Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (PCNS-BC /
ACCNS-P) practice test exam
1. A 4-month-old infant can hold the head steady, coo, and
bring hands to mouth. Which developmental milestone is the
infant demonstrating?
A) Social smile
B) Head control
C) Rolling over
D) Sitting without support
Answer: B
Rationale: Head control is a 4-month milestone. Social smile is 2
months, rolling over is 5-6 months, and sitting without support
is 8 months.
2. Which developmental theory emphasizes industry versus
inferiority?
A) Piaget
,B) Freud
C) Kohlberg
D) Erikson
Answer: D
Rationale: School-age children navigate Erikson's industry
versus inferiority stage. This is a key developmental theory
tested on the PCNS exam .
3. A 2-year-old can say 50 or more words, use two-word
phrases, and follow simple instructions. Is this development
appropriate?
A) Yes, appropriate for age
B) No, delayed development
C) No, advanced development
D) Cannot determine
Answer: A
Rationale: By 2 years, children typically have 50 or more words
and use two-word phrases.
,4. The first physical sign indicating the onset of female puberty
is:
A) Sparsely distributed pubic hairs
B) Breast buds
C) Menarche
D) Peak height velocity
Answer: B
Rationale: The first sign of female puberty is breast buds,
closely followed by pubic hair development. Menarche typically
occurs 2-2.5 years after thelarche.
5. A preschool child who says the sky is blue because it is his
favorite color is illustrating which concept?
A) Symbolic thinking
B) Egocentrism
C) Centration
D) Imaginary audience
, Answer: B
Rationale: Egocentrism is the hallmark of preschoolers; there is
little they think they do not control.
6. A 15-year-old female has not begun menstruation. Pubic hair
started 2 years ago, breast development began 18 months ago,
and she has grown 2 inches in 6 months. What is the most
appropriate response?
A) Menses generally begins within 1 year after breast
development
B) Because menses may not begin until age 18, evaluation is
not needed
C) Menses will probably begin in the next 6-12 months
D) Appearance of pubic hair before breast development
indicates endocrine evaluation
Answer: C
Rationale: Menarche typically occurs 2-2.5 years after
thelarche. With breast development at 18 months and
continued growth, menses is likely within 6-12 months.
ACCNS-P) practice test exam
1. A 4-month-old infant can hold the head steady, coo, and
bring hands to mouth. Which developmental milestone is the
infant demonstrating?
A) Social smile
B) Head control
C) Rolling over
D) Sitting without support
Answer: B
Rationale: Head control is a 4-month milestone. Social smile is 2
months, rolling over is 5-6 months, and sitting without support
is 8 months.
2. Which developmental theory emphasizes industry versus
inferiority?
A) Piaget
,B) Freud
C) Kohlberg
D) Erikson
Answer: D
Rationale: School-age children navigate Erikson's industry
versus inferiority stage. This is a key developmental theory
tested on the PCNS exam .
3. A 2-year-old can say 50 or more words, use two-word
phrases, and follow simple instructions. Is this development
appropriate?
A) Yes, appropriate for age
B) No, delayed development
C) No, advanced development
D) Cannot determine
Answer: A
Rationale: By 2 years, children typically have 50 or more words
and use two-word phrases.
,4. The first physical sign indicating the onset of female puberty
is:
A) Sparsely distributed pubic hairs
B) Breast buds
C) Menarche
D) Peak height velocity
Answer: B
Rationale: The first sign of female puberty is breast buds,
closely followed by pubic hair development. Menarche typically
occurs 2-2.5 years after thelarche.
5. A preschool child who says the sky is blue because it is his
favorite color is illustrating which concept?
A) Symbolic thinking
B) Egocentrism
C) Centration
D) Imaginary audience
, Answer: B
Rationale: Egocentrism is the hallmark of preschoolers; there is
little they think they do not control.
6. A 15-year-old female has not begun menstruation. Pubic hair
started 2 years ago, breast development began 18 months ago,
and she has grown 2 inches in 6 months. What is the most
appropriate response?
A) Menses generally begins within 1 year after breast
development
B) Because menses may not begin until age 18, evaluation is
not needed
C) Menses will probably begin in the next 6-12 months
D) Appearance of pubic hair before breast development
indicates endocrine evaluation
Answer: C
Rationale: Menarche typically occurs 2-2.5 years after
thelarche. With breast development at 18 months and
continued growth, menses is likely within 6-12 months.
