HESI Pediatric and Maternity Nursing
Comprehensive Examination 2026/2027
| Verified Questions
Section 1: Pediatric Nursing (Questions 1-75)
Topic: Growth and Development
1. Question: At what age does an infant typically first develop a social smile?
o A. 2 weeks
o B. 2 months
o C. 4 months
o D. 6 months
o Correct Answer: B. 2 months
o Rationale: A social smile is a key developmental milestone that
typically emerges between 6 and 8 weeks of age. It is a response to a
human face or voice, distinct from the reflexive smile of a newborn.
2. Question: A nurse is assessing a 9-month-old infant. Which of the following
findings should the nurse expect?
o A. Walking independently
o B. Using a pincer grasp
o C. Speaking in two-word sentences
o D. Having a birth weight that has tripled
o Correct Answer: B. Using a pincer grasp
, o Rationale: A pincer grasp (using the thumb and index finger to
pick up small objects) typically develops between 8 and 10 months of
age. Walking independently usually occurs around 12-15 months,
two-word sentences around 18-24 months, and tripling of birth
weight by 12 months.
3. Question: According to Piaget, a 4-year-old child is in which stage of
cognitive development?
o A. Sensorimotor
o B. Preoperational
o C. Concrete operational
o D. Formal operational
o Correct Answer: B. Preoperational
o Rationale: The preoperational stage (ages 2-7) is characterized by
egocentric thinking, magical thinking, and the use of symbols. The
sensorimotor stage is from birth to 2 years, concrete operational is
from 7-11 years, and formal operational is from 11 years onward.
4. Question: A nurse is teaching a parent about expected behaviors of a 2-
year-old toddler. Which of the following statements by the parent indicates
a need for further teaching?
o A. "My child might have temper tantrums."
o B. "My child will want to do things for themselves."
o C. "My child should be able to share their toys easily."
o D. "My child may be afraid of strangers."
o Correct Answer: C. "My child should be able to share their toys
easily."
, o Rationale: Toddlers are egocentric and are not developmentally
ready to share. Sharing is a skill that develops later in the preschool
years. Temper tantrums, a desire for autonomy ("me do it"), and
stranger anxiety are all expected behaviors for a 2-year-old.
5. Question: What is the most appropriate toy for a 6-month-old infant?
o A. A board game with small pieces
o B. A brightly colored mobile
o C. A set of building blocks
o D. A push-pull toy
o Correct Answer: B. A brightly colored mobile
o Rationale: A 6-month-old infant is developing visual tracking and
reaching skills. A brightly colored mobile provides visual stimulation
and encourages reaching. Board games are for older children, blocks
are for older infants/toddlers, and push-pull toys are for toddlers who
can walk.
Topic: Pediatric Assessment and Vital Signs
6. Question: When assessing a 2-year-old child's pain, which of the following
tools is most appropriate?
o A. Numeric pain scale (0-10)
o B. FACES pain rating scale
o C. Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
o D. Simple descriptor scale (mild, moderate, severe)
o Correct Answer: B. FACES pain rating scale
o Rationale: The FACES scale uses a series of faces to depict
different levels of pain, making it appropriate for children as young as
Comprehensive Examination 2026/2027
| Verified Questions
Section 1: Pediatric Nursing (Questions 1-75)
Topic: Growth and Development
1. Question: At what age does an infant typically first develop a social smile?
o A. 2 weeks
o B. 2 months
o C. 4 months
o D. 6 months
o Correct Answer: B. 2 months
o Rationale: A social smile is a key developmental milestone that
typically emerges between 6 and 8 weeks of age. It is a response to a
human face or voice, distinct from the reflexive smile of a newborn.
2. Question: A nurse is assessing a 9-month-old infant. Which of the following
findings should the nurse expect?
o A. Walking independently
o B. Using a pincer grasp
o C. Speaking in two-word sentences
o D. Having a birth weight that has tripled
o Correct Answer: B. Using a pincer grasp
, o Rationale: A pincer grasp (using the thumb and index finger to
pick up small objects) typically develops between 8 and 10 months of
age. Walking independently usually occurs around 12-15 months,
two-word sentences around 18-24 months, and tripling of birth
weight by 12 months.
3. Question: According to Piaget, a 4-year-old child is in which stage of
cognitive development?
o A. Sensorimotor
o B. Preoperational
o C. Concrete operational
o D. Formal operational
o Correct Answer: B. Preoperational
o Rationale: The preoperational stage (ages 2-7) is characterized by
egocentric thinking, magical thinking, and the use of symbols. The
sensorimotor stage is from birth to 2 years, concrete operational is
from 7-11 years, and formal operational is from 11 years onward.
4. Question: A nurse is teaching a parent about expected behaviors of a 2-
year-old toddler. Which of the following statements by the parent indicates
a need for further teaching?
o A. "My child might have temper tantrums."
o B. "My child will want to do things for themselves."
o C. "My child should be able to share their toys easily."
o D. "My child may be afraid of strangers."
o Correct Answer: C. "My child should be able to share their toys
easily."
, o Rationale: Toddlers are egocentric and are not developmentally
ready to share. Sharing is a skill that develops later in the preschool
years. Temper tantrums, a desire for autonomy ("me do it"), and
stranger anxiety are all expected behaviors for a 2-year-old.
5. Question: What is the most appropriate toy for a 6-month-old infant?
o A. A board game with small pieces
o B. A brightly colored mobile
o C. A set of building blocks
o D. A push-pull toy
o Correct Answer: B. A brightly colored mobile
o Rationale: A 6-month-old infant is developing visual tracking and
reaching skills. A brightly colored mobile provides visual stimulation
and encourages reaching. Board games are for older children, blocks
are for older infants/toddlers, and push-pull toys are for toddlers who
can walk.
Topic: Pediatric Assessment and Vital Signs
6. Question: When assessing a 2-year-old child's pain, which of the following
tools is most appropriate?
o A. Numeric pain scale (0-10)
o B. FACES pain rating scale
o C. Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
o D. Simple descriptor scale (mild, moderate, severe)
o Correct Answer: B. FACES pain rating scale
o Rationale: The FACES scale uses a series of faces to depict
different levels of pain, making it appropriate for children as young as
