Preparing for the NCLEX exam can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to mastering the pediatric section. Pediatric nursing requires a unique set of skills and knowledge, as it involves caring for infants, children, and adolescents. To help you get a better grasp of this crucial area, we have compiled 12 pediatric practice questions that will not only test your knowledge but also enhance your understanding of pediatric nursing concepts. Let's dive in!
1. Growth and Development
Question: A 4-year-old child is brought to the clinic for a routine check-up. Which of the following developmental milestones should the nurse expect the child to have achieved?
A. Riding a tricycle
B. Using a fork and spoon
C. Drawing a person with three parts
D. Tying shoelaces
Answer: A. Riding a tricycle
Rationale: By the age of 4, children typically can ride a tricycle. Using a fork and spoon is expected by age 2-3, drawing a person with three parts by age 5, and tying shoelaces by age 5-6.
2. Immunizations
Question: A nurse is preparing to administer the first dose of the MMR vaccine to a child. At what age is this vaccine typically given?
A. 2 months
B. 6 months
C. 12 months
D. 18 months
Answer: C. 12 months
Rationale: The first dose of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is typically administered at 12-15 months of age, with a second dose at 4-6 years.
3. Pediatric Medication Administration
Question: A nurse is administering an oral medication to a 2-year-old child. Which technique is most appropriate?
A. Mix the medication with the child's favorite food
B. Use a syringe to place the medication in the side of the child's mouth
C. Place the medication in a bottle of milk
D. Administer the medication while the child is lying down
Answer: B. Use a syringe to place the medication in the side of the child's mouth
Rationale: Using a syringe to place the medication in the side of the child's mouth helps ensure the child swallows the medication and reduces the risk of aspiration.
4. Respiratory Disorders
Question: A child with asthma is experiencing wheezing and shortness of breath. Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering?
A. Montelukast
B. Albuterol
C. Fluticasone
D. Cromolyn sodium
Answer: B. Albuterol
Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist used for quick relief of asthma symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath.
5. Dehydration
Question: A nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant for dehydration. Which of the following is the most reliable indicator of dehydration in this age group?
A. Sunken fontanel
B. Dry mucous membranes
C. Decreased urine output
D. Weight loss
Answer: D. Weight loss
Rationale: Weight loss is the most reliable indicator of dehydration in infants, as it directly reflects fluid loss.
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6. Pain Management
Question: A 5-year-old child is scheduled for a tonsillectomy. Which pain assessment tool is most appropriate for this age group?
A. FLACC scale
B. Numeric rating scale
C. Wong-Baker FACES scale
D. Visual analog scale
Answer: C. Wong-Baker FACES scale
Rationale: The Wong-Baker FACES scale is suitable for children aged 3 and older, allowing them to express their pain level by pointing to a face that represents how they feel.
7. Nutrition
Question: A nurse is providing dietary education to the parents of a 2-year-old child. Which of the following foods should be limited to reduce the risk of choking?
A. Applesauce
B. Hot dogs
C. Mashed potatoes
D. Yogurt
Answer: B. Hot dogs
Rationale: Hot dogs are a choking hazard for young children and should be cut into small pieces or avoided altogether.
8. Infectious Diseases
Question: A child is diagnosed with varicella (chickenpox). Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the care plan?
A. Administer aspirin for fever
B. Apply calamine lotion to lesions
C. Keep the child in a warm room
D. Encourage frequent bathing
Answer: B. Apply calamine lotion to lesions
Rationale: Calamine lotion can help soothe the itching associated with varicella lesions. Aspirin should be avoided due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.
9. Pediatric Cardiology
Question: A nurse is caring for an infant with a congenital heart defect. Which of the following signs would indicate heart failure?
A. Weight gain
B. Bradycardia
C. Diaphoresis during feeding
D. Hyperactivity
Answer: C. Diaphoresis during feeding
Rationale: Diaphoresis during feeding is a common sign of heart failure in infants, as feeding requires significant energy expenditure.
10. Pediatric Oncology
Question: A child with leukemia is receiving chemotherapy. Which of the following is the most important nursing intervention to prevent infection?
A. Administering prophylactic antibiotics
B. Encouraging a high-protein diet
C. Practicing strict hand hygiene
D. Providing live vaccines
Answer: C. Practicing strict hand hygiene
Rationale: Strict hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent infection in immunocompromised patients, such as those receiving chemotherapy.
11. Pediatric Neurology
Question: A nurse is assessing a child with suspected meningitis. Which of the following findings would support this diagnosis?
A. Positive Babinski sign
B. Negative Brudzinski sign
C. Positive Kernig sign
D. Negative Romberg test
Answer: C. Positive Kernig sign
Rationale: A positive Kernig sign, where there is resistance and pain with knee extension when the hip is flexed, is indicative of meningeal irritation and supports the diagnosis of meningitis.
12. Pediatric Endocrinology
Question: A nurse is teaching the parents of a child with type 1 diabetes about insulin administration. Which of the following statements indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "We should rotate injection sites to prevent lipodystrophy."
B. "We can reuse insulin syringes as long as we cap them."
C. "We should administer insulin at the same time each day."
D. "We need to monitor our child's blood glucose levels regularly."
Answer: B. "We can reuse insulin syringes as long as we cap them."
Rationale: Insulin syringes should not be reused to prevent infection and ensure accurate dosing.
Conclusion
Mastering pediatric nursing concepts is essential for success on the NCLEX exam. By practicing these questions and understanding the rationale behind each answer, you can build your confidence and improve your test-taking skills. Remember, thorough preparation and a solid understanding of pediatric care will help you excel on the NCLEX and in your future nursing career. Happy studying!
