N173 Midterm Practice Exam 2026–2027 | Original Study Resource
N173 MIDTERM PRACTICE EXAM
2026–2027 | Questions, Answers & Detailed Rationales
Original pediatric nursing study resource
Included in this resource
• 100 multiple-choice practice questions with A–D options
• Correct answers and explanatory rationales
• Incorrect-option explanations and clinical learning points where provided
• Consolidated answer key and final review checklist
Scope note: This is an original study aid, not an official, leaked, or verified N173 examination. N173 course
schedules and midterm coverage can differ by instructor and term; use your current syllabus and class materials to
confirm the topics you are responsible for.
For study and review only • Verify course coverage against your current syllabus
, N173 Midterm Practice Exam 2026–2027 | Original Study Resource
Question 1. A nurse assesses a 2-month-old infant. Which finding requires prompt follow-up?
A. Briefly turning toward a familiar voice
B. Bringing hands toward the mouth
C. Sleeping for several short periods
D. A bulging fontanelle while the infant is calm and upright
Correct Answer: D. A bulging fontanelle while the infant is calm and upright
Rationale: A persistently bulging fontanelle when the infant is calm and upright can indicate increased
intracranial pressure or serious illness. The other behaviors may be expected at this age.
Why the other options are incorrect: A: Briefly turning toward a familiar voice — not the best choice because it does
not address the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario. B: Bringing hands toward the mouth —
not the best choice because it does not address the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario. C:
Sleeping for several short periods — not the best choice because it does not address the priority or conflicts with
the safety principle in this scenario.
Key Concept: Interpret developmental findings in context and assess for acute changes.
Clinical Pearl: A sunken fontanelle may suggest dehydration; a bulging fontanelle at rest needs prompt
assessment.
Question 2. Which approach is most appropriate when preparing a preschooler for a procedure?
A. Give a detailed abstract explanation several days beforehand
B. Tell the child the procedure will not hurt if pain is possible
C. Use simple concrete words and a brief demonstration with a doll
D. Direct all explanations only to the caregiver
Correct Answer: C. Use simple concrete words and a brief demonstration with a doll
Rationale: Preschoolers benefit from short, concrete explanations and therapeutic play close to the
procedure. False reassurance can undermine trust, and the child should be included in age-appropriate
communication.
Why the other options are incorrect: A: Give a detailed abstract explanation several days beforehand — not the best
choice because it does not address the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario. B: Tell the child
the procedure will not hurt if pain is possible — not the best choice because it does not address the priority or
conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario. D: Direct all explanations only to the caregiver — not the best
choice because it does not address the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario.
Key Concept: Developmentally appropriate preparation reduces fear and supports cooperation.
Clinical Pearl: Explain what the child will see, hear, and feel honestly.
Question 3. A school-age child asks why a blood test is needed. Which response best supports the child?
A. Say, 'Because I said so'
B. Explain the purpose in clear, factual language and invite questions
C. Avoid all discussion to prevent anxiety
D. Promise the test will never hurt
Correct Answer: B. Explain the purpose in clear, factual language and invite questions
Rationale: School-age children can understand concrete explanations and often want to know how and why.
Honest information supports trust and participation.
For study and review only • Verify course coverage against your current syllabus
, N173 Midterm Practice Exam 2026–2027 | Original Study Resource
Why the other options are incorrect: A: Say, 'Because I said so' — not the best choice because it does not address
the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario. C: Avoid all discussion to prevent anxiety — not the
best choice because it does not address the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario. D:
Promise the test will never hurt — not the best choice because it does not address the priority or conflicts with the
safety principle in this scenario.
Key Concept: Include children in care according to developmental level.
Clinical Pearl: Use teach-back or ask the child to explain what they understand.
Question 4. Which behavior is most consistent with separation anxiety in a hospitalized toddler?
A. Enjoying abstract reasoning
B. Crying and resisting when the caregiver leaves
C. Understanding complex future risks
D. Consistently preferring solitary adult-like tasks
Correct Answer: B. Crying and resisting when the caregiver leaves
Rationale: Toddlers commonly protest separation from primary caregivers. Familiar objects, caregiver
presence, and predictable routines can reduce distress.
