HESI Pediatrics Practice Exam Preparation Newest Exam
2026-2027 With Complete Questions And Correct Detailed
Answers With Rationales | Brand New Version | A+ Graded
A nurse is assessing a 2-month-old infant. Which finding should the nurse report to the provider
immediately?
A. Posterior fontanel closed
B. Positive Babinski reflex
C. Absence of tears when crying
D. Respiratory rate of 68 breaths/min
Answer: D. Respiratory rate of 68 breaths/min
Rationale: A normal respiratory rate for a 2-month-old infant is approximately 30–60
breaths/min. A rate of 68 breaths/min may indicate respiratory distress or illness and requires
prompt evaluation. Closure of the posterior fontanel by 2 months is expected, a positive Babinski
reflex is normal in infants, and tears may not fully develop until 2–3 months of age.
Which toy is most appropriate for a hospitalized 6-month-old infant?
A. Small puzzle pieces
B. Soft rattle
C. Board game
D. Coloring book
Answer: B. Soft rattle
Rationale: Infants at 6 months enjoy sensory stimulation and objects they can grasp and shake
safely. A soft rattle promotes developmental play while reducing choking hazards. Small puzzle
pieces are unsafe, and board games and coloring books are not developmentally appropriate for
this age.
A nurse is teaching parents about sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) prevention. Which
statement by the parent indicates understanding?
A. “I will place my baby on the stomach for sleep.”
B. “Soft blankets help my baby sleep comfortably.”
C. “I will place my baby on the back to sleep.”
D. “Sleeping in my bed is safest for my baby.”
Answer: C. “I will place my baby on the back to sleep.”
,Rationale: The safest sleep position for infants is supine because it significantly reduces the risk
of SIDS. Soft bedding and bed-sharing increase the risk of suffocation and sudden death. Infants
should sleep on a firm surface without pillows or loose blankets.
Which developmental milestone should a nurse expect in a 12-month-old child?
A. Uses scissors
B. Walks independently
C. Rides a bicycle
D. Writes name clearly
Answer: B. Walks independently
Rationale: Most 12-month-old children begin walking independently or with minimal assistance.
Using scissors, riding a bicycle, and writing a name occur at much older developmental stages.
A nurse is caring for a child with acute otitis media. Which assessment finding is most expected?
A. Ear pain and fever
B. Bradycardia and cyanosis
C. Polyuria and polydipsia
D. Jaundice and lethargy
Answer: A. Ear pain and fever
Rationale: Acute otitis media commonly presents with ear pain, irritability, fever, and sometimes
hearing difficulty. The other findings are unrelated to middle ear infections and suggest different
conditions.
Which action should the nurse take first when caring for a child experiencing a tonic-clonic
seizure?
A. Insert a tongue blade
B. Restrain the child’s arms
C. Protect the child from injury
D. Offer oral fluids
Answer: C. Protect the child from injury
Rationale: During a seizure, the nurse’s priority is maintaining safety by protecting the child
from injury and positioning the child appropriately. Nothing should be inserted into the mouth,
restraints should not be used, and oral intake is contraindicated during active seizure activity.
A parent asks when the first primary tooth usually erupts. Which response by the nurse is
correct?
A. “Around 2 months”
B. “Around 6 months”
, C. “Around 12 months”
D. “Around 18 months”
Answer: B. “Around 6 months”
Rationale: The first primary teeth, usually the lower central incisors, commonly erupt around 6
months of age. Variations may occur, but this is considered the expected timeframe.
A nurse is assessing a child for dehydration. Which finding indicates severe dehydration?
A. Slightly dry lips
B. Capillary refill less than 2 seconds
C. Sunken fontanel and tachycardia
D. Increased urine output
Answer: C. Sunken fontanel and tachycardia
Rationale: Severe dehydration in children may present with tachycardia, delayed capillary refill,
sunken fontanels, poor skin turgor, and lethargy. Increased urine output is not expected in
dehydration.
Which statement by a parent indicates a need for further teaching about administering liquid
medication to a child?
A. “I will use an oral syringe.”
B. “I will mix the medication with formula in the bottle.”
C. “I will measure the dose carefully.”
D. “I will give praise after the medication.”
Answer: B. “I will mix the medication with formula in the bottle.”
Rationale: Medications should not be mixed into a full bottle of formula because the child may
not finish the bottle, resulting in an incomplete dose. Oral syringes improve accuracy, and
positive reinforcement supports cooperation.
A nurse is caring for a child with croup. Which finding is characteristic of this disorder?
A. Expiratory wheezing
B. Barking cough
C. Bilateral crackles
D. Frothy sputum
Answer: B. Barking cough
Rationale: Croup commonly causes a distinctive barking cough, inspiratory stridor, and
hoarseness due to upper airway inflammation. Wheezing and crackles are more common with
lower respiratory disorders.
