NUR 254 Exam 1: Pediatrics - Galen College of Nursing
Updated and Latest Questions and Correct Answers with
Rationale
1. According to Piaget, which stage of cognitive development is characterized by an infant learning through
sensory input and motor activity?
A. Preoperational stage
B. Sensorimotor stage
C. Concrete operational stage
D. Formal operational stage
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Piaget’s theory explains how children construct a mental model of the world through various
stages. The sensorimotor stage occurs from birth to age two and focuses primarily on sensory
experiences and motor movements. During this time, infants begin to understand that their actions can
cause specific things to happen in their environment. This stage is crucial for developing a sense of self
and the concept of object permanence. Nurses use this knowledge to tailor communication and safety
teaching for parents of young infants.
2. A nurse is caring for an infant and notes that the child has not yet developed ‘Trust vs. Mistrust.’ Which
theorist is associated with this psychosocial stage?
A. Sigmund Freud
B. Erik Erikson
C. Jean Piaget
D. Lawrence Kohlberg
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development consists of eight stages that occur
throughout the human lifespan. The first stage, Trust vs. Mistrust, occurs during infancy from birth to
approximately one year of age. Success in this stage is achieved when caregivers provide consistent,
reliable, and predictable care to the infant. If the care is inconsistent or harsh, the infant may develop a
sense of fear and suspicion toward the world. Nurses promote trust by encouraging parental presence
and responding promptly to the infant’s basic needs.
3. What is the leading cause of death in children over the age of one year in the United States?
A. Congenital anomalies
B. Childhood leukemia
C. Unintentional injuries
D. Infectious diseases
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Unintentional injuries remain the leading cause of mortality for children and adolescents
across various age groups in the United States. These injuries often include motor vehicle accidents,
drownings, burns, and accidental poisonings. Pediatric nurses play a critical role in injury prevention by
providing anticipatory guidance to families. Safety education must be tailored to the child’s specific
developmental stage and physical capabilities. By identifying environmental hazards, nurses help reduce
the incidence of preventable fatalities in the pediatric population.
4. When performing a physical assessment on a toddler, which approach should the nurse take to minimize
distress?
A. Perform the assessment from head to toe immediately.
, B. Perform the most invasive procedures first to get them over with.
C. Ask the parents to leave the room to prevent the child from being distracted.
D. Save the most invasive or distressing procedures for the end.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The sequence of a pediatric physical assessment should be modified based on the child’s age
and cooperation level. For toddlers, it is best to start with non-invasive observations such as skin color
and respiratory effort. Saving invasive procedures like ear or throat examinations for the end helps
maintain the child’s cooperation for a longer period. Nurses should also use a calm voice and allow the
child to touch the equipment whenever possible. This approach fosters a sense of security and minimizes
the psychological impact of the clinical examination.
5. At what age does an infant typically begin to sit unsupported?
A. 4 months
B. 6 to 8 months
C. 10 months
D. 12 months
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Gross motor development in infants follows a predictable cephalocaudal pattern starting from
head control to walking. Most infants are able to sit alone steadily without support between six and eight
months of age. By this stage, the infant has developed sufficient trunk strength and balance to remain
upright. Failure to achieve this milestone may indicate a need for further developmental screening by the
healthcare provider. Nurses monitor these milestones during well-child visits to ensure the infant is
progressing within the expected timeframe.
Updated and Latest Questions and Correct Answers with
Rationale
1. According to Piaget, which stage of cognitive development is characterized by an infant learning through
sensory input and motor activity?
A. Preoperational stage
B. Sensorimotor stage
C. Concrete operational stage
D. Formal operational stage
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Piaget’s theory explains how children construct a mental model of the world through various
stages. The sensorimotor stage occurs from birth to age two and focuses primarily on sensory
experiences and motor movements. During this time, infants begin to understand that their actions can
cause specific things to happen in their environment. This stage is crucial for developing a sense of self
and the concept of object permanence. Nurses use this knowledge to tailor communication and safety
teaching for parents of young infants.
2. A nurse is caring for an infant and notes that the child has not yet developed ‘Trust vs. Mistrust.’ Which
theorist is associated with this psychosocial stage?
A. Sigmund Freud
B. Erik Erikson
C. Jean Piaget
D. Lawrence Kohlberg
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development consists of eight stages that occur
throughout the human lifespan. The first stage, Trust vs. Mistrust, occurs during infancy from birth to
approximately one year of age. Success in this stage is achieved when caregivers provide consistent,
reliable, and predictable care to the infant. If the care is inconsistent or harsh, the infant may develop a
sense of fear and suspicion toward the world. Nurses promote trust by encouraging parental presence
and responding promptly to the infant’s basic needs.
3. What is the leading cause of death in children over the age of one year in the United States?
A. Congenital anomalies
B. Childhood leukemia
C. Unintentional injuries
D. Infectious diseases
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Unintentional injuries remain the leading cause of mortality for children and adolescents
across various age groups in the United States. These injuries often include motor vehicle accidents,
drownings, burns, and accidental poisonings. Pediatric nurses play a critical role in injury prevention by
providing anticipatory guidance to families. Safety education must be tailored to the child’s specific
developmental stage and physical capabilities. By identifying environmental hazards, nurses help reduce
the incidence of preventable fatalities in the pediatric population.
4. When performing a physical assessment on a toddler, which approach should the nurse take to minimize
distress?
A. Perform the assessment from head to toe immediately.
, B. Perform the most invasive procedures first to get them over with.
C. Ask the parents to leave the room to prevent the child from being distracted.
D. Save the most invasive or distressing procedures for the end.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The sequence of a pediatric physical assessment should be modified based on the child’s age
and cooperation level. For toddlers, it is best to start with non-invasive observations such as skin color
and respiratory effort. Saving invasive procedures like ear or throat examinations for the end helps
maintain the child’s cooperation for a longer period. Nurses should also use a calm voice and allow the
child to touch the equipment whenever possible. This approach fosters a sense of security and minimizes
the psychological impact of the clinical examination.
5. At what age does an infant typically begin to sit unsupported?
A. 4 months
B. 6 to 8 months
C. 10 months
D. 12 months
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Gross motor development in infants follows a predictable cephalocaudal pattern starting from
head control to walking. Most infants are able to sit alone steadily without support between six and eight
months of age. By this stage, the infant has developed sufficient trunk strength and balance to remain
upright. Failure to achieve this milestone may indicate a need for further developmental screening by the
healthcare provider. Nurses monitor these milestones during well-child visits to ensure the infant is
progressing within the expected timeframe.
