Pediatric Nursing Exam Test Bank
Wong's Essentials 11th Edition Style – Verified Practice
Questions and Answers (2025–2026)
Complete Study Guide – Questions 1-60
1. A nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant. Which finding is expected for this age?
A) Birth weight has doubled
B) Posterior fontanel is still open
C) Infant can walk independently
D) Infant says two-word phrases
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: By 5-6 months of age, an infant's birth weight typically doubles. The posterior
fontanel closes by 2-3 months. Walking independently occurs around 12-15 months. Two-word
phrases develop around 18-24 months.
2. A 4-year-old child is hospitalized. Which play activity is most appropriate for this age?
A) Complex board games with rules
B) Dress-up clothes and imaginative play
C) Solitary play with blocks
D) Competitive sports activities
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Preschoolers (3-5 years) engage in associative and cooperative play with strong
imaginative components. Dress-up and pretend play support development. Complex games with
rules are for school-age children. Solitary play is typical of toddlers. Competitive sports are for
older children.
3. A nurse is preparing to administer medication to a 2-year-old toddler. Which approach is most
appropriate?
A) Restrain the child immediately
B) Offer a choice between two acceptable options
C) Tell the child the medication is candy
D) Administer without explanation
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Toddlers are developing autonomy and benefit from simple choices ("Do you want to
take it from the cup or the spoon?"). This gives them some control. Restraint should be last
resort. Never call medication candy as it creates dangerous associations. Simple explanations
are appropriate.
4. Which finding in a newborn requires immediate intervention?
A) Heart rate of 140 bpm
B) Respiratory rate of 70 breaths/min with grunting
C) Temperature of 98.2°F (36.8°C)
D) Acrocyanosis of hands and feet
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Respiratory rate above 60 breaths/min with grunting indicates respiratory distress
and requires immediate intervention. Normal newborn heart rate is 110-160 bpm. Temperature
of 98.2°F is normal. Acrocyanosis (blue hands/feet) is normal in the first 24-48 hours.
5. A nurse is teaching parents about car seat safety. Which statement indicates understanding?
A) "We can turn the car seat forward-facing at 12 months."
B) "Our 2-year-old should remain in a rear-facing seat."
C) "We can use the front seat with airbag for our infant."
D) "Our child can use a booster seat at 2 years old."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Current AAP guidelines recommend children remain rear-facing until at least age 2,
preferably until they reach the maximum height/weight for the seat. Infants and young children
should never ride in the front seat with an active airbag. Booster seats are for older children
(typically 4+ years).
6. A 3-year-old child is brought to the emergency department with suspected epiglottitis. Which
intervention is contraindicated?
A) Keeping the child calm and quiet
B) Using a tongue depressor to visualize the throat
C) Maintaining the child in an upright position
D) Preparing for possible intubation
Correct Answer: B
, Rationale: Manipulating the throat with a tongue depressor can cause complete airway
obstruction in epiglottitis. The child should remain calm, upright, and NPO. Direct visualization
should only occur in the operating room with equipment ready for emergency intubation.
7. Which assessment finding suggests dehydration in an infant?
A) Wet diapers every 3-4 hours
B) Sunken anterior fontanel
C) Moist mucous membranes
D) Normal skin turgor
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A sunken anterior fontanel is a classic sign of dehydration in infants. Other signs
include decreased urine output (fewer than 6 wet diapers/day), dry mucous membranes, poor
skin turgor, and lethargy. Prompt rehydration is essential.
8. A nurse is caring for a child with cystic fibrosis. Which intervention is priority?
A) Restricting physical activity
B) Administering pancreatic enzymes with meals
C) Limiting fluid intake
D) Providing a low-calorie, low-protein diet
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pancreatic enzymes must be given with all meals and snacks to aid digestion and
nutrient absorption. Children with CF need HIGH calories, HIGH protein, and adequate fluids.
Physical activity is encouraged to help clear secretions.
9. Which immunization is typically given at birth?
A) DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)
B) Hepatitis B
C) MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
D) Varicella (Chickenpox)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The first dose of Hepatitis B vaccine is given at birth. DTaP begins at 2 months. MMR
and Varicella are given at 12-15 months. Following the CDC immunization schedule is essential
for disease prevention.
