NUR106 | NUR106 Pediatric Nursing Exam 1
Version 1 | Questions with Correct Answers and
Expert Explanation for Each Question | Saint Paul’s
School of Nursing
1. According to Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, which task is primary
for an infant during the first year of life?
A. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
B. Industry vs. Inferiority
C. Initiative vs. Guilt
D. Trust vs. Mistrust
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Erikson’s first stage of psychosocial development is Trust
vs. Mistrust, occurring during infancy. In this stage, the infant learns to rely on
caregivers for basic needs like food and comfort. Successful completion leads to a
sense of security and optimism in the world. Failure to provide consistent care can
result in fear and a lack of confidence. This foundational stage sets the tone for all
future social relationships and psychological health.
2. At what age does the posterior fontanelle typically close in a healthy infant?
A. 4 to 6 months
,B. 6 to 8 weeks
C. 12 to 18 months
D. 24 months
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The posterior fontanelle is a small, triangular soft spot located
at the back of an infant’s head. It typically closes by the age of 6 to 8 weeks as the
skull bones fuse. Nurses must monitor this area to ensure normal cranial growth
and development during early check-ups. Delayed closure might indicate underlying
health issues such as hydrocephalus or malnutrition. Early closure is generally less
concerning but still warrants clinical observation for head circumference trends.
3. A nurse is assessing a 4-year-old child’s growth. Which fine motor skill is most
characteristic of this age group?
A. Using scissors to cut out a circle
B. Tying shoelaces independently
C. Printing their first and last name
D. Stacking two blocks to build a tower
Correct Answer: A
,Expert Explanation: At age four, children develop the fine motor coordination
required to use scissors to cut along lines and shapes. This skill reflects increasing
control over small muscle movements in the hands and fingers. While they can draw
simple shapes, tying shoelaces and printing full names are usually later
accomplishments. Stacking only two blocks is a milestone for much younger
toddlers around 15 months old. Monitoring these skills helps nurses identify delays
in neurological or muscular development.
4. Which heart rate range is considered normal for a resting 2-year-old toddler?
A. 80 to 120 beats per minute
B. 60 to 100 beats per minute
C. 100 to 160 beats per minute
D. 70 to 110 beats per minute
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The normal resting heart rate for a toddler aged one to three
years typically falls between 80 and 120 beats per minute. This rate is significantly
higher than an adult’s but lower than a neonate’s average rate. Vital signs in children
must be interpreted based on age-specific norms rather than adult standards.
Factors such as anxiety, fever, or activity can cause temporary elevations above this
, baseline. Nurses should always assess the pulse for a full minute to ensure an
accurate reading.
5. A nurse observes a group of toddlers playing in a daycare setting. Which type of
play is most expected for this age?
A. Solitary play
B. Parallel play
C. Cooperative play
D. Associative play
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Toddlers typically engage in parallel play, where they play
near others but not with them. This developmental behavior is normal for children
between the ages of one and three. They may observe other children and use similar
toys without direct interaction or cooperation. This stage serves as a bridge
between solitary play and more complex social interactions. Nurses should reassure
parents that this lack of direct sharing is a normal developmental milestone.
6. When communicating with a 5-year-old child about a procedure, which approach is
most effective?
A. Using concrete terms and allowing the child to touch the equipment
B. Explaining the procedure in detail several days in advance
Version 1 | Questions with Correct Answers and
Expert Explanation for Each Question | Saint Paul’s
School of Nursing
1. According to Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, which task is primary
for an infant during the first year of life?
A. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
B. Industry vs. Inferiority
C. Initiative vs. Guilt
D. Trust vs. Mistrust
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Erikson’s first stage of psychosocial development is Trust
vs. Mistrust, occurring during infancy. In this stage, the infant learns to rely on
caregivers for basic needs like food and comfort. Successful completion leads to a
sense of security and optimism in the world. Failure to provide consistent care can
result in fear and a lack of confidence. This foundational stage sets the tone for all
future social relationships and psychological health.
2. At what age does the posterior fontanelle typically close in a healthy infant?
A. 4 to 6 months
,B. 6 to 8 weeks
C. 12 to 18 months
D. 24 months
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The posterior fontanelle is a small, triangular soft spot located
at the back of an infant’s head. It typically closes by the age of 6 to 8 weeks as the
skull bones fuse. Nurses must monitor this area to ensure normal cranial growth
and development during early check-ups. Delayed closure might indicate underlying
health issues such as hydrocephalus or malnutrition. Early closure is generally less
concerning but still warrants clinical observation for head circumference trends.
3. A nurse is assessing a 4-year-old child’s growth. Which fine motor skill is most
characteristic of this age group?
A. Using scissors to cut out a circle
B. Tying shoelaces independently
C. Printing their first and last name
D. Stacking two blocks to build a tower
Correct Answer: A
,Expert Explanation: At age four, children develop the fine motor coordination
required to use scissors to cut along lines and shapes. This skill reflects increasing
control over small muscle movements in the hands and fingers. While they can draw
simple shapes, tying shoelaces and printing full names are usually later
accomplishments. Stacking only two blocks is a milestone for much younger
toddlers around 15 months old. Monitoring these skills helps nurses identify delays
in neurological or muscular development.
4. Which heart rate range is considered normal for a resting 2-year-old toddler?
A. 80 to 120 beats per minute
B. 60 to 100 beats per minute
C. 100 to 160 beats per minute
D. 70 to 110 beats per minute
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The normal resting heart rate for a toddler aged one to three
years typically falls between 80 and 120 beats per minute. This rate is significantly
higher than an adult’s but lower than a neonate’s average rate. Vital signs in children
must be interpreted based on age-specific norms rather than adult standards.
Factors such as anxiety, fever, or activity can cause temporary elevations above this
, baseline. Nurses should always assess the pulse for a full minute to ensure an
accurate reading.
5. A nurse observes a group of toddlers playing in a daycare setting. Which type of
play is most expected for this age?
A. Solitary play
B. Parallel play
C. Cooperative play
D. Associative play
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Toddlers typically engage in parallel play, where they play
near others but not with them. This developmental behavior is normal for children
between the ages of one and three. They may observe other children and use similar
toys without direct interaction or cooperation. This stage serves as a bridge
between solitary play and more complex social interactions. Nurses should reassure
parents that this lack of direct sharing is a normal developmental milestone.
6. When communicating with a 5-year-old child about a procedure, which approach is
most effective?
A. Using concrete terms and allowing the child to touch the equipment
B. Explaining the procedure in detail several days in advance
