NUR 334 COMPREHENSIVE PEDIATRIC
NURSING PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS
AND DETAILED ANSWERS 2026/2027
1. A 4-year-old child is admitted with suspected epiglottitis. Which nursing action is the
highest priority?
A. Ensure emergency airway equipment is available at the bedside.
B. Assess the child’s throat using a tongue depressor.
C. Obtain a throat culture to identify the causative organism.
D. Place the child in a supine position to facilitate breathing.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Epiglottitis is a medical emergency. Manipulation of the throat
can trigger a complete airway obstruction. The priority is ensuring airway management
equipment (intubation/tracheostomy) is immediately available.
2. An infant with Tetralogy of Fallot experiences a hypercyanotic spell (‘tet spell’). What is the
nurse’s immediate action?
A. Administer high-flow oxygen via a non-rebreather mask.
B. Place the infant in the knee-chest position.
C. Prepare for immediate administration of IV morphine.
,D. Start a bolus of isotonic fluids.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The knee-chest position increases systemic vascular resistance,
which reduces the right-to-left shunt and improves pulmonary blood flow during a
hypercyanotic spell.
3. Which clinical manifestation is a hallmark sign of Intussusception in a 7-month-old infant?
A. Projectile vomiting after feedings.
B. Stools mixed with blood and mucus (currant jelly-like).
C. Ribbon-like, foul-smelling stools.
D. Painless abdominal distention and constipation.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Currant jelly stools, composed of blood and mucus, are a classic
finding in intussusception as the intestinal walls press against each other, causing
inflammation and ischemia.
4. A nurse is caring for a child with Nephrotic Syndrome. Which assessment finding should the
nurse expect?
A. Gross hematuria and hypertension.
B. Generalized edema and massive proteinuria.
C. Hypernatremia and decreased cholesterol.
, D. Weight loss and increased urine output.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by increased glomerular
permeability to protein, leading to massive proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and subsequent
generalized edema (anasarca).
5. A 10-year-old is hospitalized with a Vaso-occlusive Sickle Cell Crisis. What is the priority
nursing intervention?
A. Restricting physical activity to bed rest.
B. Applying cold compresses to painful joints.
C. Administering prophylactic antibiotics.
D. Administering IV fluids for hydration.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hydration is the priority to reduce blood viscosity and prevent
further sickling and vessel occlusion. Pain management is also a priority, but physiologic
stabilization starts with hydration.
6. Which developmental finding in an 18-month-old requires further evaluation?
A. Inability to use a spoon independently.
B. Lack of interest in playing with other children.
C. Inability to climb stairs.
NURSING PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS
AND DETAILED ANSWERS 2026/2027
1. A 4-year-old child is admitted with suspected epiglottitis. Which nursing action is the
highest priority?
A. Ensure emergency airway equipment is available at the bedside.
B. Assess the child’s throat using a tongue depressor.
C. Obtain a throat culture to identify the causative organism.
D. Place the child in a supine position to facilitate breathing.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Epiglottitis is a medical emergency. Manipulation of the throat
can trigger a complete airway obstruction. The priority is ensuring airway management
equipment (intubation/tracheostomy) is immediately available.
2. An infant with Tetralogy of Fallot experiences a hypercyanotic spell (‘tet spell’). What is the
nurse’s immediate action?
A. Administer high-flow oxygen via a non-rebreather mask.
B. Place the infant in the knee-chest position.
C. Prepare for immediate administration of IV morphine.
,D. Start a bolus of isotonic fluids.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The knee-chest position increases systemic vascular resistance,
which reduces the right-to-left shunt and improves pulmonary blood flow during a
hypercyanotic spell.
3. Which clinical manifestation is a hallmark sign of Intussusception in a 7-month-old infant?
A. Projectile vomiting after feedings.
B. Stools mixed with blood and mucus (currant jelly-like).
C. Ribbon-like, foul-smelling stools.
D. Painless abdominal distention and constipation.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Currant jelly stools, composed of blood and mucus, are a classic
finding in intussusception as the intestinal walls press against each other, causing
inflammation and ischemia.
4. A nurse is caring for a child with Nephrotic Syndrome. Which assessment finding should the
nurse expect?
A. Gross hematuria and hypertension.
B. Generalized edema and massive proteinuria.
C. Hypernatremia and decreased cholesterol.
, D. Weight loss and increased urine output.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by increased glomerular
permeability to protein, leading to massive proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and subsequent
generalized edema (anasarca).
5. A 10-year-old is hospitalized with a Vaso-occlusive Sickle Cell Crisis. What is the priority
nursing intervention?
A. Restricting physical activity to bed rest.
B. Applying cold compresses to painful joints.
C. Administering prophylactic antibiotics.
D. Administering IV fluids for hydration.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hydration is the priority to reduce blood viscosity and prevent
further sickling and vessel occlusion. Pain management is also a priority, but physiologic
stabilization starts with hydration.
6. Which developmental finding in an 18-month-old requires further evaluation?
A. Inability to use a spoon independently.
B. Lack of interest in playing with other children.
C. Inability to climb stairs.
