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. A nursing student working in a pediatric unit makes a medication error. Who bears legal responsibility? → Both the supervising nurse and the institution share responsibility with the student
2. A 10-year-old with sickle cell disease presents with sudden severe headache and left-sided weakness. The nurse suspects: → Stroke
3. Which document designates a healthcare proxy for a pediatric patient who reaches adulthood during a prolonged illness? → Durable power of attorney for healthcare
4. Which developmental milestone is expected for a typical 12-month-old? → Uses a pincer grasp
5. A preterm infant is receiving caffeine citrate for apnea of prematurity. Which finding indicates a therapeutic response? → Decreased frequency of apneic episodes
6. A 7-year-old child has a BMI at the 97th percentile. The nurse should initially recommend which intervention? → Increased physical activity and reduced intake of sugar-sweetened beverages
7. 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
8. A 4-month-old infant is unable to hold their head steady when pulled to sitting. What is the nurse's priority action? → Notify the provider and document the finding
9. 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'.
10. Which organism is responsible for hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in children? → Coxsackievirus A16 (enterovirus)
11. 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
12. Which assessment finding in a 2-year-old with croup indicates the need for immediate intervention? → Mild inspiratory stridor at rest
13. Which language milestone is typical for a 2-year-old? → Uses 50+ words and 2-word phrases
14. Which clinical presentation best distinguishes epiglottitis from croup in a febrile child? → Tripod positioning, drooling, and high fever without cough
15. A child with status epilepticus is given rectal diazepam. Which action is the priority after administration? → Monitor respiratory rate and oxygen saturation
16. A 14-year-old newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes asks why she needs to check ketones when her blood sugar is high. The nurse responds: → Ketones indicate fat breakdown and risk of diabetic ketoacidosis
17. A nurse is assessing health literacy in a parent receiving discharge teaching. Which behavior BEST suggests low health literacy? → Parent nods and says 'I understand' without asking questions
18. Which finding on a newborn physical examination requires the nurse to notify the provider immediately? → Absent red reflex in one eye
19. Which urine output is considered adequate for an infant weighing 8 kg? → 4 mL/hr
20. Which of the following vaccines is classified as a live attenuated vaccine? → Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine
21. Erikson's stage for infants (birth to 18 months) is best described as: → Trust vs. mistrust
22. A nurse is asked to witness a parent signing an informed consent form. This means the nurse is attesting that: → The parent's signature is authentic and appears voluntary
23. A nurse overhears a colleague making derogatory comments about a pediatric patient's family. The most appropriate action is to: → Report the behavior to management per the professional conduct policy
24. When doing an I.M. Which place should the nurse in charge choose for an injection to an infant? → Vastus lateralis
25. Which of the following is a key nursing responsibility when a child is receiving a blood transfusion? → Remain with the child and monitor vital signs during the first 15 minutes of infusion
26. A nurse is named in a malpractice lawsuit. Which document will be most critical to her defense? → Accurate and thorough nursing documentation from the time of care
27. A nurse notes a 10-month-old cannot sit without support. What is the most appropriate next step? → Refer for developmental evaluation
28. A child receives IV acetaminophen 15 mg/kg every 6 hours. The child weighs 25 kg. What is the maximum daily dose this child should receive? → 1500 mg
29. Which fine motor milestone is expected of a 9-month-old infant? → Transfers objects hand to hand
30. During a 2-week newborn visit, a breastfeeding mother reports her baby has had only 4 wet diapers in the past 24 hours. The nurse's priority action is to: → Assess the infant's weight, feeding frequency, and latch technique