HESI Pediatrics Exit Exam 2025/2026 –
Verified Actual Questions with Correct
Answers | Already Graded A (successus)
Growth and Development (Questions 1–25)
1. According to the updated CDC milestones for 2025, by what age should most infants say
two words other than "mama" or "dada"? A. 9 months B. 12 months C. 18 months D. 24
months
Rationale: The 2025 CDC milestones emphasize earlier screening for delays; by 18 months,
most children say at least two words, aiding in early language assessment and intervention to
support cognitive development.
2. A 2-month-old infant is at the Denver II milestone for social/emotional development.
What behavior is expected? A. Smiles spontaneously B. Plays peek-a-boo C. Smiles
responsively to social stimuli D. Waves bye-bye
Rationale: At 2 months, responsive smiling marks social bonding; this milestone guides parental
education on attachment, crucial for emotional development and early detection of autism
spectrum risks.
3. In the 2025 AAP guidelines, what is the recommended screening frequency for
developmental surveillance in the first year? A. Once at 6 months B. At every well-child visit
C. Annually after 12 months D. Only if concerns arise
Rationale: Universal surveillance at each visit (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12 months) per AAP 2025
ensures timely identification of delays, integrating family input for holistic growth monitoring.
4. A 4-year-old child's gross motor milestone includes: A. Hops on one foot B. Stands on one
foot for 2 seconds C. Rides a tricycle D. Skips alternately
Rationale: Fine and gross motor integration at 4 years supports school readiness; assessing
balance aids in evaluating neurological development and preventing injury during active play.
5. What is the expected weight gain for a 6-month-old infant per 2025 growth charts? A.
Doubles birth weight B. Doubles birth weight C. Triples birth weight D. Quadruples birth weight
Rationale: Doubling birth weight by 6 months reflects nutritional adequacy; tracking via WHO
charts assesses for failure-to-thrive, linking to feeding practices and developmental nutrition.
, 6. Erikson's stage for a toddler (1-3 years) focuses on: A. Trust vs. mistrust B. Autonomy vs.
shame and doubt C. Initiative vs. guilt D. Industry vs. inferiority
Rationale: Autonomy stage involves self-feeding and toilet training; supporting independence
fosters ego strength, while overcontrol risks shame, informing family-centered care strategies.
7. By 15 months, per 2025 CDC updates, most children can: A. Run well B. Walk alone C.
Climb stairs alternating feet D. Pedal a tricycle
Rationale: Independent walking by 15 months is a key locomotor milestone; delays may
indicate neuromuscular issues, prompting referrals for early physical therapy.
8. A 9-month-old should demonstrate which fine motor skill? A. Builds tower of two cubes
B. Pincer grasp C. Draws a circle D. Uses scissors
Rationale: Pincer grasp enables self-feeding, supporting nutritional independence; assessment
reveals hand-eye coordination, essential for cognitive and self-care development.
9. In 2025 AAP recommendations, iron supplementation starts at: A. Birth B. 2 months C. 4
months D. 6 months
Rationale: Iron-fortified foods at 4 months prevent deficiency anemia, impacting
neurodevelopment; rationale ties to growth velocity and hemoglobin screening at well-visits.
10. Piaget's sensorimotor stage (birth-2 years) includes object permanence by: A. 1 month
B. 8-12 months C. 18 months D. 24 months
Rationale: Object permanence marks cognitive advance; play therapy using hide-and-seek
reinforces this, aiding assessment of adaptive behaviors in toddlers.
11. Expected head circumference increase from birth to 12 months: A. 5 cm B. 12 cm C. 20
cm D. 30 cm
Rationale: Brain growth drives 12 cm increase; serial measurements detect micro/macrocephaly,
linking to nutritional status and early neurological evaluation.
12. A 3-year-old's language milestone per CDC 2025 is: A. Says 50 words B. Speaks in 3-4
word sentences C. Names colors D. Counts to 10
Rationale: Sentence formation supports expressive language; delays warrant speech therapy,
impacting social development and school preparedness.
13. Separation anxiety peaks at: A. 2 months B. 8-18 months C. 2 years D. 3 years
Rationale: Peak anxiety reflects attachment; educating parents on consistent routines mitigates
distress, enhancing emotional regulation skills.