2026-2027 With Complete Questions And Correct Detailed
Answers With Rationales | Brand New Version | A+ Graded
A nurse is assessing a 2-month-old infant. Which finding should the nurse report to the provider
immediately?
A. Posterior fontanel closed
B. Positive Babinski reflex
C. Absence of tears when crying
D. Respiratory rate of 68 breaths/min
Answer: D. Respiratory rate of 68 breaths/min
Rationale: A normal respiratory rate for a 2-month-old infant is approximately 30–60
breaths/min. A rate of 68 breaths/min may indicate respiratory distress or illness and requires
prompt evaluation. Closure of the posterior fontanel by 2 months is expected, a positive Babinski
reflex is normal in infants, and tears may not fully develop until 2–3 months of age.
Which toy is most appropriate for a hospitalized 6-month-old infant?
A. Small puzzle pieces
B. Soft rattle
C. Board game
D. Coloring book
Answer: B. Soft rattle
Rationale: Infants at 6 months enjoy sensory stimulation and objects they can grasp and shake
safely. A soft rattle promotes developmental play while reducing choking hazards. Small puzzle
pieces are unsafe, and board games and coloring books are not developmentally appropriate for
this age.
A nurse is teaching parents about sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) prevention. Which
statement by the parent indicates understanding?
A. “I will place my baby on the stomach for sleep.”
B. “Soft blankets help my baby sleep comfortably.”
C. “I will place my baby on the back to sleep.”
D. “Sleeping in my bed is safest for my baby.”
Answer: C. “I will place my baby on the back to sleep.”
,Rationale: The safest sleep position for infants is supine because it significantly reduces the risk
of SIDS. Soft bedding and bed-sharing increase the risk of suffocation and sudden death. Infants
should sleep on a firm surface without pillows or loose blankets.
Which developmental milestone should a nurse expect in a 12-month-old child?
A. Uses scissors
B. Walks independently
C. Rides a bicycle
D. Writes name clearly
Answer: B. Walks independently
Rationale: Most 12-month-old children begin walking independently or with minimal assistance.
Using scissors, riding a bicycle, and writing a name occur at much older developmental stages.
A nurse is caring for a child with acute otitis media. Which assessment finding is most expected?
A. Ear pain and fever
B. Bradycardia and cyanosis
C. Polyuria and polydipsia
D. Jaundice and lethargy
Answer: A. Ear pain and fever
Rationale: Acute otitis media commonly presents with ear pain, irritability, fever, and sometimes
hearing difficulty. The other findings are unrelated to middle ear infections and suggest different
conditions.
Which action should the nurse take first when caring for a child experiencing a tonic-clonic
seizure?
A. Insert a tongue blade
B. Restrain the child’s arms
C. Protect the child from injury
D. Offer oral fluids
Answer: C. Protect the child from injury
Rationale: During a seizure, the nurse’s priority is maintaining safety by protecting the child
from injury and positioning the child appropriately. Nothing should be inserted into the mouth,
restraints should not be used, and oral intake is contraindicated during active seizure activity.
A parent asks when the first primary tooth usually erupts. Which response by the nurse is
correct?
A. “Around 2 months”
B. “Around 6 months”
, C. “Around 12 months”
D. “Around 18 months”
Answer: B. “Around 6 months”
Rationale: The first primary teeth, usually the lower central incisors, commonly erupt around 6
months of age. Variations may occur, but this is considered the expected timeframe.
A nurse is assessing a child for dehydration. Which finding indicates severe dehydration?
A. Slightly dry lips
B. Capillary refill less than 2 seconds
C. Sunken fontanel and tachycardia
D. Increased urine output
Answer: C. Sunken fontanel and tachycardia
Rationale: Severe dehydration in children may present with tachycardia, delayed capillary refill,
sunken fontanels, poor skin turgor, and lethargy. Increased urine output is not expected in
dehydration.
Which statement by a parent indicates a need for further teaching about administering liquid
medication to a child?
A. “I will use an oral syringe.”
B. “I will mix the medication with formula in the bottle.”
C. “I will measure the dose carefully.”
D. “I will give praise after the medication.”
Answer: B. “I will mix the medication with formula in the bottle.”
Rationale: Medications should not be mixed into a full bottle of formula because the child may
not finish the bottle, resulting in an incomplete dose. Oral syringes improve accuracy, and
positive reinforcement supports cooperation.
A nurse is caring for a child with croup. Which finding is characteristic of this disorder?
A. Expiratory wheezing
B. Barking cough
C. Bilateral crackles
D. Frothy sputum
Answer: B. Barking cough
Rationale: Croup commonly causes a distinctive barking cough, inspiratory stridor, and
hoarseness due to upper airway inflammation. Wheezing and crackles are more common with
lower respiratory disorders.