Why the other options are incorrect: A: Enjoying abstract reasoning — not the best choice because it does not
address the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario. C: Understanding complex future risks —
not the best choice because it does not address the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario. D:
Consistently preferring solitary adult-like tasks — not the best choice because it does not address the priority or
conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario.
Key Concept: Hospitalization can disrupt attachment and routine.
Clinical Pearl: Invite caregiver participation when feasible.
Question 5. Which toy is safest for a 9-month-old infant?
A. A large, one-piece teething toy without detachable parts
B. Small beads in a cup
C. A toy with loose button batteries
D. A balloon
Correct Answer: A. A large, one-piece teething toy without detachable parts
Rationale: Infants explore orally and are at risk for choking and ingestion. Select large, intact toys without
small parts, detachable components, or accessible batteries.
Why the other options are incorrect: B: Small beads in a cup — not the best choice because it does not address the
priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario. C: A toy with loose button batteries — not the best
choice because it does not address the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario. D: A balloon —
not the best choice because it does not address the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario.
Key Concept: Age-appropriate toys reduce choking and ingestion risks.
Clinical Pearl: Check toys for loose parts and follow age labels.
Question 6. A parent is concerned that a toddler uses a few words but understands simple instructions. What
is the best nursing response?
A. Dismiss the concern without assessment
B. Diagnose a language disorder immediately
For study and review only • Verify course coverage against your current syllabus
, N173 Midterm Practice Exam 2026–2027 | Original Study Resource
C. Compare the child only with siblings
D. Ask about the child's overall communication and development, then recommend screening if concerns persist
Correct Answer: D. Ask about the child's overall communication and development, then recommend
screening if concerns persist
Rationale: Development varies, but caregiver concerns deserve assessment. Review hearing, receptive and
expressive language, milestones, and screening/referral needs rather than diagnosing or dismissing.
Why the other options are incorrect: A: Dismiss the concern without assessment — not the best choice because it
does not address the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario. B: Diagnose a language disorder
immediately — not the best choice because it does not address the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in
this scenario. C: Compare the child only with siblings — not the best choice because it does not address the
priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario.
Key Concept: Developmental surveillance and standardized screening identify support needs.
Clinical Pearl: Early referral can improve access to services.
Question 7. Which action best demonstrates family-centered pediatric care?
A. Exclude caregivers from all routine decisions
B. Assume all families want identical care
C. Ask caregivers about routines, strengths, concerns, and preferences and include them in planning
D. Discuss the child only when the child is asleep
Correct Answer: C. Ask caregivers about routines, strengths, concerns, and preferences and include them in
planning
Rationale: Family-centered care respects family knowledge and preferences while keeping the child's safety
and needs central.
Why the other options are incorrect: A: Exclude caregivers from all routine decisions — not the best choice because
it does not address the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario. B: Assume all families want
identical care — not the best choice because it does not address the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in
this scenario. D: Discuss the child only when the child is asleep — not the best choice because it does not address
the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario.
Key Concept: Partnership, dignity, information sharing, and collaboration support family-centered care.
Clinical Pearl: Ask rather than assume who should participate in decisions.
Question 8. A nurse needs to assess a shy 4-year-old. What is the best initial strategy?
A. Immediately separate the child from the caregiver
B. Start with the most invasive assessment
C. Allow the child to remain near the caregiver and begin with nonthreatening observation
D. Insist on eye contact before speaking
Correct Answer: C. Allow the child to remain near the caregiver and begin with nonthreatening observation
Rationale: A gradual approach with caregiver support and observation can build trust and provide useful
information before more intrusive steps.