Verified Actual Questions with Correct
Answers | Already Graded A (successus)
Growth and Development (Questions 1–25)
1. According to the updated CDC milestones for 2025, by what age should most infants say
two words other than "mama" or "dada"? A. 9 months B. 12 months C. 18 months D. 24
months
Rationale: The 2025 CDC milestones emphasize earlier screening for delays; by 18 months,
most children say at least two words, aiding in early language assessment and intervention to
support cognitive development.
2. A 2-month-old infant is at the Denver II milestone for social/emotional development.
What behavior is expected? A. Smiles spontaneously B. Plays peek-a-boo C. Smiles
responsively to social stimuli D. Waves bye-bye
Rationale: At 2 months, responsive smiling marks social bonding; this milestone guides parental
education on attachment, crucial for emotional development and early detection of autism
spectrum risks.
3. In the 2025 AAP guidelines, what is the recommended screening frequency for
developmental surveillance in the first year? A. Once at 6 months B. At every well-child visit
C. Annually after 12 months D. Only if concerns arise
Rationale: Universal surveillance at each visit (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12 months) per AAP 2025
ensures timely identification of delays, integrating family input for holistic growth monitoring.
4. A 4-year-old child's gross motor milestone includes: A. Hops on one foot B. Stands on one
foot for 2 seconds C. Rides a tricycle D. Skips alternately
Rationale: Fine and gross motor integration at 4 years supports school readiness; assessing
balance aids in evaluating neurological development and preventing injury during active play.
5. What is the expected weight gain for a 6-month-old infant per 2025 growth charts? A.
Doubles birth weight B. Doubles birth weight C. Triples birth weight D. Quadruples birth weight
Rationale: Doubling birth weight by 6 months reflects nutritional adequacy; tracking via WHO
charts assesses for failure-to-thrive, linking to feeding practices and developmental nutrition.
, 6. Erikson's stage for a toddler (1-3 years) focuses on: A. Trust vs. mistrust B. Autonomy vs.
shame and doubt C. Initiative vs. guilt D. Industry vs. inferiority
Rationale: Autonomy stage involves self-feeding and toilet training; supporting independence
fosters ego strength, while overcontrol risks shame, informing family-centered care strategies.
7. By 15 months, per 2025 CDC updates, most children can: A. Run well B. Walk alone C.
Climb stairs alternating feet D. Pedal a tricycle
Rationale: Independent walking by 15 months is a key locomotor milestone; delays may
indicate neuromuscular issues, prompting referrals for early physical therapy.
8. A 9-month-old should demonstrate which fine motor skill? A. Builds tower of two cubes
B. Pincer grasp C. Draws a circle D. Uses scissors
Rationale: Pincer grasp enables self-feeding, supporting nutritional independence; assessment
reveals hand-eye coordination, essential for cognitive and self-care development.
9. In 2025 AAP recommendations, iron supplementation starts at: A. Birth B. 2 months C. 4
months D. 6 months
Rationale: Iron-fortified foods at 4 months prevent deficiency anemia, impacting
neurodevelopment; rationale ties to growth velocity and hemoglobin screening at well-visits.
10. Piaget's sensorimotor stage (birth-2 years) includes object permanence by: A. 1 month
B. 8-12 months C. 18 months D. 24 months
Rationale: Object permanence marks cognitive advance; play therapy using hide-and-seek
reinforces this, aiding assessment of adaptive behaviors in toddlers.
11. Expected head circumference increase from birth to 12 months: A. 5 cm B. 12 cm C. 20
cm D. 30 cm
Rationale: Brain growth drives 12 cm increase; serial measurements detect micro/macrocephaly,
linking to nutritional status and early neurological evaluation.
12. A 3-year-old's language milestone per CDC 2025 is: A. Says 50 words B. Speaks in 3-4
word sentences C. Names colors D. Counts to 10
Rationale: Sentence formation supports expressive language; delays warrant speech therapy,
impacting social development and school preparedness.
13. Separation anxiety peaks at: A. 2 months B. 8-18 months C. 2 years D. 3 years
Rationale: Peak anxiety reflects attachment; educating parents on consistent routines mitigates
distress, enhancing emotional regulation skills.
