Grand Canyon University NSG 434 Exam 1 (pdf) | 2026/2027 |
Pediatric Q&A | Pediatric Nursing
1. Which of the following best describes the purpose of a family-centered
approach in pediatric nursing?
A) Focusing exclusively on the child's physical health needs
B) Ensuring the healthcare team makes all decisions for the child
C) Recognizing the family as the constant in the child's life and collaborating
with them in care
D) Limiting family involvement to visiting hours only
Correct Answer: Recognizing the family as the constant in the child's life and
collaborating with them in care
Rationale: Family-centered care is built on the philosophy that the family is
the primary source of strength and support for the child. It emphasizes
partnership, respect, and collaboration between the healthcare team and the
family, recognizing that the family knows the child best.
---
2. A nurse is preparing to perform a physical assessment on a 3-year-old
child. Which approach is most developmentally appropriate?
A) Perform the assessment in a head-to-toe order starting with the head
B) Ask the child to remain completely still throughout the exam
C) Allow the child to play with the equipment before starting and use
distraction techniques
D) Perform the most invasive procedures first to get them over with
Correct Answer: Allow the child to play with the equipment before starting
and use distraction techniques
,Rationale: For a preschool-age child, the nurse should allow the child to
handle equipment, use simple explanations, and incorporate play and
distraction. The assessment should begin with less invasive procedures and
proceed to more invasive ones. Toddlers and preschoolers are egocentric,
and their cooperation is enhanced when they feel some control over the
situation.
---
3. According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, which
developmental task is a 2-year-old toddler attempting to master?
A) Trust vs. Mistrust
B) Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
C) Initiative vs. Guilt
D) Industry vs. Inferiority
Correct Answer: Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
Rationale: Erikson's psychosocial development theory for toddlers (1-3 years)
focuses on autonomy versus shame and doubt. Toddlers are working to
establish independence and control over their bodies and environment, often
through tasks like toilet training and feeding themselves. Trust vs. Mistrust is
the infant stage.
---
4. A nurse is assessing a 4-year-old child's cognitive development. According
to Piaget's theory, this child is in which stage of cognitive development?
A) Sensorimotor
,B) Preoperational
C) Concrete operational
D) Formal operational
Correct Answer: Preoperational
Rationale: Piaget's preoperational stage spans from ages 2 to 7 years.
Children in this stage use symbols and language but are egocentric and have
magical thinking. The sensorimotor stage is from birth to 2 years, concrete
operational is 7-11 years, and formal operational is 11 years and beyond.
---
5. A nurse is providing anticipatory guidance to the parents of a 1-month-old
infant. Which safety topic is the priority for this age group?
A) Water safety
B) Car seat safety
C) Poison prevention
D) Firearm safety
Correct Answer: Car seat safety
Rationale: At 1 month of age, car seat safety is the priority, as infants must
always ride in a rear-facing car seat. This is a critical safety measure from
birth. Water safety becomes more relevant as the child ages, and poison
prevention is more relevant once the child becomes mobile.
---
, 6. A nurse is measuring the head circumference of a 12-month-old infant.
Which finding would be of greatest concern?
A) Head circumference that is 2 cm larger than the chest circumference
B) Head circumference that has increased by 5 cm since the 6-month visit
C) Head circumference that is equal to the chest circumference
D) Head circumference that is 2 cm smaller than the chest circumference
Correct Answer: Head circumference that has increased by 5 cm since the 6-
month visit
Rationale: Rapid head growth may indicate increased intracranial pressure or
hydrocephalus. By 1-2 years of age, the chest circumference equals or
exceeds the head circumference. A 5 cm increase in head circumference
over 6 months is a significant finding requiring further evaluation.
---
7. Which of the following best describes the sequence of physical
examination for a pediatric client?
A) Head-to-toe, starting with the most invasive procedures
B) Least invasive to most invasive, with the child in a comfortable position
C) System-based, beginning with the neurological system
D) As requested by the parent, regardless of child's comfort
Correct Answer: Least invasive to most invasive, with the child in a
comfortable position
Rationale: The sequence of a pediatric physical examination should proceed
from least invasive to most invasive to minimize anxiety and promote
Pediatric Q&A | Pediatric Nursing
1. Which of the following best describes the purpose of a family-centered
approach in pediatric nursing?
