Pediatric Nursing Exam Preparation | Extensive Resource Featuring
Evidence-Based Pediatric Care Practices, Key Developmental Milestones,
Advanced Nursing Interventions, Vital Signs Assessment Protocols, and
Detailed Review Questions for Excelling in Pediatric Nursing Examinations
Question 1:
A 5-year-old child is brought to the clinic with a fever and a sore throat. Which of the
following assessments is a priority?
• A) Auscultate lung sounds
• B) Examine the throat
• C) Check the skin for rashes
• D) Measure the child's heart rate
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Examine the throat
Rationale: Identifying throat conditions, such as tonsillitis or strep throat, is crucial,
especially when fever and sore throat are present.
Question 2:
A nurse is teaching parents about the signs of dehydration in their 2-year-old child.
Which statement by the parent indicates a need for further teaching?
• A) "My child has had less than three wet diapers in the last 24 hours."
• B) "My child is drinking plenty of fluids."
• C) "If my child's mouth is dry, it isn't a concern."
• D) "My child seems more tired than usual."
CORRECT ANSWER: C) "If my child's mouth is dry, it isn't a concern."
Rationale: A dry mouth is an important sign of dehydration; parents should be
concerned and seek medical advice.
Question 3:
During a well-child visit, a nurse is assessing developmental milestones for a 12-month-
old. Which of the following milestones should the nurse expect to observe?
• A) Says "mama" and "dada"
• B) Jumps in place
• C) Walks up and down stairs
, • D) Copies a circle
CORRECT ANSWER: A) Says "mama" and "dada"
Rationale: Saying "mama" and "dada" is a typical milestone for a 12-month-old,
showing growth in language skills.
Question 4:
What is the most appropriate nursing intervention for a 4-year-old child who is
recovering from surgery and is experiencing pain?
• A) Allow the child to sleep as much as they want
• B) Encourage the child to express their feelings about pain
• C) Provide distraction with toys or games
• D) Withhold pain medication until the child can describe the pain
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Encourage the child to express their feelings about pain
Rationale: Encouraging verbal expression helps assess pain levels and provide
appropriate care.
Question 5:
A nurse is assessing an adolescent for signs of anorexia nervosa. Which behavior would
be most indicative of this condition?
• A) Consuming regular meals
• B) Skipping meals and excessive exercising
• C) Maintaining a healthy weight
• D) Eating with family
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Skipping meals and excessive exercising
Rationale: Skipping meals and exercising excessively are common behaviors seen in
individuals with anorexia nervosa.
Question 6:
A child presents with wheezing and difficulty breathing. What is the nurse's priority
action?
• A) Administer oral corticosteroids
• B) Obtain a history of allergic reactions
, • C) Administer a bronchodilator
• D) Position the child in a supine position
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Administer a bronchodilator
Rationale: Administering a bronchodilator is critical for relieving bronchospasm and
improving airflow.
Question 7:
A nurse is caring for a 6-month-old infant. Which finding would be a concern?
• A) Babbling
• B) Sitting with support
• C) Not rolling over
• D) Recognizing familiar faces
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Not rolling over
Rationale: By 6 months, infants should be able to roll over, and failure to do so can
indicate developmental delays.
Question 8:
Which of the following vaccinations is typically given at 12 months of age?
• A) DTaP
• B) MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
• C) Varicella
• D) Hepatitis B
CORRECT ANSWER: B) MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
Rationale: The MMR vaccine is usually administered at 12 months to protect against
these viral infections.
Question 9:
A nurse is performing a pain assessment on a 3-year-old child. Which method is most
appropriate?
• A) Numeric scale
• B) Wong-Baker Faces scale
• C) Verbal description
, • D) Adult pain scale
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Wong-Baker Faces scale
Rationale: The Wong-Baker Faces scale is suitable for young children who may not
understand numeric scales.
Question 10:
In the event of a severe allergic reaction, which medication should the nurse ensure is
readily available?
• A) Antihistamines
• B) Epinephrine
• C) Steroids
• D) Acetaminophen
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Epinephrine
Rationale: Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis and can rapidly relieve
symptoms.
Question 11:
A 10-year-old child is diagnosed with asthma. Which statement by the child indicates a
need for further education regarding asthma management?
• A) "I can stop taking my inhaler when I feel better."
• B) "I need to avoid my asthma triggers."
• C) "I should carry my inhaler everywhere."
• D) "I can use my inhaler before exercise."
CORRECT ANSWER: A) "I can stop taking my inhaler when I feel better."
Rationale: Asthma medications should be taken consistently even when symptoms
improve.
Question 12:
What is the appropriate nursing intervention for a child with gastroenteritis?
• A) Administer solid food immediately
• B) Encourage oral rehydration solutions
• C) Withhold fluids to prevent further vomiting