HESI Pediatric Nursing Exam
2025/2026 – Verified Q&A |
A+ Rationales
Growth & Development (Questions 1–20)
1. A 4-month-old infant is at the 25th percentile for weight. The nurse explains
to the parent that this indicates: A. Failure to thrive B. Normal growth variation
C. Overfeeding D. Genetic abnormality
Rationale: Percentiles on CDC growth charts reflect population norms; 25th
percentile is within normal range (5th–95th), supporting individualized assessment.
Safety: Reassure parents, monitor trends over time to detect deviations early,
avoiding unnecessary testing.
2. According to 2025 AAP milestones, a 9-month-old should be able to: A.
Walk independently B. Pull to stand C. Run D. Kick a ball
Rationale: Pulling to stand marks gross motor progress at 9 months, preceding
cruising; delays may indicate neuromuscular issues. Safety: Encourage tummy
time, assess for hip dysplasia if asymmetric.
3. A 2-year-old's language development includes: A. 100+ words B. 50-word
vocabulary C. Full sentences D. Abstract concepts
Rationale: Vocabulary explosion at 24 months supports expressive language; <50
words prompts ASQ screening. Safety: Model language, avoid screens >1 hr/day
per AAP.
4. Iron-rich foods should be introduced at: A. 1 month B. 6 months C. 12
months D. 2 years
Rationale: Breast milk iron depletes by 6 months; fortified cereals/meats prevent
anemia. Safety: Monitor for allergies, avoid honey <12 months.
, 5. Separation anxiety peaks at: A. 3 months B. 8–10 months C. 18 months D. 3
years
Rationale: Stranger anxiety reflects attachment; resolves with consistent
caregiving. Safety: Prepare for procedures with child life specialist.
6. By 12 months, fine motor skill: A. Pincer grasp B. Pincer grasp C. Stacks 6
cubes D. Scribbles
Rationale: Thumb-finger opposition enables self-feeding. Safety: Assess for
developmental delay if absent.
7. Fluoride varnish first at: A. Birth B. 6 months C. Eruption D. 12 months
Rationale: Caries prevention; AAP/ADA 2025. Safety: Non-invasive, rinse if
swallowed.
8. A 15-month-old's gross motor: A. Climbs stairs alternating B. Walks alone C.
Runs D. Pedals tricycle
Rationale: Independent walking by 15 months. Safety: Childproof home for
mobility.
9. Vitamin D 400 IU for: A. All formula-fed B. Breastfed from birth C. 6 months
D. 1 year
Rationale: Rickets prevention. Safety: AAP 2025, toxicity >4000 IU.
10. A 18-month-old should say: A. 10 words B. 6–20 words C. Sentences D.
Names colors
Rationale: Expressive language. Safety: Screen for hearing if delayed.
11. By 24 months, expected: A. 2-word sentences B. 2-word sentences C. 200
words D. Counts 10
Rationale: Language burst. Safety: ASQ-3.
12. Toilet training readiness at: A. 12 months B. 18–24 months C. 3 years D. 4
years
Rationale: Motor/cognitive. Safety: Child-led.
2025/2026 – Verified Q&A |
A+ Rationales
Growth & Development (Questions 1–20)
1. A 4-month-old infant is at the 25th percentile for weight. The nurse explains
to the parent that this indicates: A. Failure to thrive B. Normal growth variation
C. Overfeeding D. Genetic abnormality
Rationale: Percentiles on CDC growth charts reflect population norms; 25th
percentile is within normal range (5th–95th), supporting individualized assessment.
Safety: Reassure parents, monitor trends over time to detect deviations early,
avoiding unnecessary testing.
2. According to 2025 AAP milestones, a 9-month-old should be able to: A.
Walk independently B. Pull to stand C. Run D. Kick a ball
Rationale: Pulling to stand marks gross motor progress at 9 months, preceding
cruising; delays may indicate neuromuscular issues. Safety: Encourage tummy
time, assess for hip dysplasia if asymmetric.
3. A 2-year-old's language development includes: A. 100+ words B. 50-word
vocabulary C. Full sentences D. Abstract concepts
Rationale: Vocabulary explosion at 24 months supports expressive language; <50
words prompts ASQ screening. Safety: Model language, avoid screens >1 hr/day
per AAP.
4. Iron-rich foods should be introduced at: A. 1 month B. 6 months C. 12
months D. 2 years
Rationale: Breast milk iron depletes by 6 months; fortified cereals/meats prevent
anemia. Safety: Monitor for allergies, avoid honey <12 months.
, 5. Separation anxiety peaks at: A. 3 months B. 8–10 months C. 18 months D. 3
years
Rationale: Stranger anxiety reflects attachment; resolves with consistent
caregiving. Safety: Prepare for procedures with child life specialist.
6. By 12 months, fine motor skill: A. Pincer grasp B. Pincer grasp C. Stacks 6
cubes D. Scribbles
Rationale: Thumb-finger opposition enables self-feeding. Safety: Assess for
developmental delay if absent.
7. Fluoride varnish first at: A. Birth B. 6 months C. Eruption D. 12 months
Rationale: Caries prevention; AAP/ADA 2025. Safety: Non-invasive, rinse if
swallowed.
8. A 15-month-old's gross motor: A. Climbs stairs alternating B. Walks alone C.
Runs D. Pedals tricycle
Rationale: Independent walking by 15 months. Safety: Childproof home for
mobility.
9. Vitamin D 400 IU for: A. All formula-fed B. Breastfed from birth C. 6 months
D. 1 year
Rationale: Rickets prevention. Safety: AAP 2025, toxicity >4000 IU.
10. A 18-month-old should say: A. 10 words B. 6–20 words C. Sentences D.
Names colors
Rationale: Expressive language. Safety: Screen for hearing if delayed.
11. By 24 months, expected: A. 2-word sentences B. 2-word sentences C. 200
words D. Counts 10
Rationale: Language burst. Safety: ASQ-3.
12. Toilet training readiness at: A. 12 months B. 18–24 months C. 3 years D. 4
years
Rationale: Motor/cognitive. Safety: Child-led.
