NSG 123 Exam 1 Growth and Development: (Latest 2026/2027 Update)
Pediatric Milestones & Developmental Theories | Q&A | Grade A | 100%
Correct (Verified Answers) – Nursing Program
Subject: NSG 123 – Pediatric Nursing / Growth & Development
Source: NSG 123 Exam 1 Growth and Development Blueprint 2026/2027
Format: Q&A Guide with Rationale | Verified Grade A
1. A nurse performs a developmental assessment on a 15-month-old client. Which finding causes the
nurse concern?
Correct Answer: A. Unable to stand for two seconds
1. By 15 months, most toddlers can stand alone and walk independently (12-15 months). Unable
to stand indicates motor delay.
2. Running and hopping are expected at 24-30 months (not at 15 months).
3. One-word sentences (e.g., "mama," "dada") are typical for 12-15 months.
2. By one year of age, the infant's birth weight does what?
Correct Answer: B. Triples (birth weight triples by 12 months).
1. Birth weight doubles by 6 months; triples by 12 months.
2. Length increases by 50% at 12 months; head circumference increases ~1 cm/month.
3. Weight gain slows after 6 months; growth spurts occur around 2-3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6
months, 9 months, 12 months.
3. A nurse prepares to care for a 5-year-old who has been placed in traction following a fracture of
the femur. The nurse plans care, knowing that which of the following is the most appropriate
activity for this child?
Correct Answer: C. Crayons and coloring book
1. Preschoolers (3-5 years) enjoy quiet, creative activities like coloring, drawing, playdough, and
simple puzzles. They are in the preoperational stage (Piaget) and use symbols.
2. Large picture books appropriate but require less active engagement.
3. Sports videos less suitable for immobilized child; radio may not provide visual stimulation.
4. According to Erikson, the developmental task of toddlerhood is:
Correct Answer: C. Autonomy vs. shame and doubt
1. Toddlers (1-3 years) develop independence, self-control, and willpower. "No" is a favorite
word.
2. Trust vs mistrust (infancy); Initiative vs guilt (preschool); Industry vs inferiority (school age);
Identity vs role confusion (adolescence).
3. Encouraging self-feeding, dressing, and toileting supports autonomy.
, 5. A nurse interviews a teenage client during a sports physical. The client states, "I hate that I have
to wear make-up so no one can see my acne." The nurse records that the client is in which stage of
development?
Correct Answer: D. Identity vs. role confusion
1. Adolescents are preoccupied with body image, peer acceptance, and self-identity. Acne
concerns reflect this stage.
2. Industry vs inferiority (school age) is about competence and productivity.
3. Initiative vs guilt (preschool) involves trying new activities; Trust vs mistrust (infancy) basic
needs.
6. A 5-year-old patient is admitted with a broken left arm. His arm is immobilized. What nursing
intervention is age appropriate for this child regarding his hospitalization?
Correct Answer: C. Allow the child to help with bathing, feeding, and changing bandages.
1. Preschoolers want to be independent and involved in their care (initiative vs guilt). Allowing
participation promotes mastery and reduces anxiety.
2. Discouraging friends may increase isolation; friends can visit without embarrassment.
3. Use simple, concrete explanations with visual aids (diagrams appropriate). Ask about body
changes but not future impact (concrete thinking).
7. A parent brings a toddler, age 19 months, to the clinic for a regular check-up. When palpating the
toddler's fontanels, what should the nurse expect to find?
Correct Answer: C. Closed anterior and posterior fontanels
1. Posterior fontanel closes by 2 months; anterior fontanel closes by 12-18 months (range 9-24
months).
2. By 19 months, both fontanels should be closed. Delayed closure may indicate hypothyroidism,
rickets, Down syndrome, hydrocephalus.
3. Bulging anterior fontanel suggests increased ICP; sunken indicates dehydration.
8. A mother of a 3-year-old tells a clinic nurse that the child is rebelling constantly and having
temper tantrums. The nurse most appropriately tells the mother to:
Correct Answer: D. Ignore the child when this behavior occurs
1. Ignoring tantrums (extinction) removes attention that reinforces behavior. Praise positive
behavior.
2. Punishment increases negative behavior and resistance.
3. Allowing behavior without guidance misses teaching opportunity. Setting limits is important
but during tantrum, ignore until child calms.
9. Nurse Raven should expect a 3-year-old child to be able to perform which action?
Correct Answer: A. Ride a tricycle
1. By age 3, gross motor skills include pedaling a tricycle, running easily, climbing, jumping in
place, walking up/down stairs with alternating feet.
