Pediatric Nurse Exam Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield Pediatric Nurse Exam facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which of the following is improper when giving chemotherapy to a young patient? → Observing the child for 10 minutes to note for signs of anaphylaxis
2. Which of the following social-emotional milestones is most characteristic of a school-aged child (6-12 years old)? → Forms strong peer relationships and has a 'best friend'.
3. Which organism is responsible for hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in children? → Coxsackievirus A16 (enterovirus)
4. A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular (IM) injection to a 9-month-old infant. Which site is the most appropriate and safest for this age group? → Vastus lateralis
5. Which clinical presentation best distinguishes epiglottitis from croup in a febrile child? → Tripod positioning, drooling, and high fever without cough
6. Which of the following vaccines is classified as a live attenuated vaccine? → Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine
7. Which is the most serious long-term complication of untreated or inadequately treated rheumatic fever? → Cardiac valve damage leading to rheumatic heart disease
8. When doing an I.M. Which place should the nurse in charge choose for an injection to an infant? → Vastus lateralis
9. A child with varicella (chickenpox) should be excluded from school until which point? → All lesions have crusted over
10. A 3-month-old infant with confirmed RSV bronchiolitis is admitted with wheezing, tachypnea, and poor feeding. What is the priority nursing intervention? → Maintain airway patency and closely monitor respiratory status
11. A neonate is receiving continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for RDS. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention? → Abdominal distension with decreased bowel sounds
12. Which of the following is a key feature that helps a nurse differentiate a manic episode in pediatric bipolar disorder from the typical presentation of ADHD? → The episodic nature of the mood changes.
13. A metabolic flaw that is inherited that causes RBC to be destroyed too soon? → G6PD
14. A premature infant born at 32 weeks gestation is at greatest risk for which condition? → Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)
15. Palivizumab (Synagis) is administered monthly during RSV season to provide prophylaxis against which pathogen? → Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
16. Which medication is the first-line treatment for an acute asthma exacerbation in a pediatric patient? → Short-acting beta-2 agonists (e.g., albuterol)
17. Which nursing intervention is most important for a hospitalized child with cystic fibrosis (CF) to prevent pulmonary complications? → Perform chest physiotherapy and airway clearance techniques regularly
18. A child presents to the ED with a barking cough and mild inspiratory stridor at rest, consistent with mild-to-moderate croup. Which intervention is first-line? → A single dose of oral or IM dexamethasone
19. Which component of the Apgar score assesses heart rate? → Pulse
20. A child presents with a 'strawberry tongue,' sandpaper-like rash, and fever of 102°F. Which diagnosis does the nurse anticipate? → Scarlet fever
21. A 2-year-old is admitted with prolonged fever, bilateral conjunctival injection, cracked lips, and a strawberry tongue. Which diagnosis is most likely? → Kawasaki disease
22. An infant is admitted with RSV bronchiolitis. What is the mainstay of treatment? → Supportive care including hydration, nasal suctioning, and supplemental oxygen
23. Which of the following microorganisms causes rheumatic fever to develop? → Group A β-hemolytic streptococcus
24. A child diagnosed with coarctation of the aorta would most likely demonstrate which blood pressure finding on assessment? → Higher blood pressure in the upper extremities than the lower extremities
25. An unvaccinated 3-year-old is exposed to pertussis. Which intervention is most appropriate? → Administer azithromycin prophylaxis and initiate DTaP vaccination
26. Which oxygen delivery device provides the highest concentration of oxygen for a child in severe respiratory distress who is breathing spontaneously? → Non-rebreather mask with reservoir bag (60-95% FiO2)
27. Koplik spots on the buccal mucosa are pathognomonic for which infectious disease? → Measles (rubeola)
28. Which vaccine specifically prevents infection by Haemophilus influenzae type b, a leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children under 5? → Hib conjugate vaccine
29. What is the primary purpose of administering exogenous surfactant to a premature neonate? → Reduce alveolar surface tension to prevent collapse
30. Which nursing intervention is critical to include when a newborn receives phototherapy? → Ensure frequent feedings to promote bilirubin excretion