West Coast University NURS 307 Peds Final Exam (pdf) | 2026/27 |
Peds Q&A | Pediatric Nursing
1. Which of the following best describes the primary goal of atraumatic care
in pediatric nursing?
A) To minimize the child's physical pain during procedures
B) To eliminate all psychological stress for the child and family
C) To minimize the physical and psychological stress for the child and family
D) To ensure the child's compliance with all medical treatments
Correct Answer: To minimize the physical and psychological stress for the
child and family
Rationale: Atraumatic care is a philosophy of providing therapeutic care
through the use of interventions that minimize physical and psychological
stress for children and their families. It focuses on preventing or minimizing
the child's separation from parents, promoting a sense of control, and
preventing or minimizing bodily injury and pain.
2. According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, what is the
primary developmental task of the infant (birth to 1 year)?
A) Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
B) Trust vs. Mistrust
C) Initiative vs. Guilt
D) Industry vs. Inferiority
Correct Answer: Trust vs. Mistrust
Rationale: Erikson's first stage, Trust vs. Mistrust, occurs during infancy. The
infant develops a sense of trust when basic needs for food, comfort, and
,security are consistently met by caregivers. This foundational trust is
essential for healthy development.
3. A nurse is assessing a 4-month-old infant during a well-child visit. Which
developmental milestone should the nurse expect to observe?
A) Sitting without support
B) Rolling from back to front
C) Transferring objects from hand to hand
D) Walking with assistance
Correct Answer: Rolling from back to front
Rationale: By 4 months, infants typically can roll from back to front. Sitting
without support occurs around 8 months. Transferring objects hand-to-hand
typically occurs around 6-7 months, and walking with assistance around 9-12
months.
4. The posterior fontanelle is expected to close by which age?
A) 2-3 months
B) 6-8 weeks
C) 12-18 months
D) 24 months
Correct Answer: 2-3 months
Rationale: The posterior fontanelle typically closes by 2 to 3 months of age.
The anterior fontanelle, which is larger and diamond-shaped, closes much
later, between 12 and 18 months.
,5. According to Piaget, at what age does the concept of object permanence
typically develop?
A) 2-4 months
B) 6-9 months
C) 12-18 months
D) 24 months
Correct Answer: 6-9 months
Rationale: Object permanence, the understanding that objects continue to
exist even when out of sight, develops around 6-9 months of age. This is a
key cognitive milestone in the sensorimotor stage.
6. Which of the following is a major cause of death for children older than 1
year?
A) Heart disease
B) Congenital anomalies
C) Cancer
D) Unintentional injuries
Correct Answer: Unintentional injuries
Rationale: Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death for children
older than 1 year. For children under 1 year, congenital anomalies and SIDS
are the leading causes.
7. A nurse is caring for a child with acute epiglottitis. Which of the following
assessment findings would the nurse expect to observe?
A) Barking cough and inspiratory stridor
, B) Gradual onset of symptoms over several days
C) Drooling and sitting in a tripod position
D) Wheezing on expiration
Correct Answer: Drooling and sitting in a tripod position
Rationale: Epiglottitis is a medical emergency. Children present with a
sudden onset of high fever, drooling, dysphagia, and respiratory distress,
often assuming a tripod position (leaning forward with hands on knees) to
maintain an open airway. A barking cough is more characteristic of croup.
8. A 2-year-old child is brought to the emergency department with a barking
cough, inspiratory stridor, and hoarseness. Which of the following is the most
likely diagnosis?
A) Epiglottitis
B) Bronchiolitis
C) Laryngotracheobronchitis (Croup)
D) Foreign body aspiration
Correct Answer: Laryngotracheobronchitis (Croup)
Rationale: Croup is characterized by a barking cough, inspiratory stridor,
hoarseness, and respiratory distress. It is most common in children ages 6
months to 3 years and is typically viral in origin.
9. Which nursing intervention is most important for a child hospitalized with
respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis?
