KAPLAN PEDIATRIC NURSING EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
Growth and Development Across the Pediatric Lifespan
Pediatric Assessment and Diagnostic Evaluation
Pharmacology and Medication Administration in Children
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
Acute and Chronic Illness Management
Emergency Care and Critical Care Pediatrics
Family-Centered Care and Psychosocial Support
Ethical, Legal, and Professional Standards
Respiratory and Cardiovascular Dysfunction
Gastrointestinal, Neurologic, and Endocrine Disorders
Infectious Diseases and Immunization Protocols
Pain Management in Pediatric Patients
Introduction
This comprehensive examination is designed to rigorously assess
the knowledge and clinical reasoning skills essential for pediatric
nursing practice. The test encompasses foundational theories of
growth and development, applied clinical skills in acute and chronic
care, and critical analysis of complex patient scenarios. Candidates
will encounter multiple-choice questions that simulate real-world
decision-making, requiring the application of evidence-based
practice, ethical principles, and legal standards. This assessment
emphasizes the ability to prioritize care, interpret clinical data, and
formulate safe, family-centered interventions. Success on this exam
,indicates readiness to provide competent and compassionate care
to pediatric patients across all healthcare settings.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. A nurse is assessing a 4-month-old infant during a well-child
visit. Which developmental milestone should the nurse expect
the infant to have achieved?
A. Sitting without support
B. Rolling from back to abdomen
C. Grasping a rattle voluntarily
D. Saying "mama" and "dada"
🟢 C. Grasping a rattle voluntarily
🔴 RATIONALE: At 4 months, infants can voluntarily grasp objects,
hold a rattle, and bring objects to their mouth. Rolling from back
to abdomen typically occurs at 5–6 months. Sitting without
support occurs at 7–8 months. Saying "mama" and "dada" occurs
at 10–12 months.
2. A nurse is caring for a 1-month-old infant who is experiencing
severe diarrhea. Which of the following findings should indicate
to the nurse that the infant is severely dehydrated?
A. Heart rate 140/min
B. Bulging anterior fontanel
C. Sunken eyes with no tears
D. Capillary refill of 2 seconds
🟢 C. Sunken eyes with no tears
🔴 RATIONALE: Sunken eyes and absent tears are classic signs of
severe dehydration in infants. A heart rate of 140/min is within the
normal range for a 1-month-old. A bulging fontanel indicates
,increased intracranial pressure, not dehydration. Capillary refill
greater than 2 seconds is a sign of dehydration.
3. A nurse is calculating the dosage for a pediatric patient
weighing 15 kg. The prescribed dose is 10 mg/kg/day divided
into three doses. What is the amount per dose?
A. 25 mg
B. 50 mg
C. 75 mg
D. 100 mg
🟢 B. 50 mg
🔴 RATIONALE: Total daily dose = 15 kg × 10 mg/kg = 150 mg.
Divided into 3 doses: 150 mg ÷ 3 = 50 mg per dose.
4. A parent asks about introducing solid foods to their 4-month-
old infant. What is the appropriate nurse response?
A. "Start solids now to ensure proper nutrition."
B. "Wait until 6 months of age before introducing solids."
C. "Introduce rice cereal first, then fruits."
D. "Begin with egg whites to check for allergies."
🟢 B. "Wait until 6 months of age before introducing solids."
🔴 RATIONALE: The American Academy of Pediatrics
recommends exclusive breastfeeding or formula until 6 months.
Introducing solids before 4–6 months increases the risk of allergy
and aspiration. Egg whites are high-risk allergens and should be
delayed.
5. A 4-year-old child with bacterial meningitis is receiving IV
ceftriaxone. Four hours after admission, the child becomes
increasingly irritable, develops a temperature of 39.6°C (103.3°F),
, has a heart rate of 148/min, and begins having generalized
tonic-clonic movements. Which action should the nurse take
first?
A. Administer the prescribed antipyretic
B. Apply oxygen and protect the child from injury during the
seizure
C. Obtain a blood culture before administering additional
antibiotics
D. Place the child in a darkened room and decrease environmental
stimulation
🟢 B. Apply oxygen and protect the child from injury during the
seizure
🔴 RATIONALE: During an active seizure, airway, breathing, and
injury prevention take priority. The nurse should protect the
child's head, maintain a safe environment, provide oxygen as
indicated, and avoid restraining the child or placing anything in
the mouth. Antipyretics and diagnostic testing are secondary to
immediate stabilization.
6. A 7-month-old infant with bronchiolitis has nasal flaring,
intercostal retractions, respiratory rate of 68/min, and oxygen
saturation of 89% on room air. The infant has taken only 30 mL
of formula during the past 8 hours. Which prescription should
the nurse implement first?
