Final, ATI RN Nursing Care of
Children, PEDS final, Pediatrics Exam
1-Growth, Pediatric Cardiac Disorders
& Procedures, Pediatric emergencies,
Pediatrics Exam #1 practice questions
And Answers With Rationales
/. Which clinical manifestation is MOST characteristic of Fifth's disease (Erythema
Infectiosum)?
A. A vesicular rash starting on the trunk
B. Bright red cheeks with a lacy rash on the body
C. Honey-colored crusted lesions around the nose
D. A maculopapular rash starting at the hairline - Answer-✅Answer: B. Bright red
cheeks with a lacy rash on the body
Rationale: Fifth's disease presents with a "slapped cheek" appearance followed by a
lacy, reticular rash on the body. It is caused by Parvovirus B19.
/.What is the primary nursing intervention for a child with thrombocytopenia secondary
to chemotherapy?
A. Encourage frequent ambulation
B. Apply heat to painful joints
C. Avoid IM injections and monitor for bleeding
D. Increase dietary iron intake - Answer-✅Answer: C. Avoid IM injections and monitor
for bleeding
Rationale: Thrombocytopenia increases bleeding risk. Avoiding trauma and minimizing
invasive procedures like intramuscular injections helps prevent hemorrhage.
/.Which pain scale is most appropriate for a non-verbal 6-month-old infant?
A. Numeric Visual Analogue Scale
B. Wong-Baker FACES
C. FLACC scale
D. Numeric Rating Scale (0-10) - Answer-✅Answer: C. FLACC scale
Rationale: The FLACC scale assesses pain in infants and non-verbal children by
observing facial expression, leg movement, activity, cry, and consolability.
,/.What electrolyte imbalance is most likely in a child with prolonged vomiting?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypocalcemia - Answer-✅Answer: C. Hypokalemia
Rationale: Vomiting leads to potassium loss through gastric fluids, resulting in
hypokalemia. Monitoring and replacing electrolytes is crucial in these patients.
/.Which is an appropriate intervention for a preschool-aged child during hospitalization?
A. Provide structured learning activities
B. Encourage parallel play with others
C. Offer solitary play options
D. Engage in formal teaching sessions - Answer-✅Answer: B. Encourage parallel play
with others
Rationale: Preschoolers engage in parallel play—playing alongside other children
without direct interaction. This supports development and reduces anxiety during
hospitalization.
/.Which laboratory finding is most consistent with a diagnosis of acute post-
streptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN)?
A. Elevated potassium, decreased BUN
B. Elevated ASO titer, hematuria, proteinuria
C. Positive nitrites, elevated WBC
D. Low hematocrit, high reticulocyte count - Answer-✅Answer: B. Elevated ASO titer,
hematuria, proteinuria
Rationale: APSGN typically occurs after a streptococcal infection and presents with
hematuria, proteinuria, hypertension, and a positive ASO titer indicating recent strep
exposure.
/.What is the most important pre-operative nursing implication for a child diagnosed with
Wilms' Tumor (nephroblastoma)?
A. Administer diuretics before surgery
B. Avoid palpating the abdomen
C. Monitor for signs of hypoglycemia
D. Start high-protein TPN - Answer-✅Answer: B. Avoid palpating the abdomen
Rationale: Palpation of the abdomen could rupture the encapsulated tumor and cause
dissemination of cancer cells.
/.Which of the following findings is most characteristic of increased intracranial pressure
in an infant?
A. Positive Babinski reflex
B. High-pitched cry and bulging fontanel
C. Hyperreflexia and tremors
D. Dry mucous membranes and sunken fontanel - Answer-✅Answer: B. High-pitched
cry and bulging fontanel
,Rationale: These are hallmark signs of increased ICP in infants, along with irritability
and increased head circumference.
/.Which intervention is appropriate for a child in sickle cell crisis experiencing vaso-
occlusive pain?
A. Administer oxygen and restrict fluids
B. Apply cold compresses and give aspirin
C. Administer IV fluids and opioids for pain
D. Limit movement and elevate extremities - Answer-✅Answer: C. Administer IV fluids
and opioids for pain
Rationale: Vaso-occlusive episodes are managed with hydration and pain control to
improve circulation and relieve ischemic pain.
