HESI Pediatric Nursing Specialty
Exam: Practice Questions (New Set)
Instructions: Select the best answer from the four options (A–D) provided for
each question. These questions are designed to prepare you for the HESI Pedi-
atric Nursing Specialty Exam, covering growth and development, common child-
hood illnesses, pediatric medication dosages, and family-centered care. All sce-
narios are realistic, appropriate for RN-level preparation, and unique from prior
sets.
1. A nurse is assessing a 2-year-old during a well-child visit. Which develop-
mental milestone is expected?
A Drawing a circle
B Naming two colors
C Stacking two blocks
D Running without falling
Correct Answer: D – Running without falling is a milestone for a 2-year-
old.
2. A 9-month-old is brought to the clinic. Which behavior should the nurse
expect?
A Saying short sentences
B Crawling and pulling to stand
C Riding a tricycle
D Using a spoon independently
Correct Answer: B – Crawling and pulling to stand are typical at 9 months.
3. A parent asks when their 3-year-old should start preschool. What is the
nurse’s best response?
A “Begin at age 2 to ensure readiness.”
B “Start around age 3–4 when social skills emerge.”
C “Wait until age 5 for academic preparation.”
D “Avoid preschool to reduce stress.”
Correct Answer: B – Preschool at 3–4 supports social development.
4. A 5-year-old is scared of monsters under the bed. What is the nurse’s best
recommendation?
A Insist the child sleep alone.
B Check under the bed and reassure the child.
C Administer a sedative at night.
1
, D Ignore the fear to promote bravery.
Correct Answer: B – Reassurance addresses age-appropriate fears.
5. A nurse is assessing an 18-month-old. Which finding requires further eval-
uation?
A Uses 5–10 words
B Scribbles with a crayon
C Does not walk independently
D Drinks from a cup
Correct Answer: C – Inability to walk by 18 months indicates a delay.
6. A 6-year-old is learning to ride a bike. Which skill should the nurse expect?
A Balancing without training wheels
B Pedaling with training wheels
C Riding a tricycle only
D Performing bike tricks
Correct Answer: B – Pedaling with training wheels is typical at 6 years.
7. A parent reports their 2.5-year-old bites others. What is the nurse’s best
response?
A “Biting is normal; use redirection and teach alternatives.”
B “Biting indicates a serious behavioral issue.”
C “Punish the child to stop biting.”
D “Isolate the child from others.”
Correct Answer: A – Biting is common at this age; redirection is effective.
8. A 10-year-old struggles with homework organization. What is the nurse’s
best intervention?
A Teach time management strategies.
B Complete the homework for the child.
C Administer a stimulant medication.
D Ignore the issue as it will resolve.
Correct Answer: A – Time management supports school success.
9. A nurse is assessing a 3-month-old. Which reflex should be present?
A Parachute reflex
B Rooting reflex
C Stepping reflex
2
Exam: Practice Questions (New Set)
Instructions: Select the best answer from the four options (A–D) provided for
each question. These questions are designed to prepare you for the HESI Pedi-
atric Nursing Specialty Exam, covering growth and development, common child-
hood illnesses, pediatric medication dosages, and family-centered care. All sce-
narios are realistic, appropriate for RN-level preparation, and unique from prior
sets.
1. A nurse is assessing a 2-year-old during a well-child visit. Which develop-
mental milestone is expected?
A Drawing a circle
B Naming two colors
C Stacking two blocks
D Running without falling
Correct Answer: D – Running without falling is a milestone for a 2-year-
old.
2. A 9-month-old is brought to the clinic. Which behavior should the nurse
expect?
A Saying short sentences
B Crawling and pulling to stand
C Riding a tricycle
D Using a spoon independently
Correct Answer: B – Crawling and pulling to stand are typical at 9 months.
3. A parent asks when their 3-year-old should start preschool. What is the
nurse’s best response?
A “Begin at age 2 to ensure readiness.”
B “Start around age 3–4 when social skills emerge.”
C “Wait until age 5 for academic preparation.”
D “Avoid preschool to reduce stress.”
Correct Answer: B – Preschool at 3–4 supports social development.
4. A 5-year-old is scared of monsters under the bed. What is the nurse’s best
recommendation?
A Insist the child sleep alone.
B Check under the bed and reassure the child.
C Administer a sedative at night.
1
, D Ignore the fear to promote bravery.
Correct Answer: B – Reassurance addresses age-appropriate fears.
5. A nurse is assessing an 18-month-old. Which finding requires further eval-
uation?
A Uses 5–10 words
B Scribbles with a crayon
C Does not walk independently
D Drinks from a cup
Correct Answer: C – Inability to walk by 18 months indicates a delay.
6. A 6-year-old is learning to ride a bike. Which skill should the nurse expect?
A Balancing without training wheels
B Pedaling with training wheels
C Riding a tricycle only
D Performing bike tricks
Correct Answer: B – Pedaling with training wheels is typical at 6 years.
7. A parent reports their 2.5-year-old bites others. What is the nurse’s best
response?
A “Biting is normal; use redirection and teach alternatives.”
B “Biting indicates a serious behavioral issue.”
C “Punish the child to stop biting.”
D “Isolate the child from others.”
Correct Answer: A – Biting is common at this age; redirection is effective.
8. A 10-year-old struggles with homework organization. What is the nurse’s
best intervention?
A Teach time management strategies.
B Complete the homework for the child.
C Administer a stimulant medication.
D Ignore the issue as it will resolve.
Correct Answer: A – Time management supports school success.
9. A nurse is assessing a 3-month-old. Which reflex should be present?
A Parachute reflex
B Rooting reflex
C Stepping reflex
2
