PEDS COMPREHENSIVE EXAM PAPER 2026
FULL QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
GRADED A+
●● Which assessment findings of a child would indicate a need for
genetic consultation? Select all that apply.
Answer: Visual or hearing problems , Family history of mental illness,
Development and speech delays, Excessive bleeding or excessive
clotting
Rationale: Visual or hearing problems may indicate a genetic disorder
and should be assessed thoroughly. Mental illness is a hereditary
disorder that can be transmitted through genes to the child. Therefore, a
family history of any mental illness indicates a need for genetic
consultation so that preventive measures and treatment can be initiated.
Development and speech delays may indicate a genetic disorder, like
autism or another behavioral disorder. Bleeding disorders like sickle cell
anemia are also inherited and need genetic consultation. Fetal alcohol
syndrome is not inherited, but caused by maternal consumption of
alcohol during pregnancy.
●● While caring for a breastfeeding patient, the nurse instructs the
patient to begin feeding the infant when the child is quiet and alert. The
nurse observes that the infant begins fussing and crying. What behavior
does the infant display?
Answer: Prefeeding behavior
, Rationale: The infant is crying and fussing, which indicates high arousal
and hunger. This behavior is termed prefeeding behavior. To enable the
infant to gain a proper grasp of the mother's breast, the nurse instructs
the mother to begin feeding before the onset of prefeeding behavior. The
infant who is satisfied with the feeding exhibits satiety and usually
becomes calm and falls asleep. Sucking movements and rooting reflex
indicate approach behavior. Consummatory behavior is demonstrated by
coordinated sucking and swallowing.
●● What are the different patterns of physical development and
maturation of neuromuscular functions in a child? Select all that apply.
Answer: Proximodistal, Cephalocaudal , Differentiation
Rationale: Proximodistal development refers to near-to-far development
in the infant. The infant first gains motor control of the shoulder and
then the hands. Additionally, the infant's central nervous system (CNS)
develops more rapidly than the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
Cephalocaudal is the head-to-tail growth seen in a child. The infant
achieves control of the head first, followed by the trunks and extremities.
Infants gain control of their hands before they are able to control their
feet. Differentiation refers to the development from simple operations to
more complex activities and functions. For instance, early embryonal
cells develop into an immensely complex organism made up of highly
specialized and diversified cells, tissues, and organs. Sensorimotor
development is not a pattern of development, but a part of the theory of
cognitive development as proposed by Piaget. Fowler proposed the
undifferentiated stage of spiritual development, in which the child has no
concept of right and wrong to guide the child's behavior.
FULL QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
GRADED A+
●● Which assessment findings of a child would indicate a need for
genetic consultation? Select all that apply.
Answer: Visual or hearing problems , Family history of mental illness,
Development and speech delays, Excessive bleeding or excessive
clotting
Rationale: Visual or hearing problems may indicate a genetic disorder
and should be assessed thoroughly. Mental illness is a hereditary
disorder that can be transmitted through genes to the child. Therefore, a
family history of any mental illness indicates a need for genetic
consultation so that preventive measures and treatment can be initiated.
Development and speech delays may indicate a genetic disorder, like
autism or another behavioral disorder. Bleeding disorders like sickle cell
anemia are also inherited and need genetic consultation. Fetal alcohol
syndrome is not inherited, but caused by maternal consumption of
alcohol during pregnancy.
●● While caring for a breastfeeding patient, the nurse instructs the
patient to begin feeding the infant when the child is quiet and alert. The
nurse observes that the infant begins fussing and crying. What behavior
does the infant display?
Answer: Prefeeding behavior
, Rationale: The infant is crying and fussing, which indicates high arousal
and hunger. This behavior is termed prefeeding behavior. To enable the
infant to gain a proper grasp of the mother's breast, the nurse instructs
the mother to begin feeding before the onset of prefeeding behavior. The
infant who is satisfied with the feeding exhibits satiety and usually
becomes calm and falls asleep. Sucking movements and rooting reflex
indicate approach behavior. Consummatory behavior is demonstrated by
coordinated sucking and swallowing.
●● What are the different patterns of physical development and
maturation of neuromuscular functions in a child? Select all that apply.
Answer: Proximodistal, Cephalocaudal , Differentiation
Rationale: Proximodistal development refers to near-to-far development
in the infant. The infant first gains motor control of the shoulder and
then the hands. Additionally, the infant's central nervous system (CNS)
develops more rapidly than the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
Cephalocaudal is the head-to-tail growth seen in a child. The infant
achieves control of the head first, followed by the trunks and extremities.
Infants gain control of their hands before they are able to control their
feet. Differentiation refers to the development from simple operations to
more complex activities and functions. For instance, early embryonal
cells develop into an immensely complex organism made up of highly
specialized and diversified cells, tissues, and organs. Sensorimotor
development is not a pattern of development, but a part of the theory of
cognitive development as proposed by Piaget. Fowler proposed the
undifferentiated stage of spiritual development, in which the child has no
concept of right and wrong to guide the child's behavior.