Why the other options are incorrect: A: Immediately separate the child from the caregiver — not the best choice
because it does not address the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario. B: Start with the most
invasive assessment — not the best choice because it does not address the priority or conflicts with the safety
For study and review only • Verify course coverage against your current syllabus
N173 MIDTERM PRACTICE EXAM
2026–2027 | Questions, Answers & Detailed Rationales
Original pediatric nursing study resource
Included in this resource
• 100 multiple-choice practice questions with A–D options
• Correct answers and explanatory rationales
• Incorrect-option explanations and clinical learning points where provided
• Consolidated answer key and final review checklist
Scope note: This is an original study aid, not an official, leaked, or verified N173 examination. N173 course
schedules and midterm coverage can differ by instructor and term; use your current syllabus and class materials to
confirm the topics you are responsible for.
For study and review only • Verify course coverage against your current syllabus
, N173 Midterm Practice Exam 2026–2027 | Original Study Resource
Question 1. A nurse assesses a 2-month-old infant. Which finding requires prompt follow-up?
A. Briefly turning toward a familiar voice
B. Bringing hands toward the mouth
C. Sleeping for several short periods
D. A bulging fontanelle while the infant is calm and upright
Correct Answer: D. A bulging fontanelle while the infant is calm and upright
Rationale: A persistently bulging fontanelle when the infant is calm and upright can indicate increased
intracranial pressure or serious illness. The other behaviors may be expected at this age.
Why the other options are incorrect: A: Briefly turning toward a familiar voice — not the best choice because it does
not address the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario. B: Bringing hands toward the mouth —
not the best choice because it does not address the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario. C:
Sleeping for several short periods — not the best choice because it does not address the priority or conflicts with
the safety principle in this scenario.
Key Concept: Interpret developmental findings in context and assess for acute changes.
Clinical Pearl: A sunken fontanelle may suggest dehydration; a bulging fontanelle at rest needs prompt
assessment.
Question 2. Which approach is most appropriate when preparing a preschooler for a procedure?
A. Give a detailed abstract explanation several days beforehand
B. Tell the child the procedure will not hurt if pain is possible
C. Use simple concrete words and a brief demonstration with a doll
D. Direct all explanations only to the caregiver
Correct Answer: C. Use simple concrete words and a brief demonstration with a doll
Rationale: Preschoolers benefit from short, concrete explanations and therapeutic play close to the
procedure. False reassurance can undermine trust, and the child should be included in age-appropriate
communication.
Why the other options are incorrect: A: Give a detailed abstract explanation several days beforehand — not the best
choice because it does not address the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario. B: Tell the child
the procedure will not hurt if pain is possible — not the best choice because it does not address the priority or
conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario. D: Direct all explanations only to the caregiver — not the best
choice because it does not address the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario.
Key Concept: Developmentally appropriate preparation reduces fear and supports cooperation.
Clinical Pearl: Explain what the child will see, hear, and feel honestly.
Question 3. A school-age child asks why a blood test is needed. Which response best supports the child?
A. Say, 'Because I said so'
B. Explain the purpose in clear, factual language and invite questions
C. Avoid all discussion to prevent anxiety
D. Promise the test will never hurt
Correct Answer: B. Explain the purpose in clear, factual language and invite questions
Rationale: School-age children can understand concrete explanations and often want to know how and why.
Honest information supports trust and participation.
For study and review only • Verify course coverage against your current syllabus
, N173 Midterm Practice Exam 2026–2027 | Original Study Resource
Why the other options are incorrect: A: Say, 'Because I said so' — not the best choice because it does not address
the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario. C: Avoid all discussion to prevent anxiety — not the
best choice because it does not address the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario. D:
Promise the test will never hurt — not the best choice because it does not address the priority or conflicts with the
safety principle in this scenario.
Key Concept: Include children in care according to developmental level.
Clinical Pearl: Use teach-back or ask the child to explain what they understand.
Question 4. Which behavior is most consistent with separation anxiety in a hospitalized toddler?
A. Enjoying abstract reasoning
B. Crying and resisting when the caregiver leaves
C. Understanding complex future risks
D. Consistently preferring solitary adult-like tasks
Correct Answer: B. Crying and resisting when the caregiver leaves
Rationale: Toddlers commonly protest separation from primary caregivers. Familiar objects, caregiver
presence, and predictable routines can reduce distress.
