent to prepare appropriate vegetarian dishes to complement family
meals respects the adolescent's autonomy and developing identity while ensuring nutritional adequacy.
This approach teaches responsibility and allows exploration of personal values within family structure .
, 4. The parent of an adolescent reports noting cutting marks on the teen's arms. What will the NP tell the
parent?
A. Cutting is a way of dealing with emotional distress
B. It is a method of fitting in with other adolescents
C. The behavior is common and will usually stop
D. This type of behavior is a type of suicide attempt
Answer: A. Cutting is a way of dealing with emotional distress
Rationale: Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), including cutting, is often a maladaptive coping mechanism
for regulating intense emotions. It is distinct from suicidal intent and requires mental health assessment.
The NP should not minimize the behavior or assume it is a phase .
5. During a well-child exam of a school-age child, the NP learns the child has been having angry episodes
at school. The child appears withdrawn and sad. Which action is appropriate?
A. Ask the child and parent about stressors at home
B. Make a referral to a child behavioral specialist
C. Provide information about anger management
D. Suggest consideration of a different classroom
Answer: A. Ask the child and parent about stressors at home
South College | 2026 Edition
300 Questions with Answers and Rationales
SECTION 1: DEVELOPMENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL PEDIATRICS
1. A 6-year-old child who attends first grade reports "hating" school. The parent states the child pretends
to be sick frequently to stay home. To further assess this situation, the nurse practitioner will first ask the
child to:
A. Describe school performance and grades
B. Explain why school is so distressing
C. Name one or two friends
D. Report whether bullying is occurring
Answer: C. Name one or two friends
Rationale: Asking the child to name friends assesses social connectedness, which is a key indicator of
school adjustment. Difficulty with peer relationships is often a cause of school avoidance. This is a non-
threatening starting point before exploring more sensitive topics such as bullying or academic struggles .
2. The parents of a 12-year-old child are concerned that older classmates may be a bad influence. What
will the NP tell the parents?
,A. Allowing poor choices and accepting consequences is important for learning values
B. Children at this age have a high regard for authority and social norms
C. Moral values instilled in the early school-age period will persist throughout childhood
D. The pressures from outside influences may supersede parental teachings and should be confronted
Answer: D. The pressures from outside influences may supersede parental teachings and should be
confronted
Rationale: During adolescence, peer influence becomes increasingly powerful and can challenge
previously held values. Parents should be aware of this dynamic and maintain open communication.
Moral values from early school-age are important but may be tested by outside influences .
3. The parent of a 14-year-old child reports the adolescent has expressed a desire to be vegetarian, is
refusing meat served at home, and wants the family to eat vegetarian meals. What will the NP
recommend?
A. Do not allow a vegetarian diet to maintain appropriate limits
B. Provide vegetarian options that preserve adequate nutrition and protein intake
C. Suggest the adolescent prepare appropriate vegetarian dishes to complement family meals
D. Tell the adolescent that a vegetarian diet may be considered in adulthood only
Answer: C. Suggest the adolescent prepare appropriate vegetarian dishes to complement family meals
Rationale: Encouraging the adolescent to prepare appropriate vegetarian dishes to complement family
meals respects the adolescent's autonomy and developing identity while ensuring nutritional adequacy.
This approach teaches responsibility and allows exploration of personal values within family structure .
, 4. The parent of an adolescent reports noting cutting marks on the teen's arms. What will the NP tell the
parent?
A. Cutting is a way of dealing with emotional distress
B. It is a method of fitting in with other adolescents
C. The behavior is common and will usually stop
D. This type of behavior is a type of suicide attempt
Answer: A. Cutting is a way of dealing with emotional distress
Rationale: Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), including cutting, is often a maladaptive coping mechanism
for regulating intense emotions. It is distinct from suicidal intent and requires mental health assessment.
The NP should not minimize the behavior or assume it is a phase .
5. During a well-child exam of a school-age child, the NP learns the child has been having angry episodes
at school. The child appears withdrawn and sad. Which action is appropriate?
A. Ask the child and parent about stressors at home
B. Make a referral to a child behavioral specialist
C. Provide information about anger management
D. Suggest consideration of a different classroom
Answer: A. Ask the child and parent about stressors at home
