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HESI Pediatrics (Peds) Test Bank 2025 | NCLEX-
Style Questions + Detailed Rationales | Pediatric
Nursing Prep
1. Growth and Development – Toddler Milestone
Question:
A 2-year-old child is brought for a well-child checkup. Which developmental milestone should the
nurse expect?
A. Copies a triangle
B. Walks alone and begins to run
C. Uses complete sentences
D. Knows left from right
✅ Answer: B. Walks alone and begins to run
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Rationale:
By age 2, toddlers should be able to walk without help and begin running, although they may still
fall often. Complex language or fine motor skills like copying shapes develop later.
2. Vaccination Schedule – 12-Month-Old
Question:
A nurse is preparing to give routine immunizations to a healthy 12-month-old child. Which vaccines
should the nurse expect to administer?
A. DTaP, IPV, MMR, and Varicella
B. Hep B, MMR, Hib, and Tdap
C. MMR, Varicella, Hib, and PCV
D. Rotavirus, Hep A, Tdap, and HPV
✅ Answer: C. MMR, Varicella, Hib, and PCV
Rationale:
At 12 months, children should receive MMR, Varicella, PCV, and Hib (if not yet completed). HPV
and Tdap are given in adolescence, and Rotavirus is completed by 8 months.
3. Respiratory Assessment – Epiglottitis
Question:
A 4-year-old presents with drooling, high fever, and muffled voice. What should the nurse do first?
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A. Suction the airway
B. Attempt to visualize the throat
C. Notify the provider and prepare for intubation
D. Administer oral antibiotics
✅ Answer: C. Notify the provider and prepare for intubation
Rationale:
These are signs of epiglottitis, a pediatric emergency. Do not inspect the throat as it may cause
airway obstruction. Secure airway support immediately.
4. Dehydration – Pediatric Signs
Question:
Which finding suggests moderate dehydration in a 10-month-old infant?
A. Capillary refill <2 seconds, moist mucous membranes
B. Sunken fontanel, dry mucous membranes, increased HR
C. Bradycardia, periorbital edema, irritability
D. Pale skin, bounding pulse, hypertension
✅ Answer: B. Sunken fontanel, dry mucous membranes, increased HR
Rationale:
Moderate dehydration often presents with sunken fontanel, dry mouth, tachycardia, and
decreased urine output. Bradycardia and bounding pulses are not typical.
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5. Pediatric Medication – Acetaminophen
Question:
A provider prescribes acetaminophen 15 mg/kg for a child weighing 20 kg. What is the correct dose?
A. 150 mg
B. 200 mg
C. 300 mg
D. 450 mg
✅ Answer: C. 300 mg
Rationale:
15 mg/kg × 20 kg = 300 mg per dose.
6. Cystic Fibrosis – Nutrition
Question:
Which diet is most appropriate for a child with cystic fibrosis?
A. Low-fat, high-fiber
B. High-calorie, high-protein
C. Gluten-free
D. Low-protein, low-sodium
✅ Answer: B. High-calorie, high-protein
HESI Pediatrics (Peds) Test Bank 2025 | NCLEX-
Style Questions + Detailed Rationales | Pediatric
Nursing Prep
1. Growth and Development – Toddler Milestone
Question:
A 2-year-old child is brought for a well-child checkup. Which developmental milestone should the
nurse expect?
A. Copies a triangle
B. Walks alone and begins to run
C. Uses complete sentences
D. Knows left from right
✅ Answer: B. Walks alone and begins to run
,2
Rationale:
By age 2, toddlers should be able to walk without help and begin running, although they may still
fall often. Complex language or fine motor skills like copying shapes develop later.
2. Vaccination Schedule – 12-Month-Old
Question:
A nurse is preparing to give routine immunizations to a healthy 12-month-old child. Which vaccines
should the nurse expect to administer?
A. DTaP, IPV, MMR, and Varicella
B. Hep B, MMR, Hib, and Tdap
C. MMR, Varicella, Hib, and PCV
D. Rotavirus, Hep A, Tdap, and HPV
✅ Answer: C. MMR, Varicella, Hib, and PCV
Rationale:
At 12 months, children should receive MMR, Varicella, PCV, and Hib (if not yet completed). HPV
and Tdap are given in adolescence, and Rotavirus is completed by 8 months.
3. Respiratory Assessment – Epiglottitis
Question:
A 4-year-old presents with drooling, high fever, and muffled voice. What should the nurse do first?
,3
A. Suction the airway
B. Attempt to visualize the throat
C. Notify the provider and prepare for intubation
D. Administer oral antibiotics
✅ Answer: C. Notify the provider and prepare for intubation
Rationale:
These are signs of epiglottitis, a pediatric emergency. Do not inspect the throat as it may cause
airway obstruction. Secure airway support immediately.
4. Dehydration – Pediatric Signs
Question:
Which finding suggests moderate dehydration in a 10-month-old infant?
A. Capillary refill <2 seconds, moist mucous membranes
B. Sunken fontanel, dry mucous membranes, increased HR
C. Bradycardia, periorbital edema, irritability
D. Pale skin, bounding pulse, hypertension
✅ Answer: B. Sunken fontanel, dry mucous membranes, increased HR
Rationale:
Moderate dehydration often presents with sunken fontanel, dry mouth, tachycardia, and
decreased urine output. Bradycardia and bounding pulses are not typical.
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5. Pediatric Medication – Acetaminophen
Question:
A provider prescribes acetaminophen 15 mg/kg for a child weighing 20 kg. What is the correct dose?
A. 150 mg
B. 200 mg
C. 300 mg
D. 450 mg
✅ Answer: C. 300 mg
Rationale:
15 mg/kg × 20 kg = 300 mg per dose.
6. Cystic Fibrosis – Nutrition
Question:
Which diet is most appropriate for a child with cystic fibrosis?
A. Low-fat, high-fiber
B. High-calorie, high-protein
C. Gluten-free
D. Low-protein, low-sodium
✅ Answer: B. High-calorie, high-protein