Wong's Essentials 11th Edition Style – Verified Practice
Questions and Answers (2025–2026)
Complete Study Guide – Questions 1-60
1. A nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant. Which finding is expected for this age?
A) Birth weight has doubled
B) Posterior fontanel is still open
C) Infant can walk independently
D) Infant says two-word phrases
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: By 5-6 months of age, an infant's birth weight typically doubles. The posterior
fontanel closes by 2-3 months. Walking independently occurs around 12-15 months. Two-word
phrases develop around 18-24 months.
2. A 4-year-old child is hospitalized. Which play activity is most appropriate for this age?
A) Complex board games with rules
B) Dress-up clothes and imaginative play
C) Solitary play with blocks
D) Competitive sports activities
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Preschoolers (3-5 years) engage in associative and cooperative play with strong
imaginative components. Dress-up and pretend play support development. Complex games with
rules are for school-age children. Solitary play is typical of toddlers. Competitive sports are for
older children.
3. A nurse is preparing to administer medication to a 2-year-old toddler. Which approach is most
appropriate?
A) Restrain the child immediately
B) Offer a choice between two acceptable options
C) Tell the child the medication is candy
D) Administer without explanation
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Toddlers are developing autonomy and benefit from simple choices ("Do you want to
take it from the cup or the spoon?"). This gives them some control. Restraint should be last
resort. Never call medication candy as it creates dangerous associations. Simple explanations
are appropriate.
4. Which finding in a newborn requires immediate intervention?
A) Heart rate of 140 bpm
B) Respiratory rate of 70 breaths/min with grunting
C) Temperature of 98.2°F (36.8°C)
D) Acrocyanosis of hands and feet
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Respiratory rate above 60 breaths/min with grunting indicates respiratory distress
and requires immediate intervention. Normal newborn heart rate is 110-160 bpm. Temperature
of 98.2°F is normal. Acrocyanosis (blue hands/feet) is normal in the first 24-48 hours.
5. A nurse is teaching parents about car seat safety. Which statement indicates understanding?
A) "We can turn the car seat forward-facing at 12 months."
B) "Our 2-year-old should remain in a rear-facing seat."
C) "We can use the front seat with airbag for our infant."
D) "Our child can use a booster seat at 2 years old."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Current AAP guidelines recommend children remain rear-facing until at least age 2,
preferably until they reach the maximum height/weight for the seat. Infants and young children
should never ride in the front seat with an active airbag. Booster seats are for older children
(typically 4+ years).
6. A 3-year-old child is brought to the emergency department with suspected epiglottitis. Which
intervention is contraindicated?
A) Keeping the child calm and quiet
B) Using a tongue depressor to visualize the throat
C) Maintaining the child in an upright position
D) Preparing for possible intubation
Correct Answer: B
, Rationale: Manipulating the throat with a tongue depressor can cause complete airway
obstruction in epiglottitis. The child should remain calm, upright, and NPO. Direct visualization
should only occur in the operating room with equipment ready for emergency intubation.
7. Which assessment finding suggests dehydration in an infant?
A) Wet diapers every 3-4 hours
B) Sunken anterior fontanel
C) Moist mucous membranes
D) Normal skin turgor
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A sunken anterior fontanel is a classic sign of dehydration in infants. Other signs
include decreased urine output (fewer than 6 wet diapers/day), dry mucous membranes, poor
skin turgor, and lethargy. Prompt rehydration is essential.
8. A nurse is caring for a child with cystic fibrosis. Which intervention is priority?
A) Restricting physical activity
B) Administering pancreatic enzymes with meals
C) Limiting fluid intake
D) Providing a low-calorie, low-protein diet
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pancreatic enzymes must be given with all meals and snacks to aid digestion and
nutrient absorption. Children with CF need HIGH calories, HIGH protein, and adequate fluids.
Physical activity is encouraged to help clear secretions.
9. Which immunization is typically given at birth?
A) DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)
B) Hepatitis B
C) MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
D) Varicella (Chickenpox)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The first dose of Hepatitis B vaccine is given at birth. DTaP begins at 2 months. MMR
and Varicella are given at 12-15 months. Following the CDC immunization schedule is essential
for disease prevention.