/.What is the most appropriate intervention for an infant diagnosed with
gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)?
A. Encourage large, infrequent feedings
B. Place infant in supine position immediately after feeding
C. Hold the infant upright for 20-30 minutes after feedings
D. Administer antacids before each feeding - Answer-✅Answer: C. Hold the infant
upright for 20-30 minutes after feedings
Rationale: Upright positioning after feeding helps reduce reflux episodes and promotes
gastric emptying, which is critical for GERD management in infants.
*Remember It's only GER if under 1 years old*
/.A child with pyloric stenosis is likely to present with which of the following symptoms?
A. Foul-smelling diarrhea and bloating
B. Projectile vomiting and palpable olive-shaped mass
C. Bloody stools and abdominal tenderness
D. Pain relieved by eating - Answer-✅Answer: B. Projectile vomiting and palpable olive-
shaped mass
Rationale: Pyloric stenosis causes gastric outlet obstruction leading to forceful projectile
vomiting and a palpable mass in the right upper abdomen.
/.What is the priority nursing action for a child experiencing severe dehydration?
A. Encourage oral rehydration with small sips of water
B. Administer antidiarrheal medication
C. Begin IV rehydration therapy with isotonic fluids
D. Offer sugary drinks to improve energy - Answer-✅Answer: C. Begin IV rehydration
therapy with isotonic fluids
Rationale: Severe dehydration requires immediate IV fluid resuscitation with isotonic
solutions (e.g., NS or LR) to restore intravascular volume and prevent shock.
/.Which child is at highest risk for developing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?
A. 5-month-old who sleeps on back with pacifier
B. 2-month-old who co-sleeps and sleeps prone
C. 1-year-old who sleeps in crib with no toys
, D. 6-month-old who sleeps with a fan on - Answer-✅Answer: B. 2-month-old who co-
sleeps and sleeps prone
Rationale: Prone sleeping position and co-sleeping are major risk factors for SIDS.
Infants should be placed on their backs in a crib with a firm surface.
/.Which of the following are typical signs of digoxin toxicity in pediatric patients?
A. Hypertension, bradypnea, increased appetite
B. Nausea, vomiting, bradycardia
C. Hyperactivity, diarrhea, tachycardia
D. Edema, irritability, tachypnea - Answer-✅Answer: B. Nausea, vomiting, bradycardia
Rationale: Early signs of digoxin toxicity include GI disturbances (nausea/vomiting),
anorexia, and bradycardia. Always monitor apical HR before administration.
/.What is the first nursing action when assessing a child suspected of having
compartment syndrome?
A. Elevate the affected extremity above the heart
B. Apply heat to the affected area
C. Assess neurovascular status (pain, pulses, pallor, paresthesia, paralysis)
D. Encourage range-of-motion exercises - Answer-✅Answer: C. Assess neurovascular
status (pain, pulses, pallor, paresthesia, paralysis)
Rationale: Compartment syndrome is a surgical emergency. Early recognition through
frequent neurovascular checks is critical to preserve limb function.
/.Which of the following is a hallmark clinical feature of scoliosis in a pediatric patient?
A. Symmetrical shoulders and hips
B. Uniform spinal alignment
C. Visible curvature of the spine with asymmetrical shoulder height
D. Severe localized back pain at rest - Answer-✅Answer: C. Visible curvature of the
spine with asymmetrical shoulder height
Rationale: Scoliosis often presents with uneven shoulders, hips, and a visible curve
when the child bends forward. Pain is not typically an early sign.
/.What is the main goal in managing a patient with Sickle Cell Anemia?
A. Promote immune suppression
B. Prevent dehydration and hypoxia
C. Encourage strenuous activity
D. Administer long-term corticosteroids - Answer-✅Answer: B. Prevent dehydration and
hypoxia
Rationale: Preventing triggers like dehydration and hypoxia helps reduce sickling of red
blood cells and decreases the risk of painful vaso-occlusive crises.
/.A child with acute otitis media should be monitored for which potential complication?
A. Mastoiditis
B. Meningitis
C. Respiratory failure