1 | Page
PNCB CPN EXAM 2025/2026 | 120+ COMPLETE VERIFIED QUESTIONS
& ANSWERS | GRADED A+ | PEDIATRIC NURSING PREP FOR
CERTIFICATION & STUDY SUCCESS.
1.
A 6-year-old child is brought to the pediatric clinic with a history of recurrent ear
infections over the past year. The parent reports that the child snores loudly at
night, has difficulty hearing the television, and often tugs at the ears. Upon
examination, the nurse observes mild fluid accumulation behind the tympanic
membrane. The parent asks what can be done to prevent future ear infections. As
the nurse provides education, which lifestyle modification should be emphasized as
the most effective in reducing the risk of recurrent otitis media in children?
Correct Answer: Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke, as it significantly
increases the risk of ear infections in children.
2.
A 2-month-old infant is admitted to the pediatric unit with fever, irritability, and
poor feeding. The nurse notes a bulging anterior fontanelle, lethargy, and a high-
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pitched cry during assessment. The parents state that the child has been
increasingly difficult to console and appears less alert than usual. Vital signs reveal
a temperature of 102.5°F (39.1°C), a heart rate of 170 beats per minute, and
respiratory rate of 50 breaths per minute. Based on these findings, what condition
should the nurse suspect as the likely underlying cause of the infant’s symptoms?
Correct Answer: Increased intracranial pressure, likely due to meningitis or
hydrocephalus.
3.
During a routine well-child visit, the nurse is evaluating the developmental
progress of a 12-month-old infant. The parents report that the child can pull up to a
standing position while holding onto furniture and has begun to say a few simple
words such as “mama” and “dada.” The nurse observes the infant attempting to
feed themselves finger foods and demonstrating a pincer grasp while picking up
small objects. Considering typical developmental milestones expected at this age,
what gross motor skill should the nurse expect to see in a healthy 12-month-old
child?
Correct Answer: The ability to stand alone and take a few independent steps
without support.
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4.
A 10-year-old child with a known diagnosis of sickle cell disease is admitted to the
hospital with severe generalized pain. The parent reports that the pain has been
worsening over the past 24 hours, and the child appears irritable and fatigued.
Laboratory results confirm the presence of a vaso-occlusive crisis. The nurse notes
that the child’s oxygen saturation is 96% on room air, and the temperature is
normal. While the plan of care includes hydration, rest, and comfort measures,
what should be the nurse’s immediate priority intervention to relieve the child’s
current symptoms?
Correct Answer: Administer prescribed opioid analgesics to relieve the severe
pain associated with a vaso-occlusive crisis.
5.
The nurse is providing dietary teaching to the parent of a 2-year-old child recently
diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia. The parent expresses concern about the
child’s limited food preferences and asks which foods would be most beneficial to
include in the daily diet. The nurse explains that certain food groups are better
absorbed and more effective in treating anemia than others. Considering age-
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appropriate recommendations, what specific type of food should the nurse
emphasize as the best dietary source of iron for improving hemoglobin levels in
this toddler?
Correct Answer: Lean red meat, as it provides heme iron that is more readily
absorbed by the body.
6.
A 3-year-old child is admitted to the emergency department with a sudden onset of
a barking cough, hoarse voice, and inspiratory stridor that worsens when the child
becomes agitated. The parent reports that the child developed symptoms overnight
after having a mild upper respiratory infection for two days. The nurse notes
moderate retractions, tachypnea, and audible stridor even while the child is at rest.
Oxygen saturation is 92% on room air, and the child appears anxious. Considering
these assessment findings, what clinical sign indicates that the child’s condition is
progressing to a more severe stage of croup and requires immediate intervention?
Correct Answer: Inspiratory stridor at rest, which indicates significant upper
airway obstruction and impending respiratory distress.
7.
PNCB CPN EXAM 2025/2026 | 120+ COMPLETE VERIFIED QUESTIONS
& ANSWERS | GRADED A+ | PEDIATRIC NURSING PREP FOR
CERTIFICATION & STUDY SUCCESS.
1.
A 6-year-old child is brought to the pediatric clinic with a history of recurrent ear
infections over the past year. The parent reports that the child snores loudly at
night, has difficulty hearing the television, and often tugs at the ears. Upon
examination, the nurse observes mild fluid accumulation behind the tympanic
membrane. The parent asks what can be done to prevent future ear infections. As
the nurse provides education, which lifestyle modification should be emphasized as
the most effective in reducing the risk of recurrent otitis media in children?
Correct Answer: Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke, as it significantly
increases the risk of ear infections in children.
2.
A 2-month-old infant is admitted to the pediatric unit with fever, irritability, and
poor feeding. The nurse notes a bulging anterior fontanelle, lethargy, and a high-
,2 | Page
pitched cry during assessment. The parents state that the child has been
increasingly difficult to console and appears less alert than usual. Vital signs reveal
a temperature of 102.5°F (39.1°C), a heart rate of 170 beats per minute, and
respiratory rate of 50 breaths per minute. Based on these findings, what condition
should the nurse suspect as the likely underlying cause of the infant’s symptoms?
Correct Answer: Increased intracranial pressure, likely due to meningitis or
hydrocephalus.
3.
During a routine well-child visit, the nurse is evaluating the developmental
progress of a 12-month-old infant. The parents report that the child can pull up to a
standing position while holding onto furniture and has begun to say a few simple
words such as “mama” and “dada.” The nurse observes the infant attempting to
feed themselves finger foods and demonstrating a pincer grasp while picking up
small objects. Considering typical developmental milestones expected at this age,
what gross motor skill should the nurse expect to see in a healthy 12-month-old
child?
Correct Answer: The ability to stand alone and take a few independent steps
without support.
,3 | Page
4.
A 10-year-old child with a known diagnosis of sickle cell disease is admitted to the
hospital with severe generalized pain. The parent reports that the pain has been
worsening over the past 24 hours, and the child appears irritable and fatigued.
Laboratory results confirm the presence of a vaso-occlusive crisis. The nurse notes
that the child’s oxygen saturation is 96% on room air, and the temperature is
normal. While the plan of care includes hydration, rest, and comfort measures,
what should be the nurse’s immediate priority intervention to relieve the child’s
current symptoms?
Correct Answer: Administer prescribed opioid analgesics to relieve the severe
pain associated with a vaso-occlusive crisis.
5.
The nurse is providing dietary teaching to the parent of a 2-year-old child recently
diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia. The parent expresses concern about the
child’s limited food preferences and asks which foods would be most beneficial to
include in the daily diet. The nurse explains that certain food groups are better
absorbed and more effective in treating anemia than others. Considering age-
, 4 | Page
appropriate recommendations, what specific type of food should the nurse
emphasize as the best dietary source of iron for improving hemoglobin levels in
this toddler?
Correct Answer: Lean red meat, as it provides heme iron that is more readily
absorbed by the body.
6.
A 3-year-old child is admitted to the emergency department with a sudden onset of
a barking cough, hoarse voice, and inspiratory stridor that worsens when the child
becomes agitated. The parent reports that the child developed symptoms overnight
after having a mild upper respiratory infection for two days. The nurse notes
moderate retractions, tachypnea, and audible stridor even while the child is at rest.
Oxygen saturation is 92% on room air, and the child appears anxious. Considering
these assessment findings, what clinical sign indicates that the child’s condition is
progressing to a more severe stage of croup and requires immediate intervention?
Correct Answer: Inspiratory stridor at rest, which indicates significant upper
airway obstruction and impending respiratory distress.
7.
