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HESI RN Pediatric Exam 2025 – Actual
Exam Questions with 100% Verified
Answers & Expert Rationales | Graded A+
Pediatric Growth and Development (Questions 1–20)
Question 1 (Multiple-Choice):
A nurse is assessing a 4-year-old child. Which developmental milestone is expected at this age?
A. Ties shoelaces independently
B. Rides a tricycle with ease
C. Reads simple sentences
D. Performs complex addition
Correct Answer: B. Rides a tricycle with ease
Rationale: At 4 years, children typically master gross motor skills like riding a tricycle. Tying
shoelaces, reading, and complex addition are expected at older ages.
Question 2 (SATA):
Which behaviors indicate a 2-year-old is meeting developmental milestones? (Select all that
apply.)
A. Uses two- to three-word phrases
B. Follows simple two-step directions
C. Draws a circle with a crayon
D. Climbs stairs using alternating feet
E. Recognizes letters of the alphabet
Correct Answers: A. Uses two- to three-word phrases, B. Follows simple two-step
directions
Rationale: At 2 years, children typically use short phrases and follow simple directions. Drawing
circles, alternating feet on stairs, and recognizing letters are expected at 3–4 years.
Question 3 (Multiple-Choice):
A nurse is evaluating a 6-month-old infant’s motor development. Which finding requires further
assessment?
A. Sits with support
B. Rolls from back to stomach
C. Unable to grasp a rattle
D. Transfers objects hand-to-hand
Correct Answer: C. Unable to grasp a rattle
Rationale: By 6 months, infants should grasp objects like a rattle. Sitting with support and
rolling are expected, while transferring objects may occur closer to 7–8 months.
, 2
Question 4 (Multiple-Choice):
A 3-year-old child refuses to share toys during a play session. What is the nurse’s best response?
A. Discipline the child for not sharing.
B. Explain that this behavior is typical for the age.
C. Encourage the child to read a book instead.
D. Report the behavior to the parents.
Correct Answer: B. Explain that this behavior is typical for the age.
Rationale: Egocentrism and difficulty sharing are normal for 3-year-olds, reflecting their
developmental stage.
Question 5 (SATA):
Which gross motor skills are expected in a 5-year-old child? (Select all that apply.)
A. Skips using alternating feet
B. Rides a bicycle with training wheels
C. Jumps rope consistently
D. Balances on one foot for 5 seconds
E. Climbs stairs without support
Correct Answers: A. Skips using alternating feet, B. Rides a bicycle with training wheels,
D. Balances on one foot for 5 seconds, E. Climbs stairs without support
Rationale: These skills are typical for 5-year-olds. Jumping rope consistently is usually mastered
around 6–7 years.
Question 6 (Multiple-Choice):
A nurse is assessing a 12-month-old infant. Which developmental milestone is expected?
A. Walks independently
B. Speaks in full sentences
C. Draws a straight line
D. Counts to 10
Correct Answer: A. Walks independently
Rationale: By 12 months, most infants walk independently. Speaking in sentences, drawing lines,
and counting are expected at older ages.
Question 7 (Multiple-Choice):
A 7-year-old child is unable to follow rules during a group game. What should the nurse
consider?
A. This is typical for the age.
B. The child may have a developmental delay.
C. The child is likely being defiant.
D. The child needs more physical activity.
Correct Answer: B. The child may have a developmental delay.
Rationale: By 7 years, children typically follow rules in group activities. Inability to do so may
indicate a developmental issue requiring further assessment.
Question 8 (SATA):
Which fine motor skills are expected in a 4-year-old child? (Select all that apply.)
A. Copies a square
, 3
B. Uses scissors to cut shapes
C. Buttons clothing independently
D. Writes their name
E. Ties shoelaces
Correct Answers: B. Uses scissors to cut shapes, C. Buttons clothing independently
Rationale: At 4 years, children can use scissors and button clothing. Copying a square, writing
their name, and tying shoelaces are typically mastered at 5–6 years.
Question 9 (Multiple-Choice):
A nurse is counseling parents about a 2-year-old’s temper tantrums. What is the best advice?
A. Ignore the tantrums unless the child is in danger.
B. Punish the child immediately to stop the behavior.
C. Give in to the child’s demands to calm them.
D. Restrict playtime to prevent tantrums.
Correct Answer: A. Ignore the tantrums unless the child is in danger.
Rationale: Ignoring tantrums is effective for 2-year-olds, as they often seek attention.
Punishment or giving in may reinforce the behavior.
Question 10 (Multiple-Choice):
A 9-month-old infant is assessed for developmental milestones. Which finding is expected?
A. Crawls on hands and knees
B. Walks with assistance
C. Says simple sentences
D. Stacks three blocks
Correct Answer: A. Crawls on hands and knees
Rationale: Crawling is typical at 9 months. Walking with assistance occurs around 12 months,
while sentences and stacking blocks are later milestones.
Question 11 (Multiple-Choice):
A 6-year-old child demonstrates concrete operational thinking. Which behavior reflects this
stage?
A. Understands abstract concepts like justice
B. Classifies objects by size and color
C. Believes objects have feelings
D. Thinks egocentrically
Correct Answer: B. Classifies objects by size and color
Rationale: Concrete operational thinking (ages 7–11) involves logical classification of objects.
Abstract thinking, animism, and egocentrism are seen in earlier stages.
Question 12 (SATA):
Which milestones indicate normal development for an 18-month-old? (Select all that apply.)
