GCU NSG 434 Exam 3 – Comprehensive Pediatric Nursing
Practice Exam (2026)
Questions with Rationales After Each Item
1. A nurse is caring for a child with asthma. Which assessment finding indicates worsening respiratory
status?
A. Respiratory rate of 22/min B. Expiratory wheezing C. Diminished breath sounds D. Oxygen saturation
97%
Answer:
C. Diminished breath sounds
Rationale:
Diminished breath sounds indicate decreased air movement and possible severe airway obstruction.
2. A nurse is teaching parents about otitis media. Which statement indicates understanding?
A. “My child should avoid all dairy products.” B. “Secondhand smoke can increase the risk.” C.
“Swimming causes most ear infections.” D. “Antibiotics should stop once symptoms improve.”
Answer:
B. “Secondhand smoke can increase the risk.”
Rationale:
Exposure to smoke increases the risk of upper respiratory infections and otitis media.
3. A child with dehydration is admitted to the pediatric unit. Which finding requires immediate
intervention?
A. Dry lips B. Sunken fontanel C. Delayed capillary refill D. Weight loss
Answer:
C. Delayed capillary refill
Rationale:
Delayed capillary refill may indicate poor perfusion and possible shock.
,4. A nurse is caring for a child with epiglottitis. Which action is priority?
A. Obtain a throat culture. B. Place the child supine. C. Prepare for airway management. D. Encourage
oral fluids.
Answer:
C. Prepare for airway management.
Rationale:
Epiglottitis can rapidly obstruct the airway and is a medical emergency.
5. Which toy is most appropriate for a hospitalized toddler?
A. Video game console B. Coloring book C. Push-and-pull toy D. Chess set
Answer:
C. Push-and-pull toy
Rationale:
Toddlers benefit from toys that support gross motor development.
6. A nurse is assessing a child with bacterial meningitis. Which finding is expected?
A. Bradycardia B. Nuchal rigidity C. Hypothermia D. Increased appetite
Answer:
B. Nuchal rigidity
Rationale:
Meningeal irritation commonly causes neck stiffness.
7. A nurse is teaching parents about iron supplementation for an infant. Which instruction is correct?
A. Administer with milk. B. Give with orange juice. C. Brush teeth immediately before administration. D.
Mix with formula.
Answer:
B. Give with orange juice.
Rationale:
Vitamin C improves iron absorption.
, 8. SATA: Which findings are signs of respiratory distress in an infant?
A. Nasal flaring B. Retractions C. Grunting D. Bradycardia E. Head bobbing
Answers:
A, B, C, E
Rationale:
Respiratory distress commonly presents with increased work of breathing.
9. A nurse is caring for a child with croup. Which finding is expected?
A. Drooling B. Barking cough C. Severe dysphagia D. Absent cough
Answer:
B. Barking cough
Rationale:
A barking cough is characteristic of croup.
10. Which immunization is typically administered at birth?
A. MMR B. Varicella C. Hepatitis B D. DTaP
Answer:
C. Hepatitis B
Rationale:
The hepatitis B vaccine is routinely given shortly after birth.
11. A nurse is teaching a parent about febrile seizures. Which statement is correct?
A. “They usually cause brain damage.” B. “They commonly occur with rapid temperature increases.” C.
“They only occur in adolescents.” D. “They require lifelong anticonvulsants.”
Answer:
B. “They commonly occur with rapid temperature increases.”
Rationale:
Febrile seizures are commonly triggered by sudden fever increases in young children.
Practice Exam (2026)
Questions with Rationales After Each Item
1. A nurse is caring for a child with asthma. Which assessment finding indicates worsening respiratory
status?
A. Respiratory rate of 22/min B. Expiratory wheezing C. Diminished breath sounds D. Oxygen saturation
97%
Answer:
C. Diminished breath sounds
Rationale:
Diminished breath sounds indicate decreased air movement and possible severe airway obstruction.
2. A nurse is teaching parents about otitis media. Which statement indicates understanding?
A. “My child should avoid all dairy products.” B. “Secondhand smoke can increase the risk.” C.
“Swimming causes most ear infections.” D. “Antibiotics should stop once symptoms improve.”
Answer:
B. “Secondhand smoke can increase the risk.”
Rationale:
Exposure to smoke increases the risk of upper respiratory infections and otitis media.
3. A child with dehydration is admitted to the pediatric unit. Which finding requires immediate
intervention?
A. Dry lips B. Sunken fontanel C. Delayed capillary refill D. Weight loss
Answer:
C. Delayed capillary refill
Rationale:
Delayed capillary refill may indicate poor perfusion and possible shock.
,4. A nurse is caring for a child with epiglottitis. Which action is priority?
A. Obtain a throat culture. B. Place the child supine. C. Prepare for airway management. D. Encourage
oral fluids.
Answer:
C. Prepare for airway management.
Rationale:
Epiglottitis can rapidly obstruct the airway and is a medical emergency.
5. Which toy is most appropriate for a hospitalized toddler?
A. Video game console B. Coloring book C. Push-and-pull toy D. Chess set
Answer:
C. Push-and-pull toy
Rationale:
Toddlers benefit from toys that support gross motor development.
6. A nurse is assessing a child with bacterial meningitis. Which finding is expected?
A. Bradycardia B. Nuchal rigidity C. Hypothermia D. Increased appetite
Answer:
B. Nuchal rigidity
Rationale:
Meningeal irritation commonly causes neck stiffness.
7. A nurse is teaching parents about iron supplementation for an infant. Which instruction is correct?
A. Administer with milk. B. Give with orange juice. C. Brush teeth immediately before administration. D.
Mix with formula.
Answer:
B. Give with orange juice.
Rationale:
Vitamin C improves iron absorption.
, 8. SATA: Which findings are signs of respiratory distress in an infant?
A. Nasal flaring B. Retractions C. Grunting D. Bradycardia E. Head bobbing
Answers:
A, B, C, E
Rationale:
Respiratory distress commonly presents with increased work of breathing.
9. A nurse is caring for a child with croup. Which finding is expected?
A. Drooling B. Barking cough C. Severe dysphagia D. Absent cough
Answer:
B. Barking cough
Rationale:
A barking cough is characteristic of croup.
10. Which immunization is typically administered at birth?
A. MMR B. Varicella C. Hepatitis B D. DTaP
Answer:
C. Hepatitis B
Rationale:
The hepatitis B vaccine is routinely given shortly after birth.
11. A nurse is teaching a parent about febrile seizures. Which statement is correct?
A. “They usually cause brain damage.” B. “They commonly occur with rapid temperature increases.” C.
“They only occur in adolescents.” D. “They require lifelong anticonvulsants.”
Answer:
B. “They commonly occur with rapid temperature increases.”
Rationale:
Febrile seizures are commonly triggered by sudden fever increases in young children.
