,NR 328 Pediatric Nursing Exam Prep —
Comprehensive Review + Practice MCQs —
Chamberlain College of Nursing 2025/2026
1. According to Piaget, a 4-year-old child is in which stage of cognitive development?
A. Sensorimotor
B. Preoperational
C. Concrete operational
D. Formal operational
Correct Answer: B. Preoperational
Rationale: Piaget's preoperational stage spans ages 2–7 years and is characterized by egocentrism, magical
thinking, and symbolic play. A 4-year-old demonstrates preoperational cognition.
2. A nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant. Which developmental milestone should the nurse expect to
observe?
A. Sitting steadily without support
B. Rolling from back to abdomen
C. Using a neat pincer grasp
D. Walking while holding onto furniture
Correct Answer: B. Rolling from back to abdomen
Rationale: Rolling from back to abdomen typically occurs around 5–6 months. Sitting steadily without support
occurs at 8 months, pincer grasp at 9–10 months, and cruising at 10–12 months.
,3. A 10-year-old child is in which of Erikson's psychosocial stages?
A. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
B. Initiative vs. Guilt
C. Industry vs. Inferiority
D. Identity vs. Role Confusion
Correct Answer: C. Industry vs. Inferiority
Rationale: School-age children (6–12 years) are in the Industry vs. Inferiority stage, focusing on mastering skills
and achieving competence through peer comparison.
4. A nurse notes that a 4-month-old infant has a persistent Moro reflex. How should the nurse interpret this
finding?
A. Normal for age
B. Potential neurological delay
C. Sign of increased intracranial pressure
D. Expected due to prematurity
Correct Answer: B. Potential neurological delay
Rationale: The Moro reflex should disappear by 3–4 months of age. Persistence beyond this age may indicate
delayed neurological maturation and should be reported.
, 5. Which action best demonstrates atraumatic care for a 4-year-old requiring venipuncture?
A. Performing the procedure in the child's hospital bed
B. Applying EMLA cream 60 minutes before the procedure
C. Asking parents to leave the room
D. Using a firm, loud voice to command stillness
Correct Answer: B. Applying EMLA cream 60 minutes before the procedure
Rationale: Atraumatic care minimizes physical and psychological distress. Topical anesthetics reduce procedural
pain and are a key atraumatic intervention.
6. A nurse is preparing a toddler for a procedure. Which approach is most developmentally appropriate?
A. Providing a detailed verbal explanation
B. Demonstrating on a doll how the procedure is done
C. Showing a video of the procedure
D. Explaining the procedure using abstract analogies
Correct Answer: B. Demonstrating on a doll how the procedure is done
Rationale: Toddlers learn through concrete, visual experiences. Demonstration on a doll is the most effective
preparation method for this age group.
Comprehensive Review + Practice MCQs —
Chamberlain College of Nursing 2025/2026
1. According to Piaget, a 4-year-old child is in which stage of cognitive development?
A. Sensorimotor
B. Preoperational
C. Concrete operational
D. Formal operational
Correct Answer: B. Preoperational
Rationale: Piaget's preoperational stage spans ages 2–7 years and is characterized by egocentrism, magical
thinking, and symbolic play. A 4-year-old demonstrates preoperational cognition.
2. A nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant. Which developmental milestone should the nurse expect to
observe?
A. Sitting steadily without support
B. Rolling from back to abdomen
C. Using a neat pincer grasp
D. Walking while holding onto furniture
Correct Answer: B. Rolling from back to abdomen
Rationale: Rolling from back to abdomen typically occurs around 5–6 months. Sitting steadily without support
occurs at 8 months, pincer grasp at 9–10 months, and cruising at 10–12 months.
,3. A 10-year-old child is in which of Erikson's psychosocial stages?
A. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
B. Initiative vs. Guilt
C. Industry vs. Inferiority
D. Identity vs. Role Confusion
Correct Answer: C. Industry vs. Inferiority
Rationale: School-age children (6–12 years) are in the Industry vs. Inferiority stage, focusing on mastering skills
and achieving competence through peer comparison.
4. A nurse notes that a 4-month-old infant has a persistent Moro reflex. How should the nurse interpret this
finding?
A. Normal for age
B. Potential neurological delay
C. Sign of increased intracranial pressure
D. Expected due to prematurity
Correct Answer: B. Potential neurological delay
Rationale: The Moro reflex should disappear by 3–4 months of age. Persistence beyond this age may indicate
delayed neurological maturation and should be reported.
, 5. Which action best demonstrates atraumatic care for a 4-year-old requiring venipuncture?
A. Performing the procedure in the child's hospital bed
B. Applying EMLA cream 60 minutes before the procedure
C. Asking parents to leave the room
D. Using a firm, loud voice to command stillness
Correct Answer: B. Applying EMLA cream 60 minutes before the procedure
Rationale: Atraumatic care minimizes physical and psychological distress. Topical anesthetics reduce procedural
pain and are a key atraumatic intervention.
6. A nurse is preparing a toddler for a procedure. Which approach is most developmentally appropriate?
A. Providing a detailed verbal explanation
B. Demonstrating on a doll how the procedure is done
C. Showing a video of the procedure
D. Explaining the procedure using abstract analogies
Correct Answer: B. Demonstrating on a doll how the procedure is done
Rationale: Toddlers learn through concrete, visual experiences. Demonstration on a doll is the most effective
preparation method for this age group.
