MATERNAL, NEWBORN & PEDIATRIC
NURSING
Growth, Development, Disorders & Clinical Judgment
Pediatric Nursing Exam Prep 2026–2027 | Practice Resource • Page 1
, Pediatric Nursing Exam Prep 2026–2027
Growth, Development, Disorders & Clinical Judgment
Practice questions focused on pediatric growth and development, common disorders, safety, medications, and
clinical judgment.
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a 2-year-old child during a routine health visit. Which developmental behavior should the
nurse expect?
A. Uses two- to three-word phrases
B. Independent reading is not an expected developmental milestone for a typical 2-year-old.
C. A mature pencil grasp develops later as fine-motor control improves.
D. Abstract thinking develops much later; toddlers primarily use concrete thinking. ---
Correct Answer: A. Uses two- to three-word phrases
Detailed Rationale
By approximately 2 years of age, children commonly combine two or more words into simple phrases and have
rapidly expanding language skills. Developmental milestones vary among children, so the nurse should
consider the overall developmental pattern rather than one isolated behavior.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect
B. Independent reading is not an expected developmental milestone for a typical 2-year-old. C. A mature pencil
grasp develops later as fine-motor control improves. D. Abstract thinking develops much later; toddlers
primarily use concrete thinking.
Question 2
A nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant. Which finding is most consistent with expected development?
A. Independent walking generally occurs considerably later.
B. Sits with support
C. Complete sentences are not expected during infancy.
D. Copying geometric shapes is a much later fine-motor and cognitive skill. ---
Correct Answer: B. Sits with support
Detailed Rationale
Around 6 months, many infants demonstrate improved trunk control and can sit with support. Infants also
commonly roll, reach for objects, and transfer objects between hands during this period.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect
A. Independent walking generally occurs considerably later. C. Complete sentences are not expected during
infancy. D. Copying geometric shapes is a much later fine-motor and cognitive skill.
Question 3
A nurse is teaching parents about preventing accidental poisoning in a toddler. Which statement indicates the
parents understand the teaching?
A. “We will keep medications in a locked cabinet.”
B. Calling medication candy can increase the risk that a child will seek it out.
C. Cleaning products under an easily accessible sink are a poisoning hazard.
Pediatric Nursing Exam Prep 2026–2027 | Practice Resource • Page 2
, D. Medications should remain in appropriate child-resistant containers. ---
Correct Answer: A
Detailed Rationale
Toddlers are naturally curious and frequently explore their environment by touching and putting objects in their
mouths. Medications and toxic substances should be secured out of the child's reach, preferably in locked
storage.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect
B. Calling medication candy can increase the risk that a child will seek it out. C. Cleaning products under an
easily accessible sink are a poisoning hazard. D. Medications should remain in appropriate child-resistant
containers.
Question 4
A child with suspected epiglottitis is experiencing drooling, difficulty swallowing, and respiratory distress.
Which nursing action is the priority?
A. Throat manipulation can precipitate worsening airway obstruction.
B. Forcing a distressed child into a supine position may increase respiratory difficulty.
C. Maintain the child's airway and minimize agitation.
D. Diagnostic procedures should not take priority over airway stabilization. ---
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Rationale
Epiglottitis can cause rapid upper-airway obstruction. Agitation and unnecessary manipulation of the airway
can worsen obstruction. The priority is maintaining airway safety while obtaining appropriate emergency
assistance.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect
A. Throat manipulation can precipitate worsening airway obstruction. B. Forcing a distressed child into a supine
position may increase respiratory difficulty. D. Diagnostic procedures should not take priority over airway
stabilization.
Question 5
A nurse is caring for a child with bacterial meningitis. Which finding requires the most immediate attention?
A. Photophobia can occur with meningeal irritation but is not the highest-priority finding listed.
B. Headache is common with meningitis but is less immediately concerning than altered consciousness.
C. Altered level of consciousness
D. Decreased appetite is nonspecific and does not indicate an immediate neurologic emergency. ---
Correct Answer: C. Altered level of consciousness
Detailed Rationale
A change in level of consciousness can indicate increasing intracranial pressure or neurologic deterioration. In
a child with meningitis, this finding requires immediate assessment and intervention.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect
A. Photophobia can occur with meningeal irritation but is not the highest-priority finding listed. B. Headache is
common with meningitis but is less immediately concerning than altered consciousness. D. Decreased
appetite is nonspecific and does not indicate an immediate neurologic emergency.
Question 6
A child with asthma develops wheezing and respiratory difficulty after physical activity. Which medication
would the nurse expect to be used for rapid relief of acute bronchospasm?
Pediatric Nursing Exam Prep 2026–2027 | Practice Resource • Page 3
, A. Albuterol
B. Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used primarily for longer-term control or prevention.