A) Maintaining strict bed rest
B) Administering antibiotics as prescribed
Peds Q&A | Pediatric Nursing
1. Which of the following best describes the primary goal of atraumatic care
in pediatric nursing?
A) To minimize the child's physical pain during procedures
B) To eliminate all psychological stress for the child and family
C) To minimize the physical and psychological stress for the child and family
D) To ensure the child's compliance with all medical treatments
Correct Answer: To minimize the physical and psychological stress for the
child and family
Rationale: Atraumatic care is a philosophy of providing therapeutic care
through the use of interventions that minimize physical and psychological
stress for children and their families. It focuses on preventing or minimizing
the child's separation from parents, promoting a sense of control, and
preventing or minimizing bodily injury and pain.
2. According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, what is the
primary developmental task of the infant (birth to 1 year)?
A) Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
B) Trust vs. Mistrust
C) Initiative vs. Guilt
D) Industry vs. Inferiority
Correct Answer: Trust vs. Mistrust
Rationale: Erikson's first stage, Trust vs. Mistrust, occurs during infancy. The
infant develops a sense of trust when basic needs for food, comfort, and
,security are consistently met by caregivers. This foundational trust is
essential for healthy development.
3. A nurse is assessing a 4-month-old infant during a well-child visit. Which
developmental milestone should the nurse expect to observe?
A) Sitting without support
B) Rolling from back to front
C) Transferring objects from hand to hand
D) Walking with assistance
Correct Answer: Rolling from back to front
Rationale: By 4 months, infants typically can roll from back to front. Sitting
without support occurs around 8 months. Transferring objects hand-to-hand
typically occurs around 6-7 months, and walking with assistance around 9-12
months.
4. The posterior fontanelle is expected to close by which age?
A) 2-3 months
B) 6-8 weeks
C) 12-18 months
D) 24 months
Correct Answer: 2-3 months
Rationale: The posterior fontanelle typically closes by 2 to 3 months of age.
The anterior fontanelle, which is larger and diamond-shaped, closes much
later, between 12 and 18 months.
,5. According to Piaget, at what age does the concept of object permanence
typically develop?
A) 2-4 months
B) 6-9 months
C) 12-18 months
D) 24 months
Correct Answer: 6-9 months
Rationale: Object permanence, the understanding that objects continue to
exist even when out of sight, develops around 6-9 months of age. This is a
key cognitive milestone in the sensorimotor stage.
6. Which of the following is a major cause of death for children older than 1
year?
A) Heart disease
B) Congenital anomalies
C) Cancer
D) Unintentional injuries
Correct Answer: Unintentional injuries
Rationale: Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death for children
older than 1 year. For children under 1 year, congenital anomalies and SIDS
are the leading causes.
7. A nurse is caring for a child with acute epiglottitis. Which of the following
assessment findings would the nurse expect to observe?
A) Barking cough and inspiratory stridor
, B) Gradual onset of symptoms over several days
C) Drooling and sitting in a tripod position
D) Wheezing on expiration
Correct Answer: Drooling and sitting in a tripod position
Rationale: Epiglottitis is a medical emergency. Children present with a
sudden onset of high fever, drooling, dysphagia, and respiratory distress,
often assuming a tripod position (leaning forward with hands on knees) to
maintain an open airway. A barking cough is more characteristic of croup.
8. A 2-year-old child is brought to the emergency department with a barking
cough, inspiratory stridor, and hoarseness. Which of the following is the most
likely diagnosis?
A) Epiglottitis
B) Bronchiolitis
C) Laryngotracheobronchitis (Croup)
D) Foreign body aspiration
Correct Answer: Laryngotracheobronchitis (Croup)
Rationale: Croup is characterized by a barking cough, inspiratory stridor,
hoarseness, and respiratory distress. It is most common in children ages 6
months to 3 years and is typically viral in origin.
9. Which nursing intervention is most important for a child hospitalized with
respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis?
A) Maintaining strict bed rest
B) Administering antibiotics as prescribed