A) Focusing exclusively on the child's physical health needs
B) Ensuring the healthcare team makes all decisions for the child
C) Recognizing the family as the constant in the child's life and collaborating
with them in care
D) Limiting family involvement to visiting hours only
Correct Answer: Recognizing the family as the constant in the child's life and
collaborating with them in care
Rationale: Family-centered care is built on the philosophy that the family is
the primary source of strength and support for the child. It emphasizes
partnership, respect, and collaboration between the healthcare team and the
family, recognizing that the family knows the child best.
---
2. A nurse is preparing to perform a physical assessment on a 3-year-old
child. Which approach is most developmentally appropriate?
A) Perform the assessment in a head-to-toe order starting with the head
B) Ask the child to remain completely still throughout the exam
C) Allow the child to play with the equipment before starting and use
distraction techniques
D) Perform the most invasive procedures first to get them over with
Correct Answer: Allow the child to play with the equipment before starting
and use distraction techniques
,Rationale: For a preschool-age child, the nurse should allow the child to
handle equipment, use simple explanations, and incorporate play and
distraction. The assessment should begin with less invasive procedures and
proceed to more invasive ones. Toddlers and preschoolers are egocentric,
and their cooperation is enhanced when they feel some control over the
situation.
---
3. According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, which
developmental task is a 2-year-old toddler attempting to master?
A) Trust vs. Mistrust
B) Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
C) Initiative vs. Guilt
D) Industry vs. Inferiority
Correct Answer: Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
Rationale: Erikson's psychosocial development theory for toddlers (1-3 years)
focuses on autonomy versus shame and doubt. Toddlers are working to
establish independence and control over their bodies and environment, often
through tasks like toilet training and feeding themselves. Trust vs. Mistrust is
the infant stage.
---
4. A nurse is assessing a 4-year-old child's cognitive development. According
to Piaget's theory, this child is in which stage of cognitive development?
A) Sensorimotor
,B) Preoperational
C) Concrete operational
D) Formal operational
Correct Answer: Preoperational
Rationale: Piaget's preoperational stage spans from ages 2 to 7 years.
Children in this stage use symbols and language but are egocentric and have
magical thinking. The sensorimotor stage is from birth to 2 years, concrete
operational is 7-11 years, and formal operational is 11 years and beyond.
---
5. A nurse is providing anticipatory guidance to the parents of a 1-month-old
infant. Which safety topic is the priority for this age group?
A) Water safety
B) Car seat safety
C) Poison prevention
D) Firearm safety
Correct Answer: Car seat safety
Rationale: At 1 month of age, car seat safety is the priority, as infants must
always ride in a rear-facing car seat. This is a critical safety measure from
birth. Water safety becomes more relevant as the child ages, and poison
prevention is more relevant once the child becomes mobile.
---
, 6. A nurse is measuring the head circumference of a 12-month-old infant.
Which finding would be of greatest concern?
A) Head circumference that is 2 cm larger than the chest circumference
B) Head circumference that has increased by 5 cm since the 6-month visit
C) Head circumference that is equal to the chest circumference
D) Head circumference that is 2 cm smaller than the chest circumference
Correct Answer: Head circumference that has increased by 5 cm since the 6-
month visit
Rationale: Rapid head growth may indicate increased intracranial pressure or
hydrocephalus. By 1-2 years of age, the chest circumference equals or
exceeds the head circumference. A 5 cm increase in head circumference
over 6 months is a significant finding requiring further evaluation.
---
7. Which of the following best describes the sequence of physical
examination for a pediatric client?
A) Head-to-toe, starting with the most invasive procedures
B) Least invasive to most invasive, with the child in a comfortable position
C) System-based, beginning with the neurological system
D) As requested by the parent, regardless of child's comfort
Correct Answer: Least invasive to most invasive, with the child in a
comfortable position
Rationale: The sequence of a pediatric physical examination should proceed
from least invasive to most invasive to minimize anxiety and promote