C. Fluticasone is an inhaled corticosteroid used for maintenance therapy.
D. Budesonide is also an inhaled corticosteroid used primarily for control rather than rapid rescue. ---
Correct Answer: A. Albuterol
Detailed Rationale
Albuterol is a short-acting beta₂-adrenergic agonist that produces rapid bronchodilation and is commonly used
as a rescue medication for acute bronchospasm.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect
B. Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used primarily for longer-term control or prevention. C.
Fluticasone is an inhaled corticosteroid used for maintenance therapy. D. Budesonide is also an inhaled
corticosteroid used primarily for control rather than rapid rescue.
Question 7
A nurse is assessing an infant with dehydration caused by gastroenteritis. Which finding is most concerning?
A. Decreased urine output can occur with dehydration but must be interpreted with the overall clinical picture.
B. Moist mucous membranes are less consistent with significant dehydration.
C. Sunken fontanel
D. Increased appetite is not a typical indicator of dehydration. ---
Correct Answer: C. Sunken fontanel
Detailed Rationale
A sunken fontanel can indicate significant dehydration in an infant. Other possible findings include decreased
urine output, dry mucous membranes, poor skin turgor, lethargy, and weight loss.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect
A. Decreased urine output can occur with dehydration but must be interpreted with the overall clinical picture.
B. Moist mucous membranes are less consistent with significant dehydration. D. Increased appetite is not a
typical indicator of dehydration.
Question 8
A nurse is caring for a child with nephrotic syndrome. Which assessment finding would the nurse expect?
A. Generalized edema
B. Hypertension can occur but is not universally present.
C. Serum albumin is typically decreased because of urinary protein loss.
D. Hypercalcemia is not a defining feature of nephrotic syndrome. ---
Correct Answer: A. Generalized edema
Detailed Rationale
Nephrotic syndrome involves significant protein loss through the kidneys, particularly albumin. Reduced
plasma oncotic pressure contributes to fluid movement into tissues, producing edema that may become
generalized.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect
B. Hypertension can occur but is not universally present. C. Serum albumin is typically decreased because of
urinary protein loss. D. Hypercalcemia is not a defining feature of nephrotic syndrome.
Question 9
A child with type 1 diabetes mellitus becomes shaky, sweaty, and confused. What should the nurse suspect?
A. Hyperglycemia more commonly causes thirst, polyuria, and other signs of elevated glucose.
Pediatric Nursing Exam Prep 2026–2027 | Practice Resource • Page 4
NURSING
Growth, Development, Disorders & Clinical Judgment
Pediatric Nursing Exam Prep 2026–2027 | Practice Resource • Page 1
, Pediatric Nursing Exam Prep 2026–2027
Growth, Development, Disorders & Clinical Judgment
Practice questions focused on pediatric growth and development, common disorders, safety, medications, and
clinical judgment.
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a 2-year-old child during a routine health visit. Which developmental behavior should the
nurse expect?
A. Uses two- to three-word phrases
B. Independent reading is not an expected developmental milestone for a typical 2-year-old.
C. A mature pencil grasp develops later as fine-motor control improves.
D. Abstract thinking develops much later; toddlers primarily use concrete thinking. ---
Correct Answer: A. Uses two- to three-word phrases
Detailed Rationale
By approximately 2 years of age, children commonly combine two or more words into simple phrases and have
rapidly expanding language skills. Developmental milestones vary among children, so the nurse should
consider the overall developmental pattern rather than one isolated behavior.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect
B. Independent reading is not an expected developmental milestone for a typical 2-year-old. C. A mature pencil
grasp develops later as fine-motor control improves. D. Abstract thinking develops much later; toddlers
primarily use concrete thinking.
Question 2
A nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant. Which finding is most consistent with expected development?
A. Independent walking generally occurs considerably later.
B. Sits with support
C. Complete sentences are not expected during infancy.
D. Copying geometric shapes is a much later fine-motor and cognitive skill. ---
Correct Answer: B. Sits with support
Detailed Rationale
Around 6 months, many infants demonstrate improved trunk control and can sit with support. Infants also
commonly roll, reach for objects, and transfer objects between hands during this period.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect
A. Independent walking generally occurs considerably later. C. Complete sentences are not expected during
infancy. D. Copying geometric shapes is a much later fine-motor and cognitive skill.
Question 3
A nurse is teaching parents about preventing accidental poisoning in a toddler. Which statement indicates the
parents understand the teaching?
A. “We will keep medications in a locked cabinet.”
B. Calling medication candy can increase the risk that a child will seek it out.
C. Cleaning products under an easily accessible sink are a poisoning hazard.
Pediatric Nursing Exam Prep 2026–2027 | Practice Resource • Page 2
, D. Medications should remain in appropriate child-resistant containers. ---
Correct Answer: A
Detailed Rationale
Toddlers are naturally curious and frequently explore their environment by touching and putting objects in their
mouths. Medications and toxic substances should be secured out of the child's reach, preferably in locked
storage.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect
B. Calling medication candy can increase the risk that a child will seek it out. C. Cleaning products under an
easily accessible sink are a poisoning hazard. D. Medications should remain in appropriate child-resistant
containers.
