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. A 3-year-old ingested an unknown number of iron tablets from a grandmother's purse. Which early GI finding is characteristic of iron toxicity? → Hematemesis and bloody diarrhea
4. Which document designates a healthcare proxy for a pediatric patient who reaches adulthood during a prolonged illness? → Durable power of attorney for healthcare
5. Which developmental milestone is expected for a typical 12-month-old? → Uses a pincer grasp
6. A preterm infant is receiving caffeine citrate for apnea of prematurity. Which finding indicates a therapeutic response? → Decreased frequency of apneic episodes
7. Which family-centered care principle is demonstrated when a nurse allows parents to remain present during a painful procedure? → Recognizing family as a constant in the child's life
8. A 9-year-old with Crohn's disease has significantly delayed puberty and linear growth. Which intervention addresses this specific complication? → Optimize disease control to reduce chronic inflammation
9. 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
10. 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
11. 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
12. 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'.
13. A 12-year-old is admitted with acute pancreatitis secondary to blunt abdominal trauma. Which nursing intervention is the priority in the first 24 hours? → Provide aggressive IV fluid resuscitation and pain management
14. Which organism is responsible for hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in children? → Coxsackievirus A16 (enterovirus)
15. 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
16. During assessment of a child in anaphylaxis, which intervention takes the highest priority? → Administering intramuscular epinephrine to the lateral thigh
17. A nurse is assessing a family's readiness to learn after their child's new diagnosis. Which factor MOST negatively affects readiness to learn? → Family is in acute grief and emotional shock
18. Which nursing action BEST promotes cultural humility in pediatric family-centered care? → Asking open-ended questions about the family's cultural values and health beliefs
19. Which assessment finding in a 2-year-old with croup indicates the need for immediate intervention? → Mild inspiratory stridor at rest
20. Which language milestone is typical for a 2-year-old? → Uses 50+ words and 2-word phrases
21. Which clinical presentation best distinguishes epiglottitis from croup in a febrile child? → Tripod positioning, drooling, and high fever without cough
22. A nurse is teaching a family about sickle cell crisis triggers. Which environmental factor should be emphasized as a primary prevention measure? → High altitude and extreme cold or heat exposure
23. A child with status epilepticus is given rectal diazepam. Which action is the priority after administration? → Monitor respiratory rate and oxygen saturation
24. 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
25. 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
26. Which finding on a newborn physical examination requires the nurse to notify the provider immediately? → Absent red reflex in one eye
27. A nurse is caring for an adolescent with bulimia nervosa. Which laboratory finding is MOST expected? → Hypokalemia
28. A nurse is discharging a 15-year-old after a psychiatric hospitalization for self-harm. Which element is MOST critical in the safety plan? → Means restriction and identified crisis contacts
29. Which urine output is considered adequate for an infant weighing 8 kg? → 4 mL/hr
30. A 3-year-old is found unresponsive with a suspected opioid ingestion. Respirations are 6/min and shallow. What is the priority intervention? → Administer naloxone and provide bag-valve-mask ventilation