2. Tying shoelaces is a 5-6 year skill; roller-skating and jump rope are 5+ years.
3. Fine motor skills at 3 years: builds tower of 9-10 blocks, copies circle, uses utensils.
Pediatric Milestones & Developmental Theories | Q&A | Grade A | 100%
Correct (Verified Answers) – Nursing Program
Subject: NSG 123 – Pediatric Nursing / Growth & Development
Source: NSG 123 Exam 1 Growth and Development Blueprint 2026/2027
Format: Q&A Guide with Rationale | Verified Grade A
1. A nurse performs a developmental assessment on a 15-month-old client. Which finding causes the
nurse concern?
Correct Answer: A. Unable to stand for two seconds
1. By 15 months, most toddlers can stand alone and walk independently (12-15 months). Unable
to stand indicates motor delay.
2. Running and hopping are expected at 24-30 months (not at 15 months).
3. One-word sentences (e.g., "mama," "dada") are typical for 12-15 months.
2. By one year of age, the infant's birth weight does what?
Correct Answer: B. Triples (birth weight triples by 12 months).
1. Birth weight doubles by 6 months; triples by 12 months.
2. Length increases by 50% at 12 months; head circumference increases ~1 cm/month.
3. Weight gain slows after 6 months; growth spurts occur around 2-3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6
months, 9 months, 12 months.
3. A nurse prepares to care for a 5-year-old who has been placed in traction following a fracture of
the femur. The nurse plans care, knowing that which of the following is the most appropriate
activity for this child?
Correct Answer: C. Crayons and coloring book
1. Preschoolers (3-5 years) enjoy quiet, creative activities like coloring, drawing, playdough, and
simple puzzles. They are in the preoperational stage (Piaget) and use symbols.
2. Large picture books appropriate but require less active engagement.
3. Sports videos less suitable for immobilized child; radio may not provide visual stimulation.
4. According to Erikson, the developmental task of toddlerhood is:
Correct Answer: C. Autonomy vs. shame and doubt
1. Toddlers (1-3 years) develop independence, self-control, and willpower. "No" is a favorite
word.
2. Trust vs mistrust (infancy); Initiative vs guilt (preschool); Industry vs inferiority (school age);
Identity vs role confusion (adolescence).
3. Encouraging self-feeding, dressing, and toileting supports autonomy.
, 5. A nurse interviews a teenage client during a sports physical. The client states, "I hate that I have
to wear make-up so no one can see my acne." The nurse records that the client is in which stage of
development?
Correct Answer: D. Identity vs. role confusion
1. Adolescents are preoccupied with body image, peer acceptance, and self-identity. Acne
concerns reflect this stage.
2. Industry vs inferiority (school age) is about competence and productivity.
3. Initiative vs guilt (preschool) involves trying new activities; Trust vs mistrust (infancy) basic
needs.
6. A 5-year-old patient is admitted with a broken left arm. His arm is immobilized. What nursing
intervention is age appropriate for this child regarding his hospitalization?
Correct Answer: C. Allow the child to help with bathing, feeding, and changing bandages.
1. Preschoolers want to be independent and involved in their care (initiative vs guilt). Allowing
participation promotes mastery and reduces anxiety.
2. Discouraging friends may increase isolation; friends can visit without embarrassment.
3. Use simple, concrete explanations with visual aids (diagrams appropriate). Ask about body
changes but not future impact (concrete thinking).
7. A parent brings a toddler, age 19 months, to the clinic for a regular check-up. When palpating the
toddler's fontanels, what should the nurse expect to find?
Correct Answer: C. Closed anterior and posterior fontanels
1. Posterior fontanel closes by 2 months; anterior fontanel closes by 12-18 months (range 9-24
months).
2. By 19 months, both fontanels should be closed. Delayed closure may indicate hypothyroidism,
rickets, Down syndrome, hydrocephalus.
3. Bulging anterior fontanel suggests increased ICP; sunken indicates dehydration.
8. A mother of a 3-year-old tells a clinic nurse that the child is rebelling constantly and having
temper tantrums. The nurse most appropriately tells the mother to:
Correct Answer: D. Ignore the child when this behavior occurs
1. Ignoring tantrums (extinction) removes attention that reinforces behavior. Praise positive
behavior.
2. Punishment increases negative behavior and resistance.
3. Allowing behavior without guidance misses teaching opportunity. Setting limits is important
but during tantrum, ignore until child calms.
9. Nurse Raven should expect a 3-year-old child to be able to perform which action?
Correct Answer: A. Ride a tricycle
1. By age 3, gross motor skills include pedaling a tricycle, running easily, climbing, jumping in
place, walking up/down stairs with alternating feet.
2. Tying shoelaces is a 5-6 year skill; roller-skating and jump rope are 5+ years.
3. Fine motor skills at 3 years: builds tower of 9-10 blocks, copies circle, uses utensils.