A. Uses a spoon to eat
B. Says 10–20 words
C. Runs without falling
D. Copies a circle
E. Builds a tower of four blocks
HESI RN Pediatric Exam 2025 – Actual
Exam Questions with 100% Verified
Answers & Expert Rationales | Graded A+
Pediatric Growth and Development (Questions 1–20)
Question 1 (Multiple-Choice):
A nurse is assessing a 4-year-old child. Which developmental milestone is expected at this age?
A. Ties shoelaces independently
B. Rides a tricycle with ease
C. Reads simple sentences
D. Performs complex addition
Correct Answer: B. Rides a tricycle with ease
Rationale: At 4 years, children typically master gross motor skills like riding a tricycle. Tying
shoelaces, reading, and complex addition are expected at older ages.
Question 2 (SATA):
Which behaviors indicate a 2-year-old is meeting developmental milestones? (Select all that
apply.)
A. Uses two- to three-word phrases
B. Follows simple two-step directions
C. Draws a circle with a crayon
D. Climbs stairs using alternating feet
E. Recognizes letters of the alphabet
Correct Answers: A. Uses two- to three-word phrases, B. Follows simple two-step
directions
Rationale: At 2 years, children typically use short phrases and follow simple directions. Drawing
circles, alternating feet on stairs, and recognizing letters are expected at 3–4 years.
Question 3 (Multiple-Choice):
A nurse is evaluating a 6-month-old infant’s motor development. Which finding requires further
assessment?
A. Sits with support
B. Rolls from back to stomach
C. Unable to grasp a rattle
D. Transfers objects hand-to-hand
Correct Answer: C. Unable to grasp a rattle
Rationale: By 6 months, infants should grasp objects like a rattle. Sitting with support and
rolling are expected, while transferring objects may occur closer to 7–8 months.
, 2
Question 4 (Multiple-Choice):
A 3-year-old child refuses to share toys during a play session. What is the nurse’s best response?
A. Discipline the child for not sharing.
B. Explain that this behavior is typical for the age.
C. Encourage the child to read a book instead.
D. Report the behavior to the parents.
Correct Answer: B. Explain that this behavior is typical for the age.
Rationale: Egocentrism and difficulty sharing are normal for 3-year-olds, reflecting their
developmental stage.
Question 5 (SATA):
Which gross motor skills are expected in a 5-year-old child? (Select all that apply.)
A. Skips using alternating feet
B. Rides a bicycle with training wheels
C. Jumps rope consistently
D. Balances on one foot for 5 seconds
E. Climbs stairs without support
Correct Answers: A. Skips using alternating feet, B. Rides a bicycle with training wheels,
D. Balances on one foot for 5 seconds, E. Climbs stairs without support
Rationale: These skills are typical for 5-year-olds. Jumping rope consistently is usually mastered
around 6–7 years.
Question 6 (Multiple-Choice):
A nurse is assessing a 12-month-old infant. Which developmental milestone is expected?
A. Walks independently
B. Speaks in full sentences
C. Draws a straight line
D. Counts to 10
Correct Answer: A. Walks independently
Rationale: By 12 months, most infants walk independently. Speaking in sentences, drawing lines,
and counting are expected at older ages.
Question 7 (Multiple-Choice):
A 7-year-old child is unable to follow rules during a group game. What should the nurse
consider?
A. This is typical for the age.
B. The child may have a developmental delay.
C. The child is likely being defiant.
D. The child needs more physical activity.
Correct Answer: B. The child may have a developmental delay.
Rationale: By 7 years, children typically follow rules in group activities. Inability to do so may
indicate a developmental issue requiring further assessment.
Question 8 (SATA):
Which fine motor skills are expected in a 4-year-old child? (Select all that apply.)
A. Copies a square
, 3
B. Uses scissors to cut shapes
C. Buttons clothing independently
D. Writes their name
E. Ties shoelaces
Correct Answers: B. Uses scissors to cut shapes, C. Buttons clothing independently
Rationale: At 4 years, children can use scissors and button clothing. Copying a square, writing
their name, and tying shoelaces are typically mastered at 5–6 years.
Question 9 (Multiple-Choice):
A nurse is counseling parents about a 2-year-old’s temper tantrums. What is the best advice?
A. Ignore the tantrums unless the child is in danger.
B. Punish the child immediately to stop the behavior.
C. Give in to the child’s demands to calm them.
D. Restrict playtime to prevent tantrums.
Correct Answer: A. Ignore the tantrums unless the child is in danger.
Rationale: Ignoring tantrums is effective for 2-year-olds, as they often seek attention.
Punishment or giving in may reinforce the behavior.
Question 10 (Multiple-Choice):
A 9-month-old infant is assessed for developmental milestones. Which finding is expected?
A. Crawls on hands and knees
B. Walks with assistance
C. Says simple sentences
D. Stacks three blocks
Correct Answer: A. Crawls on hands and knees
Rationale: Crawling is typical at 9 months. Walking with assistance occurs around 12 months,
while sentences and stacking blocks are later milestones.
Question 11 (Multiple-Choice):
A 6-year-old child demonstrates concrete operational thinking. Which behavior reflects this
stage?
A. Understands abstract concepts like justice
B. Classifies objects by size and color
C. Believes objects have feelings
D. Thinks egocentrically
Correct Answer: B. Classifies objects by size and color
Rationale: Concrete operational thinking (ages 7–11) involves logical classification of objects.
Abstract thinking, animism, and egocentrism are seen in earlier stages.
Question 12 (SATA):
Which milestones indicate normal development for an 18-month-old? (Select all that apply.)
A. Uses a spoon to eat
B. Says 10–20 words
C. Runs without falling
D. Copies a circle
E. Builds a tower of four blocks