A. Administer an oral electrolyte solution
B. Initiate supplemental oxygen
C. Obtain a nasopharyngeal culture
D. Offer small, frequent formula feedings
🟢 B. Initiate supplemental oxygen
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
Growth and Development Across the Pediatric Lifespan
Pediatric Assessment and Diagnostic Evaluation
Pharmacology and Medication Administration in Children
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
Acute and Chronic Illness Management
Emergency Care and Critical Care Pediatrics
Family-Centered Care and Psychosocial Support
Ethical, Legal, and Professional Standards
Respiratory and Cardiovascular Dysfunction
Gastrointestinal, Neurologic, and Endocrine Disorders
Infectious Diseases and Immunization Protocols
Pain Management in Pediatric Patients
Introduction
This comprehensive examination is designed to rigorously assess
the knowledge and clinical reasoning skills essential for pediatric
nursing practice. The test encompasses foundational theories of
growth and development, applied clinical skills in acute and chronic
care, and critical analysis of complex patient scenarios. Candidates
will encounter multiple-choice questions that simulate real-world
decision-making, requiring the application of evidence-based
practice, ethical principles, and legal standards. This assessment
emphasizes the ability to prioritize care, interpret clinical data, and
formulate safe, family-centered interventions. Success on this exam
,indicates readiness to provide competent and compassionate care
to pediatric patients across all healthcare settings.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. A nurse is assessing a 4-month-old infant during a well-child
visit. Which developmental milestone should the nurse expect
the infant to have achieved?
A. Sitting without support
B. Rolling from back to abdomen
C. Grasping a rattle voluntarily
D. Saying "mama" and "dada"
🟢 C. Grasping a rattle voluntarily
🔴 RATIONALE: At 4 months, infants can voluntarily grasp objects,
hold a rattle, and bring objects to their mouth. Rolling from back
to abdomen typically occurs at 5–6 months. Sitting without
support occurs at 7–8 months. Saying "mama" and "dada" occurs
at 10–12 months.
2. A nurse is caring for a 1-month-old infant who is experiencing
severe diarrhea. Which of the following findings should indicate
to the nurse that the infant is severely dehydrated?
A. Heart rate 140/min
B. Bulging anterior fontanel
C. Sunken eyes with no tears
D. Capillary refill of 2 seconds
🟢 C. Sunken eyes with no tears
🔴 RATIONALE: Sunken eyes and absent tears are classic signs of
severe dehydration in infants. A heart rate of 140/min is within the
normal range for a 1-month-old. A bulging fontanel indicates
,increased intracranial pressure, not dehydration. Capillary refill
greater than 2 seconds is a sign of dehydration.
3. A nurse is calculating the dosage for a pediatric patient
weighing 15 kg. The prescribed dose is 10 mg/kg/day divided
into three doses. What is the amount per dose?
A. 25 mg
B. 50 mg
C. 75 mg
D. 100 mg
🟢 B. 50 mg
🔴 RATIONALE: Total daily dose = 15 kg × 10 mg/kg = 150 mg.
Divided into 3 doses: 150 mg ÷ 3 = 50 mg per dose.
4. A parent asks about introducing solid foods to their 4-month-
old infant. What is the appropriate nurse response?
A. "Start solids now to ensure proper nutrition."
B. "Wait until 6 months of age before introducing solids."
C. "Introduce rice cereal first, then fruits."
D. "Begin with egg whites to check for allergies."
🟢 B. "Wait until 6 months of age before introducing solids."
🔴 RATIONALE: The American Academy of Pediatrics
recommends exclusive breastfeeding or formula until 6 months.
Introducing solids before 4–6 months increases the risk of allergy
and aspiration. Egg whites are high-risk allergens and should be
delayed.
5. A 4-year-old child with bacterial meningitis is receiving IV
ceftriaxone. Four hours after admission, the child becomes
increasingly irritable, develops a temperature of 39.6°C (103.3°F),
, has a heart rate of 148/min, and begins having generalized
tonic-clonic movements. Which action should the nurse take
first?
A. Administer the prescribed antipyretic
B. Apply oxygen and protect the child from injury during the
seizure
C. Obtain a blood culture before administering additional
antibiotics
D. Place the child in a darkened room and decrease environmental
stimulation
🟢 B. Apply oxygen and protect the child from injury during the
seizure
🔴 RATIONALE: During an active seizure, airway, breathing, and
injury prevention take priority. The nurse should protect the
child's head, maintain a safe environment, provide oxygen as
indicated, and avoid restraining the child or placing anything in
the mouth. Antipyretics and diagnostic testing are secondary to
immediate stabilization.
6. A 7-month-old infant with bronchiolitis has nasal flaring,
intercostal retractions, respiratory rate of 68/min, and oxygen
saturation of 89% on room air. The infant has taken only 30 mL
of formula during the past 8 hours. Which prescription should
the nurse implement first?
A. Administer an oral electrolyte solution
B. Initiate supplemental oxygen
C. Obtain a nasopharyngeal culture
D. Offer small, frequent formula feedings
🟢 B. Initiate supplemental oxygen