Question 4
A child with suspected epiglottitis is experiencing drooling, difficulty swallowing, and respiratory distress.
Which nursing action is the priority?
A. Throat manipulation can precipitate worsening airway obstruction.
B. Forcing a distressed child into a supine position may increase respiratory difficulty.
C. Maintain the child's airway and minimize agitation.
D. Diagnostic procedures should not take priority over airway stabilization. ---
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Rationale
Epiglottitis can cause rapid upper-airway obstruction. Agitation and unnecessary manipulation of the airway
can worsen obstruction. The priority is maintaining airway safety while obtaining appropriate emergency
assistance.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect
A. Throat manipulation can precipitate worsening airway obstruction. B. Forcing a distressed child into a supine
position may increase respiratory difficulty. D. Diagnostic procedures should not take priority over airway
stabilization.
Question 5
A nurse is caring for a child with bacterial meningitis. Which finding requires the most immediate attention?
A. Photophobia can occur with meningeal irritation but is not the highest-priority finding listed.
B. Headache is common with meningitis but is less immediately concerning than altered consciousness.
C. Altered level of consciousness
D. Decreased appetite is nonspecific and does not indicate an immediate neurologic emergency. ---
Correct Answer: C. Altered level of consciousness
Detailed Rationale
A change in level of consciousness can indicate increasing intracranial pressure or neurologic deterioration. In
a child with meningitis, this finding requires immediate assessment and intervention.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect
A. Photophobia can occur with meningeal irritation but is not the highest-priority finding listed. B. Headache is
common with meningitis but is less immediately concerning than altered consciousness. D. Decreased
appetite is nonspecific and does not indicate an immediate neurologic emergency.
Question 6
A child with asthma develops wheezing and respiratory difficulty after physical activity. Which medication
would the nurse expect to be used for rapid relief of acute bronchospasm?
Pediatric Nursing Exam Prep 2026–2027 | Practice Resource • Page 3
, A. Albuterol
B. Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used primarily for longer-term control or prevention.
C. Fluticasone is an inhaled corticosteroid used for maintenance therapy.
D. Budesonide is also an inhaled corticosteroid used primarily for control rather than rapid rescue. ---
Correct Answer: A. Albuterol
Detailed Rationale
Albuterol is a short-acting beta₂-adrenergic agonist that produces rapid bronchodilation and is commonly used
as a rescue medication for acute bronchospasm.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect
B. Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used primarily for longer-term control or prevention. C.
Fluticasone is an inhaled corticosteroid used for maintenance therapy. D. Budesonide is also an inhaled
corticosteroid used primarily for control rather than rapid rescue.
Question 7
A nurse is assessing an infant with dehydration caused by gastroenteritis. Which finding is most concerning?
A. Decreased urine output can occur with dehydration but must be interpreted with the overall clinical picture.
B. Moist mucous membranes are less consistent with significant dehydration.
C. Sunken fontanel
D. Increased appetite is not a typical indicator of dehydration. ---
Correct Answer: C. Sunken fontanel
Detailed Rationale
A sunken fontanel can indicate significant dehydration in an infant. Other possible findings include decreased
urine output, dry mucous membranes, poor skin turgor, lethargy, and weight loss.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect
A. Decreased urine output can occur with dehydration but must be interpreted with the overall clinical picture.
B. Moist mucous membranes are less consistent with significant dehydration. D. Increased appetite is not a
typical indicator of dehydration.
Question 8
A nurse is caring for a child with nephrotic syndrome. Which assessment finding would the nurse expect?
A. Generalized edema
B. Hypertension can occur but is not universally present.
C. Serum albumin is typically decreased because of urinary protein loss.
D. Hypercalcemia is not a defining feature of nephrotic syndrome. ---
Correct Answer: A. Generalized edema
Detailed Rationale
Nephrotic syndrome involves significant protein loss through the kidneys, particularly albumin. Reduced
plasma oncotic pressure contributes to fluid movement into tissues, producing edema that may become
generalized.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect
B. Hypertension can occur but is not universally present. C. Serum albumin is typically decreased because of
urinary protein loss. D. Hypercalcemia is not a defining feature of nephrotic syndrome.
Question 9
A child with type 1 diabetes mellitus becomes shaky, sweaty, and confused. What should the nurse suspect?
A. Hyperglycemia more commonly causes thirst, polyuria, and other signs of elevated glucose.
Pediatric Nursing Exam Prep 2026–2027 | Practice Resource • Page 4
