2023
Pediatric Nursing Questions & Answers
1. A nurse is caring for a child with strabismus. Which finding should be reported to the
provider?
Crossed eyes that persist beyond 4–6 months of age.
2. A 7-month-old infant does not respond to sounds or vocalize. What should the nurse
suspect?
Hearing impairment.
3. A school-age child speaks loudly and needs frequent repetition. What does this suggest?
Possible hearing loss.
4. Which assessment is a priority for an infant with Down syndrome?
Enlarged anterior fontanel and separated sagittal suture.
5. A nurse is prioritizing care. Which should come first: a child with asthma having an
acute attack or a child with a broken arm?
Asthma attack (airway before limb).
6. Which characteristic is typical of cystic fibrosis?
Thick, tenacious mucus and increased sodium/chloride in sweat.
7. A toddler with lead poisoning may receive which medication?
Calcium disodium EDTA (chelation therapy).
8. What should parents be taught about sunscreen use for a 4-year-old?
Use SPF 15 or higher, reapply every 2–3 hours, avoid tanning beds.
9. An emancipated minor arrives in the ER. Can they give informed consent?
Yes, emancipated minors may consent for themselves.
10. Which psychosocial finding is expected in ADHD?
Inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity.
11. Which finding is associated with autism spectrum disorder?
Delays in social interaction and communication.
,12. A child with a head injury shows leakage of clear fluid from the nose. What does this
indicate?
Possible cerebrospinal fluid leak — report immediately.
13. Bicycle safety teaching for a school-age child should include which instruction?
The child should be able to sit on the seat with both feet touching the ground.
14. What is the first nursing action after a seizure in a child?
Place the child on their side and maintain airway patency.
15. Which vaccine is contraindicated for an immunocompromised child?
MMR (live vaccine).
16. Which action prevents sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)?
Place the infant on their back to sleep.
17. Which lab result is expected in iron deficiency anemia?
Low hemoglobin and hematocrit, low serum ferritin.
18. A 2-year-old ingests a small battery. What is the priority intervention?
Prepare for immediate endoscopic removal.
19. Which is a sign of epiglottitis?
Drooling, tripod position, inspiratory stridor (medical emergency).
20. What is the priority action in vaso-occlusive crisis (sickle cell disease)?
Administer IV fluids and opioids for pain.21. A child with atopic dermatitis is being
discharged. Which teaching points should the nurse include?
Use mild detergent, cut nails short, apply emollients after baths, avoid scratching.
22. Which finding suggests dehydration in an infant?
Sunken fontanel, dry mucous membranes, decreased urine output.
23. A child presents with a fever and a rash that started on the face and spreads downward.
What is the likely diagnosis?
Measles (Rubeola).
24. Which intervention is priority for a child with cystic fibrosis during respiratory
exacerbation?
Administer airway clearance therapy and bronchodilators.
25. Which lab value indicates hypokalemia in a child receiving diuretics?
Serum potassium <3.5 mEq/L.
, 26. A 5-year-old with diabetes has rapid breathing, fruity breath odor, and vomiting. What
is the priority action?
Check blood glucose and assess for diabetic ketoacidosis.
27. What is the appropriate action for a child with suspected meningitis?
Isolate the child, obtain cultures, start IV antibiotics immediately.
28. Which behavior indicates readiness for toilet training in a toddler?
Stays dry for 2 hours, expresses discomfort with wet diaper, can follow simple instructions.
29. A nurse is teaching seizure precautions. Which intervention is included?
Pad side rails, remove harmful objects, have suction and oxygen available.
30. Which intervention is priority for a child with acute asthma exacerbation?
Administer short-acting bronchodilator (albuterol).
31. Which symptom is classic for Kawasaki disease?
Fever >5 days, conjunctivitis, strawberry tongue, rash, swollen hands/feet.
32. Which intervention is essential for a child post-tonsillectomy?
Monitor for swallowing frequently (sign of bleeding), avoid red fluids, encourage ice chips
or clear fluids.
33. A child with sickle cell disease has sudden onset of pallor, fatigue, and tachycardia.
What is the likely cause?
Acute anemia (possible sequestration crisis).
34. A nurse is teaching parents about lead poisoning prevention. Which instruction is
included?
Avoid peeling paint in older homes, wash hands frequently, avoid imported toys with lead.
35. Which is a sign of increased intracranial pressure in a child?
Headache, vomiting, altered LOC, pupils unequal or sluggish.
36. Which action is priority for a 6-year-old with epistaxis?
Sit upright and lean forward, apply pressure to the nares.
37. Which instruction should a nurse give about acetaminophen dosing for children?
Dose based on weight (mg/kg), do not exceed recommended daily limit.
38. A child is scheduled for a bone marrow biopsy. Which teaching point is important?
Explain the procedure, apply topical anesthetic, reassure about brief pain.