Version 3 | Questions with Correct Answers and
Expert Explanation for Each Question | Saint Paul’s
School of Nursing
1. A 10-year-old child is hospitalized for a chronic condition. According to Erikson’s
stages of development, which approach should the nurse prioritize?
A. Encouraging the child to complete school assignments and participate in their
care.
B. Allowing the child to make all decisions regarding their medical treatment.
C. Limiting visitors to ensure the child focuses only on physical recovery.
D. Providing the child with toys meant for toddlers to ensure safety.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: School-age children are in the Industry vs. Inferiority stage
and thrive on mastery and achievement. Encouraging the child to complete tasks
like schoolwork helps foster a sense of competence during hospitalization.
Restricting visitors or providing age-inappropriate toys can lead to feelings of
isolation or regression. Nurses should facilitate opportunities for the child to
participate in their own care to boost self-esteem. This patient-centered approach
aligns with developmental goals for the 6 to 12-year-old age group.
,2. A nurse is teaching the parents of a child with Cystic Fibrosis about dietary
management. Which instruction is most important to include?
A. Restrict salt intake during the summer months.
B. Limit fluid intake to prevent pulmonary congestion.
C. Maintain a low-calorie, low-protein diet to prevent obesity.
D. Administer pancreatic enzymes with every meal and snack.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Children with Cystic Fibrosis require pancreatic enzymes to
digest fats and proteins due to pancreatic duct blockage. These enzymes must be
taken consistently with all food intake to ensure proper nutrient absorption. High-
calorie and high-protein diets are actually recommended to combat malabsorption
issues common in this population. Salt intake should be increased rather than
restricted, especially during hot weather or exercise. Education on enzyme therapy
is a vital component of the chronic care management plan.
3. An infant is admitted with suspected Laryngotracheobronchitis (Croup). Which
clinical finding should the nurse expect to observe?
A. High-pitched inspiratory stridor and a barking cough.
B. Productive cough with thick, green sputum.
C. Expiration wheezing and a silent chest.
,D. Sudden onset of high fever and drooling.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Laryngotracheobronchitis is characterized by inflammation of
the upper airway resulting in a classic barking cough. Inspiratory stridor occurs as
the airway narrows, making it a hallmark sign of the condition. Drooling and high
fever are more indicative of epiglottitis, which is a medical emergency. The nurse
must monitor the child’s respiratory effort to detect worsening obstruction.
Providing a calm environment and cool mist therapy often helps alleviate the child’s
symptoms.
4. A 4-year-old child is scheduled for a procedure. To reduce anxiety, which action
should the nurse take?
A. Explain the procedure using complex medical terminology.
B. Wait until the procedure starts to tell the child what is happening.
C. Allow the child to handle safe medical equipment like a stethoscope.
D. Tell the child that the procedure will not hurt at all.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Preschool-age children benefit from medical play to help them
process their fears and understand upcoming events. Allowing them to touch safe
equipment makes the environment feel less threatening and more familiar. Nurses
, should use simple, concrete language rather than medical jargon when
communicating with this age group. Lying about pain can damage the trust between
the child and the healthcare provider. Preparation for procedures should happen
shortly before the event to minimize prolonged anticipatory anxiety.
5. A nurse is assessing a child with a Vaso-occlusive Sickle Cell Crisis. What is the
priority nursing intervention?
A. Administering cold compresses to painful joints.
B. Restricting oxygen therapy to prevent dependency.
C. Encouraging high-impact physical activity to increase circulation.
D. Increasing intravenous and oral fluid intake.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Hydration is the top priority in sickle cell crisis to reduce
blood viscosity and prevent further sickling of cells. Fluid administration helps
improve circulation and reduces the pain caused by infarcted tissue. Cold
compresses should be avoided because they cause vasoconstriction, which can
worsen the crisis. Pain management and oxygen therapy are also essential
components of the multidisciplinary care plan. Rest and gradual return to activity
are recommended once the acute phase has passed.