ANSWERS | 2026/2027 LATEST UPDATE | OB/PEDS
| GALEN COLLEGE OF NURSING
SECTION 1 — PEDIATRIC GROWTH &
DEVELOPMENT
1.
The nurse is assessing a healthy infant's growth pattern. Which statement is generally expected?
A. Birth weight doubles by approximately 5 months
B. Birth weight triples by 1 month
C. Birth weight remains unchanged during the first year
D. Birth weight quadruples by 3 months
Correct Answer: A. Birth weight doubles by approximately 5 months
Rationale: A healthy infant generally doubles birth weight by about 4–6 months and triples it by
approximately 12 months.
2.
Which developmental task is most characteristic of the toddler period?
A. Developing independence
B. Establishing abstract reasoning
C. Developing intimate adult relationships
D. Achieving formal operational thinking
Correct Answer: A. Developing independence
Rationale: Toddlers are developing autonomy and independence. Allowing limited choices helps
support this developmental task.
3.
Which activity is most appropriate for a hospitalized toddler?
A. Large-group competitive games
B. Simple toys that allow exploration
,C. Complex board games
D. Abstract problem-solving activities
Correct Answer: B. Simple toys that allow exploration
Rationale: Toddlers learn through exploration and active manipulation. Age-appropriate toys
should be simple, safe, and encourage independent play.
4.
Which behavior is characteristic of a preschool-aged child?
A. Magical thinking
B. Abstract reasoning
C. Complete understanding of death
D. Formal logical reasoning
Correct Answer: A. Magical thinking
Rationale: Preschoolers often use magical thinking and may believe their thoughts or actions
caused events.
5.
Which approach should the nurse use when communicating with a preschooler?
A. Use concrete and simple explanations
B. Use complex medical terminology
C. Provide only written instructions
D. Avoid demonstrations
Correct Answer: A. Use concrete and simple explanations
Rationale: Preschool children understand simple, concrete explanations better than abstract
concepts. Demonstration and play can improve understanding.
6.
Which developmental characteristic is most associated with school-age children?
A. Increasing logical reasoning
B. Magical thinking as the primary cognitive process
C. Complete dependence on caregivers
D. Lack of interest in peers
Correct Answer: A. Increasing logical reasoning
,Rationale: School-age children develop concrete operational thinking and increasingly use logic
when reasoning about familiar situations.
7.
Which influence becomes particularly important during adolescence?
A. Peer relationships
B. Reflex development
C. Object permanence
D. Stranger anxiety
Correct Answer: A. Peer relationships
Rationale: Peer relationships become increasingly influential during adolescence as the child
develops identity and independence.
8.
Which activity is most appropriate for an adolescent hospitalized for several days?
A. Age-appropriate electronic or social activities
B. Infant rattles
C. Toddler stacking blocks only
D. Preschool coloring activities only
Correct Answer: A. Age-appropriate electronic or social activities
Rationale: Adolescents benefit from activities that preserve social connection, independence,
privacy, and age-appropriate interests.
9.
Which finding should the nurse recognize as potentially concerning for delayed development?
A. Failure to achieve an expected milestone over time
B. Temporary stranger anxiety
C. Parallel play in a toddler
D. Preference for familiar caregivers
Correct Answer: A. Failure to achieve an expected milestone over time
Rationale: Developmental milestones provide a framework for assessing development.
Significant delays or loss of previously acquired skills require further evaluation.
10.
, Which nursing intervention best supports developmental needs during hospitalization?
A. Encourage age-appropriate play
B. Restrict all activities
C. Keep the child in bed continuously
D. Prevent family participation
Correct Answer: A. Encourage age-appropriate play
Rationale: Play supports emotional expression, development, coping, and normalization during
hospitalization.
SECTION 2 — PEDIATRIC NUTRITION
11.
Which food is appropriate for an infant beginning complementary foods?
A. Iron-fortified cereal
B. Whole grapes
C. Popcorn
D. Whole nuts
Correct Answer: A. Iron-fortified cereal
Rationale: Iron stores begin to decrease during infancy, making iron-rich complementary foods
important. Foods should also be prepared in an age-appropriate consistency.
12.
Which food presents a significant choking hazard for a young child?
A. Whole grapes
B. Mashed banana
C. Pureed vegetables
D. Yogurt
Correct Answer: A. Whole grapes
Rationale: Whole grapes can obstruct a young child's airway. They should be cut appropriately
before being offered.
13.