ADN Week 9 Quiz: Pediatrics, Endocrine & Mental Health 2026/2027
UPDATE |Galen College
1. A school-age child is diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. According to
Erikson’s stages of development, which stage is the nurse supporting by
encouraging the child to participate in their own insulin injections?
A. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
B. Industry vs. Inferiority
C. Trust vs. Mistrust
D. Identity vs. Role Confusion
Answer: B
Rationale: School-age children (6-12 years) are in the Industry vs. Inferiority stage.
Encouraging them to master skills like self-injection builds a sense of competence and
industry.
2. Which of the following findings is most indicative of Diabetic Ketoacidosis
(DKA) in a pediatric patient?
A. Shallow, slow respirations
B. Deep, rapid Kussmaul respirations
C. Profuse diaphoresis and tremors
D. Increased urinary output with low specific gravity
Answer: B
Rationale: Kussmaul respirations are a compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis in
DKA, characterized by deep and rapid breathing to blow off carbon dioxide.
,3. A nurse is teaching a parent about Growth Hormone (GH) deficiency. When is
the best time to administer synthetic GH (Somatropin) for optimal effect?
A. Immediately upon waking in the morning
B. Before the child goes to school
C. Right before the child’s midday nap
D. At bedtime
Answer: D
Rationale: Growth hormone is naturally secreted in the highest amounts during the early
hours of sleep. Administering the medication at bedtime mimics this natural rhythm.
4. A 10-year-old child with ADHD is prescribed Methylphenidate (Ritalin). Which
side effect should the nurse instruct the parents to monitor most closely?
A. Increased appetite and weight gain
B. Excessive sleepiness and lethargy
C. Weight loss and suppressed growth
D. Bradycardia and hypotension
Answer: C
Rationale: Stimulants like Methylphenidate often cause appetite suppression, which can
lead to weight loss and potential growth retardation in children.
5. An adolescent is admitted for Anorexia Nervosa. Which clinical finding should
the nurse prioritize as a sign of physiological instability?
A. Amenorrhea for three consecutive months
B. Bradycardia and orthostatic hypotension
C. Lanugo on the back and extremities
D. Obsessive thoughts about calorie counting
Answer: B
Rationale: Bradycardia and hypotension are signs of cardiovascular instability resulting
from starvation and electrolyte imbalances, requiring immediate attention.
, 6. Which electrolyte imbalance is a hallmark risk during the initial treatment
phase of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) when starting insulin therapy?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypercalcemia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypomagnesemia
Answer: C
Rationale: Insulin causes potassium to shift from the extracellular fluid into the cells,
which can lead to a rapid drop in serum potassium levels (hypokalemia).
7. A child is diagnosed with Diabetes Insipidus (DI). Which medication does the
nurse expect to be prescribed for long-term management?
A. Furosemide
B. Desmopressin (DDAVP)
C. Levothyroxine
D. Regular Insulin
Answer: B
Rationale: Desmopressin is a synthetic form of vasopressin (ADH) used to treat DI by
reducing urine output and increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys.
8. A toddler with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is hospitalized. Which nursing
action is most appropriate to minimize stress?
A. Maintaining a consistent daily routine and limiting staff changes
B. Providing a high-stimulation environment with music and toys
C. Changing the nurse assignment every shift to socialize the child
D. Encouraging the child to make frequent eye contact during assessments
Answer: A
Rationale: Children with ASD thrive on routine and predictability. Minimizing changes and
environmental stimuli helps reduce anxiety.
UPDATE |Galen College
1. A school-age child is diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. According to
Erikson’s stages of development, which stage is the nurse supporting by
encouraging the child to participate in their own insulin injections?
A. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
B. Industry vs. Inferiority
C. Trust vs. Mistrust
D. Identity vs. Role Confusion
Answer: B
Rationale: School-age children (6-12 years) are in the Industry vs. Inferiority stage.
Encouraging them to master skills like self-injection builds a sense of competence and
industry.
2. Which of the following findings is most indicative of Diabetic Ketoacidosis
(DKA) in a pediatric patient?
A. Shallow, slow respirations
B. Deep, rapid Kussmaul respirations
C. Profuse diaphoresis and tremors
D. Increased urinary output with low specific gravity
Answer: B
Rationale: Kussmaul respirations are a compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis in
DKA, characterized by deep and rapid breathing to blow off carbon dioxide.
,3. A nurse is teaching a parent about Growth Hormone (GH) deficiency. When is
the best time to administer synthetic GH (Somatropin) for optimal effect?
A. Immediately upon waking in the morning
B. Before the child goes to school
C. Right before the child’s midday nap
D. At bedtime
Answer: D
Rationale: Growth hormone is naturally secreted in the highest amounts during the early
hours of sleep. Administering the medication at bedtime mimics this natural rhythm.
4. A 10-year-old child with ADHD is prescribed Methylphenidate (Ritalin). Which
side effect should the nurse instruct the parents to monitor most closely?
A. Increased appetite and weight gain
B. Excessive sleepiness and lethargy
C. Weight loss and suppressed growth
D. Bradycardia and hypotension
Answer: C
Rationale: Stimulants like Methylphenidate often cause appetite suppression, which can
lead to weight loss and potential growth retardation in children.
5. An adolescent is admitted for Anorexia Nervosa. Which clinical finding should
the nurse prioritize as a sign of physiological instability?
A. Amenorrhea for three consecutive months
B. Bradycardia and orthostatic hypotension
C. Lanugo on the back and extremities
D. Obsessive thoughts about calorie counting
Answer: B
Rationale: Bradycardia and hypotension are signs of cardiovascular instability resulting
from starvation and electrolyte imbalances, requiring immediate attention.
, 6. Which electrolyte imbalance is a hallmark risk during the initial treatment
phase of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) when starting insulin therapy?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypercalcemia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypomagnesemia
Answer: C
Rationale: Insulin causes potassium to shift from the extracellular fluid into the cells,
which can lead to a rapid drop in serum potassium levels (hypokalemia).
7. A child is diagnosed with Diabetes Insipidus (DI). Which medication does the
nurse expect to be prescribed for long-term management?
A. Furosemide
B. Desmopressin (DDAVP)
C. Levothyroxine
D. Regular Insulin
Answer: B
Rationale: Desmopressin is a synthetic form of vasopressin (ADH) used to treat DI by
reducing urine output and increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys.
8. A toddler with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is hospitalized. Which nursing
action is most appropriate to minimize stress?
A. Maintaining a consistent daily routine and limiting staff changes
B. Providing a high-stimulation environment with music and toys
C. Changing the nurse assignment every shift to socialize the child
D. Encouraging the child to make frequent eye contact during assessments
Answer: A
Rationale: Children with ASD thrive on routine and predictability. Minimizing changes and
environmental stimuli helps reduce anxiety.
