,HESI Pediatrics Exam 2026 | Comprehensive Test Bank | Questions
And Answers
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Growth, Development & Family-Centered Care — Q1–Q30
2. Pediatric Assessment, Safety & Pain Management — Q31–Q50
3. Respiratory Disorders — Q51–Q80
4. Cardiovascular Disorders — Q81–Q105
5. Neurologic & Neuromuscular Disorders — Q106–Q130
6. Gastrointestinal & Nutritional Disorders — Q131–Q155
7. Renal & Genitourinary Disorders — Q156–Q175
8. Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders — Q176–Q200
9. Hematologic & Oncologic Disorders — Q201–Q225
10. Infectious, Immune & Integumentary Disorders — Q226–Q250
11. Musculoskeletal & Genetic Disorders — Q251–Q270
12. Pediatric Emergencies, Prioritization, Medication Safety & NGN
Clinical Judgment — Q271–Q300
GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT & FAMILY-CENTERED CARE
Q1. Which finding best demonstrates expected growth and
development in a 2-month-old infant?
A) Sits independently without support
B) Socially smiles in response to interaction
C) Uses two-word phrases
D) Transfers an object between hands
Correct Answer: B) Socially smiles in response to interaction
Rationale: A social smile commonly emerges during early infancy and
reflects developing social responsiveness. Independent sitting, transferring
objects between hands, and combining words occur considerably later.
Q2. A parent asks what motor skill is expected of a 6-month-old
infant. Which response is most appropriate?
,A) “Your infant should be able to hop on one foot.”
B) “Your infant should be able to ride a tricycle.”
C) “Your infant may roll and sit with support or briefly independently.”
D) “Your infant should walk without assistance.”
Correct Answer: C) “Your infant may roll and sit with support or briefly
independently.”
Rationale: Around 6 months, infants typically demonstrate increasing trunk
control, rolling, and progression toward independent sitting. Walking and
more advanced gross-motor skills occur later.
Q3. Which toy is most appropriate for a 9-month-old infant?
A) Large soft blocks that can be grasped and manipulated
B) A puzzle containing small detachable pieces
C) A complex board game
D) A bicycle without training wheels
Correct Answer: A) Large soft blocks that can be grasped and manipulated
Rationale: Older infants benefit from safe objects that encourage grasping,
transferring, banging, and sensory exploration. Small detachable pieces
create a choking hazard.
Q4. A 12-month-old child is most likely to demonstrate which
developmental ability?
A) Read short sentences
B) Use several meaningful words and pull to stand or walk with support
C) Skip using alternating feet
D) Draw a recognizable person
Correct Answer: B) Use several meaningful words and pull to stand or walk
with support
Rationale: By approximately 12 months, many children use a few
meaningful words and demonstrate advanced standing or early walking
skills. Reading, skipping, and representational drawing occur much later.
Q5. Which behavior is most characteristic of a toddler?
A) Strong desire for independence and frequent use of “no”
B) Consistent ability to understand abstract concepts
C) Primary interest in competitive team sports
D) Complete emotional independence from caregivers
, Correct Answer: A) Strong desire for independence and frequent use of “no”
Rationale: Toddlers are developing autonomy and commonly demonstrate
negativism as they assert control over themselves and their environment.
Choices within safe limits can support independence.
Q6. A hospitalized 2-year-old cries whenever the parent leaves the
room. How should the nurse interpret this behavior?
A) Evidence of cognitive impairment
B) Expected separation anxiety
C) Manipulative behavior
D) Abnormal attachment
Correct Answer: B) Expected separation anxiety
Rationale: Separation anxiety is developmentally expected in toddlers and
can intensify during hospitalization. Maintaining parental presence and
familiar routines can decrease distress.
Q7. Which intervention is most appropriate when preparing a
toddler for a simple procedure?
A) Explain the procedure one week beforehand in abstract language
B) Provide a brief concrete explanation shortly before the procedure
C) Avoid giving any explanation
D) Ask the toddler to read the consent document
Correct Answer: B) Provide a brief concrete explanation shortly before the
procedure
Rationale: Toddlers have limited understanding of time and abstract
concepts. Short, simple explanations immediately before a procedure reduce
unnecessary anticipatory anxiety.
Q8. A preschool-age child believes illness occurred because of being
“bad.” Which developmental concept explains this response?
