Pediatric Nursing Exam Questions and Answers | Complete Test Bank, Practice Quizzes, Detailed Rationales, and Study Guide for Nursing Students and Healthcare Certification Prep (Updated 2025–2026 Edition)

Comprehensive Pediatric Nursing Exam Resource
with Verified Questions, Correct Answers, and
Explanations | Nursing School, NCLEX, and
Healthcare Exam Preparation (Latest 2025–2026
Academic Year Study Pack)


Question 1
What is the primary focus of pediatric nursing?
A) To care for adults
B) To provide care for infants, children, and adolescents. (Correct Option)
C) To manage elderly care
D) To focus on mental health
Rationale: Pediatric nursing specializes in the medical care of younger populations,
addressing their specific health needs.


Question 2
What is the significance of growth charts in pediatric care?
A) To track adult health
B) To monitor a child's growth and development over time. (Correct Option)
C) To manage chronic diseases
D) To assess mental health
Rationale: Growth charts provide a visual representation of a child's growth patterns
compared to standardized percentiles.


Question 3
What is the recommended position for an infant during a feeding to reduce the risk of
aspiration?
A) Supine
B) Sitting upright or slightly elevated. (Correct Option)
C) Prone
D) Lying flat
Rationale: Keeping the infant upright helps prevent aspiration during feeding.


Question 4
What is a common sign of dehydration in children?
A) Increased appetite
B) Dry mouth and decreased urination. (Correct Option)

,C) Weight gain
D) Red cheeks
Rationale: Dry mouth and less urination are classic signs of dehydration in children.


Question 5
What is the best method for assessing pain in an infant?
A) Self-reporting
B) Using a pain scale appropriate for infants, such as FLACC. (Correct Option)
C) Observing vital signs only
D) Asking the caregiver
Rationale: The FLACC scale evaluates pain based on face, legs, activity, cry, and
consolability.


Question 6
What is the appropriate method for administering medication to a toddler?
A) By mouth without any assistance
B) With the help of a caregiver, using a syringe or dropper. (Correct Option)
C) Only in liquid form
D) Only if the child asks for it
Rationale: Using a syringe or dropper can help ensure accurate dosing and reduce the
chance of choking.


Question 7
What is the recommended immunization schedule for a child?
A) As needed
B) Following the CDC guidelines for age-specific vaccinations. (Correct Option)
C) At the parent's discretion
D) Only for school entry
Rationale: The CDC provides a recommended immunization schedule to protect
children from preventable diseases.


Question 8
What is a primary concern when caring for a child with asthma?
A) Ensuring the child has access to quick-relief medications. (Correct Option)
B) Monitoring their weight
C) Managing their diet
D) Keeping them indoors

,Rationale: Quick-relief medications are essential for managing asthma attacks and
ensuring airway safety.


Question 9
What developmental stage is characterized by a child's increased independence and
desire for peer interaction?
A) Infancy
B) Toddlerhood
C) School-age (6-12 years). (Correct Option)
D) Adolescence
Rationale: School-age children seek more independence and develop friendships
outside the family.


Question 10
What is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infections in pediatric settings?
A) Handwashing only
B) Hand hygiene and using personal protective equipment (PPE). (Correct Option)
C) Keeping children isolated
D) Relying on antibiotics
Rationale: Proper hand hygiene and PPE are crucial in preventing infection
transmission.


Question 11
What is a common psychological reaction in children facing hospitalization?
A) Joy
B) Fear and anxiety. (Correct Option)
C) Indifference
D) Excitement
Rationale: Hospitalization can be a frightening experience for children, often leading to
fear and anxiety.


Question 12
What is the most appropriate way to communicate with a preschool-aged child?
A) Using complex medical terminology
B) Using simple language and visual aids. (Correct Option)
C) Ignoring their questions
D) Speaking only to the caregiver

, Rationale: Simple language and visuals help preschoolers understand and engage in
communication.


Question 13
What does the acronym "SIDS" stand for?
A) Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
B) Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. (Correct Option)
C) Severe Infant Development Syndrome
D) Sudden Illness and Death Syndrome
Rationale: SIDS refers to the unexplained death of an infant, typically during sleep.


Question 14
What is the most critical assessment for a child in respiratory distress?
A) Blood pressure
B) Respiratory rate and effort. (Correct Option)
C) Temperature
D) Heart rate
Rationale: Respiratory assessment is vital for identifying and managing respiratory
distress in children.


Question 15
What is the recommended technique for administering an intramuscular injection to a
child?
A) In the arm only
B) In the vastus lateralis muscle for infants and young children. (Correct Option)
C) In the buttock for all ages
D) In the abdomen
Rationale: The vastus lateralis muscle is preferred for IM injections in infants and young
children due to its size and safety.


Question 16
What is a common side effect of pediatric antibiotics?
A) Weight gain
B) Diarrhea. (Correct Option)
C) Increased energy
D) Skin rash
Rationale: Antibiotics can disrupt the natural gut flora, leading to diarrhea.