Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) Certification
Exam Practice Test Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. A 2-year-old child presents with a fever and pulling at the ear. The
nurse suspects otitis media. Which symptom best supports this
diagnosis?
a. Clear drainage from the ear
b. Bulging tympanic membrane
c. Sunken fontanel
d. White patches on the tongue
Rationale: A bulging tympanic membrane is a key indicator of otitis
media due to fluid and infection behind the eardrum.
2. When caring for a child with cystic fibrosis, which nursing intervention
is most important?
a. Limit fluid intake
b. Encourage low-protein diet
c. Administer pancreatic enzymes with meals
, d. Restrict salt intake
Rationale: Pancreatic enzymes aid digestion and nutrient absorption,
which are impaired in cystic fibrosis.
3. The nurse is assessing a 6-year-old with suspected appendicitis. Which
finding requires immediate action?
a. Low-grade fever
b. Abdominal tenderness
c. Sudden relief of pain
d. Nausea and vomiting
Rationale: Sudden relief of pain may indicate appendix rupture, a
surgical emergency.
4. Which developmental milestone is expected for a 9-month-old infant?
a. Uses two-word sentences
b. Crawls on hands and knees
c. Walks independently
d. Rolls from back to side
Rationale: Crawling typically develops around 9 months of age.
5. A nurse teaches a parent about iron supplementation for a toddler.
Which statement shows understanding?
a. “I’ll give it with milk.”
b. “I’ll give it with orange juice.”
c. “I’ll mix it in cereal.”
, d. “I’ll give it after meals.”
Rationale: Vitamin C enhances iron absorption; milk inhibits it.
6. Which condition requires airborne precautions in a pediatric unit?
a. Varicella (chickenpox)
b. RSV
c. Influenza
d. Pertussis
Rationale: Varicella spreads via airborne droplets; a negative
pressure room is required.
7. When caring for a child with nephrotic syndrome, which nursing action
is a priority?
a. Increase sodium intake
b. Monitor daily weights
c. Restrict protein
d. Encourage fluid intake
Rationale: Daily weights are the most accurate indicator of fluid
retention.
8. A 10-year-old with type 1 diabetes becomes pale, shaky, and
diaphoretic. The nurse should first:
a. Check urine for ketones
b. Give 15 g of glucose
c. Administer insulin
d. Notify the physician
, Rationale: These are symptoms of hypoglycemia; immediate glucose
administration is required.
9. A child with sickle cell crisis is crying in pain. The most appropriate
nursing action is:
a. Apply cold compress
b. Administer prescribed opioid analgesic
c. Restrict fluids
d. Encourage ambulation
Rationale: Pain in sickle cell crisis results from vaso-occlusion; opioids
are indicated.
10. Which toy is most appropriate for a hospitalized 3-year-old?
a. Board game
b. Large building blocks
c. Crossword puzzle
d. Chapter book
Rationale: Preschoolers need toys that promote motor skills and
creativity.
11. The best injection site for an intramuscular vaccine in an infant
under 1 year is:
a. Deltoid
b. Vastus lateralis
c. Dorsogluteal
Exam Practice Test Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. A 2-year-old child presents with a fever and pulling at the ear. The
nurse suspects otitis media. Which symptom best supports this
diagnosis?
a. Clear drainage from the ear
b. Bulging tympanic membrane
c. Sunken fontanel
d. White patches on the tongue
Rationale: A bulging tympanic membrane is a key indicator of otitis
media due to fluid and infection behind the eardrum.
2. When caring for a child with cystic fibrosis, which nursing intervention
is most important?
a. Limit fluid intake
b. Encourage low-protein diet
c. Administer pancreatic enzymes with meals
, d. Restrict salt intake
Rationale: Pancreatic enzymes aid digestion and nutrient absorption,
which are impaired in cystic fibrosis.
3. The nurse is assessing a 6-year-old with suspected appendicitis. Which
finding requires immediate action?
a. Low-grade fever
b. Abdominal tenderness
c. Sudden relief of pain
d. Nausea and vomiting
Rationale: Sudden relief of pain may indicate appendix rupture, a
surgical emergency.
4. Which developmental milestone is expected for a 9-month-old infant?
a. Uses two-word sentences
b. Crawls on hands and knees
c. Walks independently
d. Rolls from back to side
Rationale: Crawling typically develops around 9 months of age.
5. A nurse teaches a parent about iron supplementation for a toddler.
Which statement shows understanding?
a. “I’ll give it with milk.”
b. “I’ll give it with orange juice.”
c. “I’ll mix it in cereal.”
, d. “I’ll give it after meals.”
Rationale: Vitamin C enhances iron absorption; milk inhibits it.
6. Which condition requires airborne precautions in a pediatric unit?
a. Varicella (chickenpox)
b. RSV
c. Influenza
d. Pertussis
Rationale: Varicella spreads via airborne droplets; a negative
pressure room is required.
7. When caring for a child with nephrotic syndrome, which nursing action
is a priority?
a. Increase sodium intake
b. Monitor daily weights
c. Restrict protein
d. Encourage fluid intake
Rationale: Daily weights are the most accurate indicator of fluid
retention.
8. A 10-year-old with type 1 diabetes becomes pale, shaky, and
diaphoretic. The nurse should first:
a. Check urine for ketones
b. Give 15 g of glucose
c. Administer insulin
d. Notify the physician
, Rationale: These are symptoms of hypoglycemia; immediate glucose
administration is required.
9. A child with sickle cell crisis is crying in pain. The most appropriate
nursing action is:
a. Apply cold compress
b. Administer prescribed opioid analgesic
c. Restrict fluids
d. Encourage ambulation
Rationale: Pain in sickle cell crisis results from vaso-occlusion; opioids
are indicated.
10. Which toy is most appropriate for a hospitalized 3-year-old?
a. Board game
b. Large building blocks
c. Crossword puzzle
d. Chapter book
Rationale: Preschoolers need toys that promote motor skills and
creativity.
11. The best injection site for an intramuscular vaccine in an infant
under 1 year is:
a. Deltoid
b. Vastus lateralis
c. Dorsogluteal