A) Formal operational thinking
B) Object permanence
C) Magical thinking
D) Conservation
Correct Answer: C) Magical thinking
And Answers
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Growth, Development & Family-Centered Care — Q1–Q30
2. Pediatric Assessment, Safety & Pain Management — Q31–Q50
3. Respiratory Disorders — Q51–Q80
4. Cardiovascular Disorders — Q81–Q105
5. Neurologic & Neuromuscular Disorders — Q106–Q130
6. Gastrointestinal & Nutritional Disorders — Q131–Q155
7. Renal & Genitourinary Disorders — Q156–Q175
8. Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders — Q176–Q200
9. Hematologic & Oncologic Disorders — Q201–Q225
10. Infectious, Immune & Integumentary Disorders — Q226–Q250
11. Musculoskeletal & Genetic Disorders — Q251–Q270
12. Pediatric Emergencies, Prioritization, Medication Safety & NGN
Clinical Judgment — Q271–Q300
GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT & FAMILY-CENTERED CARE
Q1. Which finding best demonstrates expected growth and
development in a 2-month-old infant?
A) Sits independently without support
B) Socially smiles in response to interaction
C) Uses two-word phrases
D) Transfers an object between hands
Correct Answer: B) Socially smiles in response to interaction
Rationale: A social smile commonly emerges during early infancy and
reflects developing social responsiveness. Independent sitting, transferring
objects between hands, and combining words occur considerably later.
Q2. A parent asks what motor skill is expected of a 6-month-old
infant. Which response is most appropriate?
,A) “Your infant should be able to hop on one foot.”
B) “Your infant should be able to ride a tricycle.”
C) “Your infant may roll and sit with support or briefly independently.”
D) “Your infant should walk without assistance.”
Correct Answer: C) “Your infant may roll and sit with support or briefly
independently.”
Rationale: Around 6 months, infants typically demonstrate increasing trunk
control, rolling, and progression toward independent sitting. Walking and
more advanced gross-motor skills occur later.
Q3. Which toy is most appropriate for a 9-month-old infant?
A) Large soft blocks that can be grasped and manipulated
B) A puzzle containing small detachable pieces
C) A complex board game
D) A bicycle without training wheels
Correct Answer: A) Large soft blocks that can be grasped and manipulated
Rationale: Older infants benefit from safe objects that encourage grasping,
transferring, banging, and sensory exploration. Small detachable pieces
create a choking hazard.
Q4. A 12-month-old child is most likely to demonstrate which
developmental ability?
A) Read short sentences
B) Use several meaningful words and pull to stand or walk with support
C) Skip using alternating feet
D) Draw a recognizable person
Correct Answer: B) Use several meaningful words and pull to stand or walk
with support
Rationale: By approximately 12 months, many children use a few
meaningful words and demonstrate advanced standing or early walking
skills. Reading, skipping, and representational drawing occur much later.
Q5. Which behavior is most characteristic of a toddler?
A) Strong desire for independence and frequent use of “no”
B) Consistent ability to understand abstract concepts
C) Primary interest in competitive team sports
D) Complete emotional independence from caregivers
, Correct Answer: A) Strong desire for independence and frequent use of “no”
Rationale: Toddlers are developing autonomy and commonly demonstrate
negativism as they assert control over themselves and their environment.
Choices within safe limits can support independence.
Q6. A hospitalized 2-year-old cries whenever the parent leaves the
room. How should the nurse interpret this behavior?
A) Evidence of cognitive impairment
B) Expected separation anxiety
C) Manipulative behavior
D) Abnormal attachment
Correct Answer: B) Expected separation anxiety
Rationale: Separation anxiety is developmentally expected in toddlers and
can intensify during hospitalization. Maintaining parental presence and
familiar routines can decrease distress.
Q7. Which intervention is most appropriate when preparing a
toddler for a simple procedure?
A) Explain the procedure one week beforehand in abstract language
B) Provide a brief concrete explanation shortly before the procedure
C) Avoid giving any explanation
D) Ask the toddler to read the consent document
Correct Answer: B) Provide a brief concrete explanation shortly before the
procedure
Rationale: Toddlers have limited understanding of time and abstract
concepts. Short, simple explanations immediately before a procedure reduce
unnecessary anticipatory anxiety.
Q8. A preschool-age child believes illness occurred because of being
“bad.” Which developmental concept explains this response?
A) Formal operational thinking
B) Object permanence
C) Magical thinking
D) Conservation
Correct Answer: C) Magical thinking