Why the other options are incorrect: A: Enjoying abstract reasoning — not the best choice because it does not
address the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario. C: Understanding complex future risks —
not the best choice because it does not address the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario. D:
Consistently preferring solitary adult-like tasks — not the best choice because it does not address the priority or
conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario.
Key Concept: Hospitalization can disrupt attachment and routine.
Clinical Pearl: Invite caregiver participation when feasible.
Question 5. Which toy is safest for a 9-month-old infant?
A. A large, one-piece teething toy without detachable parts
B. Small beads in a cup
C. A toy with loose button batteries
D. A balloon
Correct Answer: A. A large, one-piece teething toy without detachable parts
Rationale: Infants explore orally and are at risk for choking and ingestion. Select large, intact toys without
small parts, detachable components, or accessible batteries.
Why the other options are incorrect: B: Small beads in a cup — not the best choice because it does not address the
priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario. C: A toy with loose button batteries — not the best
choice because it does not address the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario. D: A balloon —
not the best choice because it does not address the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario.
Key Concept: Age-appropriate toys reduce choking and ingestion risks.
Clinical Pearl: Check toys for loose parts and follow age labels.
Question 6. A parent is concerned that a toddler uses a few words but understands simple instructions. What
is the best nursing response?
A. Dismiss the concern without assessment
B. Diagnose a language disorder immediately
For study and review only • Verify course coverage against your current syllabus
, N173 Midterm Practice Exam 2026–2027 | Original Study Resource
C. Compare the child only with siblings
D. Ask about the child's overall communication and development, then recommend screening if concerns persist
Correct Answer: D. Ask about the child's overall communication and development, then recommend
screening if concerns persist
Rationale: Development varies, but caregiver concerns deserve assessment. Review hearing, receptive and
expressive language, milestones, and screening/referral needs rather than diagnosing or dismissing.
Why the other options are incorrect: A: Dismiss the concern without assessment — not the best choice because it
does not address the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario. B: Diagnose a language disorder
immediately — not the best choice because it does not address the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in
this scenario. C: Compare the child only with siblings — not the best choice because it does not address the
priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario.
Key Concept: Developmental surveillance and standardized screening identify support needs.
Clinical Pearl: Early referral can improve access to services.
Question 7. Which action best demonstrates family-centered pediatric care?
A. Exclude caregivers from all routine decisions
B. Assume all families want identical care
C. Ask caregivers about routines, strengths, concerns, and preferences and include them in planning
D. Discuss the child only when the child is asleep
Correct Answer: C. Ask caregivers about routines, strengths, concerns, and preferences and include them in
planning
Rationale: Family-centered care respects family knowledge and preferences while keeping the child's safety
and needs central.
Why the other options are incorrect: A: Exclude caregivers from all routine decisions — not the best choice because
it does not address the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario. B: Assume all families want
identical care — not the best choice because it does not address the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in
this scenario. D: Discuss the child only when the child is asleep — not the best choice because it does not address
the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario.
Key Concept: Partnership, dignity, information sharing, and collaboration support family-centered care.
Clinical Pearl: Ask rather than assume who should participate in decisions.
Question 8. A nurse needs to assess a shy 4-year-old. What is the best initial strategy?
A. Immediately separate the child from the caregiver
B. Start with the most invasive assessment
C. Allow the child to remain near the caregiver and begin with nonthreatening observation
D. Insist on eye contact before speaking
Correct Answer: C. Allow the child to remain near the caregiver and begin with nonthreatening observation
Rationale: A gradual approach with caregiver support and observation can build trust and provide useful
information before more intrusive steps.
Why the other options are incorrect: A: Immediately separate the child from the caregiver — not the best choice
because it does not address the priority or conflicts with the safety principle in this scenario. B: Start with the most
invasive assessment — not the best choice because it does not address the priority or conflicts with the safety
For study and review only • Verify course coverage against your current syllabus
