NURS 307 | NURS307 Exam 1: Pediatrics - WCU
Updated and Latest Questions and Correct
Answers with Rationale
1. Which developmental pattern describes the progression of growth from the head toward
the lower parts of the body?
A. Proximodistal
B. Differentiation
C. Sequential
D. Cephalocaudal
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Cephalocaudal development is the process where growth and motor control
proceed from the head down to the toes. This explains why an infant can hold their head up
long before they are able to walk. It is a fundamental principle of physical maturation used
in pediatric assessments. Understanding this helps nurses identify if a child is meeting
motor milestones in the correct sequence. This pattern remains consistent across all
healthy developing infants.
2. When assessing a 4-month-old infant, the nurse expects which of the following findings
regarding weight?
A. Weight should be tripled from birth
B. Weight should be doubled from birth
C. Weight has increased by 10 pounds
D. Weight has not changed since birth
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Typically, an infant’s birth weight doubles by the age of 4 to 6 months. This
rapid growth period is essential for healthy neurological and physical development. Nurses
monitor weight gain closely to ensure the infant is receiving adequate nutrition. Tripling of
birth weight usually occurs later, around the one-year mark. Knowing these benchmarks
allows for early intervention if growth failure is suspected.
3. At what age should the nurse expect the posterior fontanel to be closed?
A. 2 to 3 months
B. 12 to 18 months
C. 6 to 8 months
,D. Birth
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The posterior fontanel is the smaller, triangular-shaped soft spot located at the
back of the head. It typically closes by 2 to 3 months of age as the skull bones fuse. If the
fontanel remains open beyond this window, it may indicate an underlying health issue. In
contrast, the anterior fontanel remains open much longer to allow for brain growth.
Accurate assessment of fontanels is a standard part of every neonatal physical exam.
4. According to Erikson, what is the primary psychosocial task for a toddler (1 to 3 years)?
A. Trust vs. Mistrust
B. Initiative vs. Guilt
C. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
D. Industry vs. Inferiority
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The toddler stage is characterized by the struggle for independence and self-
control. During this time, children learn to do things for themselves, such as feeding or
dressing. If they are constantly criticized or restricted, they may develop a sense of shame.
Nurses should encourage parents to offer choices to foster a sense of autonomy. This stage
sets the foundation for a child’s future self-confidence and willpower.
5. Which type of play is most characteristic of a 2-year-old child?
A. Cooperative play
B. Associative play
C. Parallel play
D. Solitary play
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Parallel play occurs when children play beside each other but do not interact
directly. This is a normal developmental stage for toddlers who are beginning to socialize.
While they enjoy being near other children, they are not yet ready for group rules or
sharing. Nurses can facilitate this by providing similar toys for multiple children in a
playroom. It is a stepping stone toward more complex social interactions like associative
play.
6. What is the recommended sequence for measuring vital signs in an infant to ensure
accuracy?
A. Respirations, Heart Rate, Temperature
B. Blood Pressure, Temperature, Respirations
, C. Temperature, Heart Rate, Respirations
D. Heart Rate, Respirations, Temperature
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: To obtain the most accurate data, nurses should perform the least invasive
assessments first. Counting respirations and heart rate while the infant is quiet prevents
false elevations caused by crying. Temperature and blood pressure are usually more
distressing and should be saved for the end. This sequence minimizes physiological stress
on the infant during the examination. Following this order helps ensure that the vital signs
reflect the infant’s true resting state.
7. At what age should a child be able to sit unsupported?
A. 4 months
B. 6 months
C. 8 months
D. 10 months
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Most infants develop the core strength to sit unsupported by 8 months of age.
By 6 months, they usually sit with support or by using their hands for balance. This
milestone indicates significant progress in gross motor development and trunk stability.
Nurses assess this during well-child visits to track the infant’s physical progress. Delays in
sitting may require further evaluation of the child’s neurological status.
8. Which pain scale is most appropriate for a 4-year-old child?
A. Numerical Rating Scale (0-10)
B. FLACC scale
C. Wong-Baker FACES scale
D. Visual Analog Scale
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The FACES scale uses illustrations of faces ranging from happy to crying to help
children communicate pain levels. It is highly effective for preschoolers who cannot yet
conceptualize numerical values. The child is asked to point to the face that best represents
how they feel. This tool provides a reliable subjective measure of pain in pediatric
populations. Nurses should explain the scale clearly to ensure the child understands its
purpose.
