NUR 283-Peds Exam 1 pediatric nursing
fundamentals (2026/2027) Expert
Strategies, Review of (54) Key Practice
Questions and Verified Detailed Answers;
for Guaranteed Success - Galen
This NUR 283 Pediatric Exam 1 typically focuses on core pediatric nursing fundamentals:
Growth & Development (milestones, age-appropriate toys), Respiratory conditions
(bronchiolitis, asthma, croup), and Neurological assessments.
Mastering this content requires a mix of developmental theory and clinical prioritization.
👶 Growth & Development Milestones
Trust vs. Mistrust (Infancy - 1 year): Needs are met consistently. Focus on the
Erickson's Psychosocial Stages for your exam.
Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt (Toddlerhood): Independence is key. Allow choices
(e.g., "Do you want the red cup or the blue cup?").
Toys by Age:
Infants (under 1 yr): Mobiles, rattles, large soft blocks.
Toddlers: Push-pull toys, fill-and-dump containers, simple puzzles.
Preschoolers: Dress-up clothes, coloring books, tricycles.
🫁 Respiratory Conditions
Pediatric Differences: Children have narrower airways, higher oxygen consumption, and
less developed intercostal muscles. This makes them prone to rapid distress.
Assessment Cues: Nasal flaring, retractions, and grunting are universal signs of respiratory
distress in infants.
Croup vs. Epiglottitis: Croup causes a "barking" cough and inspiratory stridor. Epiglottitis
is a medical emergency presenting with drooling, dysphagia, and a tripod position. Never
examine the throat with a tongue depressor if epiglottitis is suspected (risk of airway
spasm).
Bronchiolitis: Often caused by RSV. Management involves droplet precautions, nasal
suctioning, and hydration.
1
, 🧠 Neurological & Physical Assessments
Fontanelle Closures: The anterior fontanelle closes between 12-18 months. The posterior
fontanelle closes around 2-3 months.
Increased ICP (Infants): High-pitched cry, bulging fontanelle, and setting-sun eyes.
Fever Management: Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen (only if >6 months) are the primary
antipyretics. Never give aspirin due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.
🏥 Clinical Prioritization
Airway is Always First: Any scenario involving airway obstruction or severe respiratory
distress takes priority over fluid balance or parent teaching Nursing Prioritization
Scenarios and Assessments.
Immunization Safety: Generally, live attenuated vaccines (like MMR or Varicella) are
contraindicated in immunocompromised children.
Quiz_________________?
0-2 months Growth -
Answer
-Back to birth weight by 2 weeks
- Weight trending up
Quiz_________________?
0-2 months Development -
Answer
-Reflexes
-Looks at faces
-Head control
2
, Quiz_________________?
0-2 months Communication -
Answer
*Cooing
-Reflex smile more voluntary
Quiz_________________?
2-4 months Growth -
Answer
-Posterior fontanelle closes
-Continued increase in weight
-Introduce food around if interested
Quiz_________________?
2-4 months Development -
Answer
*Wandering eyes STOP
*Social Smile
-Roll over: Prone --> Supine
- Holding rattles @ midline
-Follows w/ head turns to objects/ sounds
- Push up on forearms when prone
3
fundamentals (2026/2027) Expert
Strategies, Review of (54) Key Practice
Questions and Verified Detailed Answers;
for Guaranteed Success - Galen
This NUR 283 Pediatric Exam 1 typically focuses on core pediatric nursing fundamentals:
Growth & Development (milestones, age-appropriate toys), Respiratory conditions
(bronchiolitis, asthma, croup), and Neurological assessments.
Mastering this content requires a mix of developmental theory and clinical prioritization.
👶 Growth & Development Milestones
Trust vs. Mistrust (Infancy - 1 year): Needs are met consistently. Focus on the
Erickson's Psychosocial Stages for your exam.
Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt (Toddlerhood): Independence is key. Allow choices
(e.g., "Do you want the red cup or the blue cup?").
Toys by Age:
Infants (under 1 yr): Mobiles, rattles, large soft blocks.
Toddlers: Push-pull toys, fill-and-dump containers, simple puzzles.
Preschoolers: Dress-up clothes, coloring books, tricycles.
🫁 Respiratory Conditions
Pediatric Differences: Children have narrower airways, higher oxygen consumption, and
less developed intercostal muscles. This makes them prone to rapid distress.
Assessment Cues: Nasal flaring, retractions, and grunting are universal signs of respiratory
distress in infants.
Croup vs. Epiglottitis: Croup causes a "barking" cough and inspiratory stridor. Epiglottitis
is a medical emergency presenting with drooling, dysphagia, and a tripod position. Never
examine the throat with a tongue depressor if epiglottitis is suspected (risk of airway
spasm).
Bronchiolitis: Often caused by RSV. Management involves droplet precautions, nasal
suctioning, and hydration.
1
, 🧠 Neurological & Physical Assessments
Fontanelle Closures: The anterior fontanelle closes between 12-18 months. The posterior
fontanelle closes around 2-3 months.
Increased ICP (Infants): High-pitched cry, bulging fontanelle, and setting-sun eyes.
Fever Management: Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen (only if >6 months) are the primary
antipyretics. Never give aspirin due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.
🏥 Clinical Prioritization
Airway is Always First: Any scenario involving airway obstruction or severe respiratory
distress takes priority over fluid balance or parent teaching Nursing Prioritization
Scenarios and Assessments.
Immunization Safety: Generally, live attenuated vaccines (like MMR or Varicella) are
contraindicated in immunocompromised children.
Quiz_________________?
0-2 months Growth -
Answer
-Back to birth weight by 2 weeks
- Weight trending up
Quiz_________________?
0-2 months Development -
Answer
-Reflexes
-Looks at faces
-Head control
2
, Quiz_________________?
0-2 months Communication -
Answer
*Cooing
-Reflex smile more voluntary
Quiz_________________?
2-4 months Growth -
Answer
-Posterior fontanelle closes
-Continued increase in weight
-Introduce food around if interested
Quiz_________________?
2-4 months Development -
Answer
*Wandering eyes STOP
*Social Smile
-Roll over: Prone --> Supine
- Holding rattles @ midline
-Follows w/ head turns to objects/ sounds
- Push up on forearms when prone
3
