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NCLEX-RN PEDIATRIC NURSING PRACTICE EXAM (100)
QUESTIONS WITH LOgiCAL RATIONALES
Nursing
Exam coverage:
I. Section 1: Q1-20 – Growth & Development Milestones
II. Section 2: Q21-40 – Pediatric Assessment & Vital Signs
III. Section 3: Q41-60 – Common Childhood Illnesses &
Disorders
IV. Section 4: Q61-80 – Pediatric Pharmacology &
Immunizations
V. Section 5: Q81-100 – Family-Centered Care, Safety &
Nursing Interventions
SECTION 1: GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT MILESTONES
(Questions 1–20)
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a 9-month-old infant during a well-child
visit. Which developmental milestone should the nurse expect
the infant to demonstrate?
A) Walking independently without support
B) Speaking two- to three-word sentences
C) ✓ Sitting without support and transferring objects from
one hand to the other
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D) Using a spoon to feed self independently
CORRECT: C
RATIONALE: At 9 months of age, the typical infant can sit
without support, transfer objects from one hand to the other,
and begin to develop a pincer grasp. Walking independently
typically occurs around 12-15 months. Speaking two- to three-
word sentences is expected at approximately 18-24 months.
Using a spoon independently is typically seen around 18
months. These developmental milestones are based on the
classic Denver Developmental Screening Test and current
pediatric growth and development standards.
Question 2
A mother of a 2-year-old child expresses concern that her child
is not sharing toys with other children. Which response by the
nurse is most appropriate?
A) "This behavior indicates a developmental delay that requires
further evaluation."
B) ✓ "This is typical behavior for a 2-year-old, as toddlers
engage in parallel play and have difficulty sharing."
C) "You should discipline your child immediately when this
behavior occurs."
D) "Your child should be evaluated by a child psychologist for
behavioral issues."
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CORRECT: B
RATIONALE: Toddlers (ages 1-3 years) typically engage in
parallel play—playing alongside other children rather than
interacting with them. They have difficulty sharing and
understanding the concept of turn-taking, which is
developmentally appropriate. This behavior does not indicate a
delay or require discipline; it is an expected part of toddler
development.
Question 3
A nurse is assessing a 4-year-old child during a well-child visit.
Which developmental milestone should the nurse expect the
child to demonstrate?
A) Tying shoelaces independently
B) ✓ Riding a tricycle and hopping on one foot
C) Writing their full name in cursive
D) Reading simple books independently
CORRECT: B
RATIONALE: At 4 years of age, the typical preschooler can ride a
tricycle, hop on one foot, and stand on one foot for several
seconds. Tying shoelaces is a fine motor skill typically achieved
around 5-6 years. Writing in cursive and reading independently
are skills expected at school age (6 years and older).
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Question 4
A nurse is providing education to parents of a 6-month-old
infant about developmental milestones. Which statement by the
parents indicates understanding of the teaching?
A) "We should expect our baby to start walking in the next
month."
B) ✓ "We should expect our baby to roll from back to front
and front to back."
C) "We should expect our baby to start saying 'mama' and 'dada'
with meaning."
D) "We should expect our baby to sit up from a lying position
independently."
CORRECT: B
RATIONALE: At 6 months of age, infants typically can roll from
back to front and front to back. Walking is expected around 12-
15 months. Saying "mama" and "dada" with meaning typically
occurs around 10-12 months. Sitting up from a lying position
independently is expected around 8-9 months.
Question 5
A nurse is assessing a 15-month-old toddler. Which finding
should the nurse report to the healthcare provider?
NCLEX-RN PEDIATRIC NURSING PRACTICE EXAM (100)
QUESTIONS WITH LOgiCAL RATIONALES
Nursing
Exam coverage:
I. Section 1: Q1-20 – Growth & Development Milestones
II. Section 2: Q21-40 – Pediatric Assessment & Vital Signs
III. Section 3: Q41-60 – Common Childhood Illnesses &
Disorders
IV. Section 4: Q61-80 – Pediatric Pharmacology &
Immunizations
V. Section 5: Q81-100 – Family-Centered Care, Safety &
Nursing Interventions
SECTION 1: GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT MILESTONES
(Questions 1–20)
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a 9-month-old infant during a well-child
visit. Which developmental milestone should the nurse expect
the infant to demonstrate?
A) Walking independently without support
B) Speaking two- to three-word sentences
C) ✓ Sitting without support and transferring objects from
one hand to the other
, Page 2 of 72
D) Using a spoon to feed self independently
CORRECT: C
RATIONALE: At 9 months of age, the typical infant can sit
without support, transfer objects from one hand to the other,
and begin to develop a pincer grasp. Walking independently
typically occurs around 12-15 months. Speaking two- to three-
word sentences is expected at approximately 18-24 months.
Using a spoon independently is typically seen around 18
months. These developmental milestones are based on the
classic Denver Developmental Screening Test and current
pediatric growth and development standards.
Question 2
A mother of a 2-year-old child expresses concern that her child
is not sharing toys with other children. Which response by the
nurse is most appropriate?
A) "This behavior indicates a developmental delay that requires
further evaluation."
B) ✓ "This is typical behavior for a 2-year-old, as toddlers
engage in parallel play and have difficulty sharing."
C) "You should discipline your child immediately when this
behavior occurs."
D) "Your child should be evaluated by a child psychologist for
behavioral issues."
, Page 3 of 72
CORRECT: B
RATIONALE: Toddlers (ages 1-3 years) typically engage in
parallel play—playing alongside other children rather than
interacting with them. They have difficulty sharing and
understanding the concept of turn-taking, which is
developmentally appropriate. This behavior does not indicate a
delay or require discipline; it is an expected part of toddler
development.
Question 3
A nurse is assessing a 4-year-old child during a well-child visit.
Which developmental milestone should the nurse expect the
child to demonstrate?
A) Tying shoelaces independently
B) ✓ Riding a tricycle and hopping on one foot
C) Writing their full name in cursive
D) Reading simple books independently
CORRECT: B
RATIONALE: At 4 years of age, the typical preschooler can ride a
tricycle, hop on one foot, and stand on one foot for several
seconds. Tying shoelaces is a fine motor skill typically achieved
around 5-6 years. Writing in cursive and reading independently
are skills expected at school age (6 years and older).
, Page 4 of 72
Question 4
A nurse is providing education to parents of a 6-month-old
infant about developmental milestones. Which statement by the
parents indicates understanding of the teaching?
A) "We should expect our baby to start walking in the next
month."
B) ✓ "We should expect our baby to roll from back to front
and front to back."
C) "We should expect our baby to start saying 'mama' and 'dada'
with meaning."
D) "We should expect our baby to sit up from a lying position
independently."
CORRECT: B
RATIONALE: At 6 months of age, infants typically can roll from
back to front and front to back. Walking is expected around 12-
15 months. Saying "mama" and "dada" with meaning typically
occurs around 10-12 months. Sitting up from a lying position
independently is expected around 8-9 months.
Question 5
A nurse is assessing a 15-month-old toddler. Which finding
should the nurse report to the healthcare provider?