Updated and Latest Questions and Correct
Answers with Rationale
1. Which developmental pattern describes the progression of growth from the head toward
the lower parts of the body?
A. Proximodistal
B. Differentiation
C. Sequential
D. Cephalocaudal
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Cephalocaudal development is the process where growth and motor control
proceed from the head down to the toes. This explains why an infant can hold their head up
long before they are able to walk. It is a fundamental principle of physical maturation used
in pediatric assessments. Understanding this helps nurses identify if a child is meeting
motor milestones in the correct sequence. This pattern remains consistent across all
healthy developing infants.
2. When assessing a 4-month-old infant, the nurse expects which of the following findings
regarding weight?
A. Weight should be tripled from birth
B. Weight should be doubled from birth
C. Weight has increased by 10 pounds
D. Weight has not changed since birth
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Typically, an infant’s birth weight doubles by the age of 4 to 6 months. This
rapid growth period is essential for healthy neurological and physical development. Nurses
monitor weight gain closely to ensure the infant is receiving adequate nutrition. Tripling of
birth weight usually occurs later, around the one-year mark. Knowing these benchmarks
allows for early intervention if growth failure is suspected.
3. At what age should the nurse expect the posterior fontanel to be closed?
A. 2 to 3 months
B. 12 to 18 months
C. 6 to 8 months
,D. Birth
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The posterior fontanel is the smaller, triangular-shaped soft spot located at the
back of the head. It typically closes by 2 to 3 months of age as the skull bones fuse. If the
fontanel remains open beyond this window, it may indicate an underlying health issue. In
contrast, the anterior fontanel remains open much longer to allow for brain growth.
Accurate assessment of fontanels is a standard part of every neonatal physical exam.
4. According to Erikson, what is the primary psychosocial task for a toddler (1 to 3 years)?
A. Trust vs. Mistrust
B. Initiative vs. Guilt
C. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
D. Industry vs. Inferiority
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The toddler stage is characterized by the struggle for independence and self-
control. During this time, children learn to do things for themselves, such as feeding or
dressing. If they are constantly criticized or restricted, they may develop a sense of shame.
Nurses should encourage parents to offer choices to foster a sense of autonomy. This stage
sets the foundation for a child’s future self-confidence and willpower.
5. Which type of play is most characteristic of a 2-year-old child?
A. Cooperative play
B. Associative play
C. Parallel play
D. Solitary play
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Parallel play occurs when children play beside each other but do not interact
directly. This is a normal developmental stage for toddlers who are beginning to socialize.
While they enjoy being near other children, they are not yet ready for group rules or
sharing. Nurses can facilitate this by providing similar toys for multiple children in a
playroom. It is a stepping stone toward more complex social interactions like associative
play.
6. What is the recommended sequence for measuring vital signs in an infant to ensure
accuracy?
A. Respirations, Heart Rate, Temperature
B. Blood Pressure, Temperature, Respirations
, C. Temperature, Heart Rate, Respirations
D. Heart Rate, Respirations, Temperature
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: To obtain the most accurate data, nurses should perform the least invasive
assessments first. Counting respirations and heart rate while the infant is quiet prevents
false elevations caused by crying. Temperature and blood pressure are usually more
distressing and should be saved for the end. This sequence minimizes physiological stress
on the infant during the examination. Following this order helps ensure that the vital signs
reflect the infant’s true resting state.
7. At what age should a child be able to sit unsupported?
A. 4 months
B. 6 months
C. 8 months
D. 10 months
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Most infants develop the core strength to sit unsupported by 8 months of age.
By 6 months, they usually sit with support or by using their hands for balance. This
milestone indicates significant progress in gross motor development and trunk stability.
Nurses assess this during well-child visits to track the infant’s physical progress. Delays in
sitting may require further evaluation of the child’s neurological status.
8. Which pain scale is most appropriate for a 4-year-old child?
A. Numerical Rating Scale (0-10)
B. FLACC scale
C. Wong-Baker FACES scale
D. Visual Analog Scale
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The FACES scale uses illustrations of faces ranging from happy to crying to help
children communicate pain levels. It is highly effective for preschoolers who cannot yet
conceptualize numerical values. The child is asked to point to the face that best represents
how they feel. This tool provides a reliable subjective measure of pain in pediatric
populations. Nurses should explain the scale clearly to ensure the child understands its
purpose.
