Pediatric Nurse Exam Pediatric Nurse Growth and Development Milestones 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: At what age is a child typically expected to achieve daytime bladder control?
- 12–18 months
- 18–24 months
- 2–3 years (Correct answer)
- 4–5 years
Correct answer: 2–3 years
Most children achieve daytime bladder control between ages 2 and 3, though variation is normal.
Question 2: Which behavior is characteristic of adolescent cognitive development according to Piaget?
- Object permanence
- Conservation of mass
- Abstract reasoning and hypothetical thinking (Correct answer)
- Symbolic play
Correct answer: Abstract reasoning and hypothetical thinking
Adolescents in the formal operational stage can engage in abstract thinking, hypothetical reasoning, and systematic problem solving.
Question 3: A 2-month-old infant smiles in response to a caregiver's face. What type of smile is this?
- Reflexive smile
- Social smile (Correct answer)
- Anticipatory smile
- Imitative smile
Correct answer: Social smile
A social smile in response to a human face emerges around 6–8 weeks of age and marks an important social-emotional milestone.
Question 4: Erikson's stage for infants (birth to 18 months) is best described as:
- Autonomy vs. shame and doubt
- Trust vs. mistrust (Correct answer)
- Initiative vs. guilt
- Industry vs. inferiority
Correct answer: Trust vs. mistrust
Infants develop a sense of trust when caregivers consistently meet their needs, forming the foundation for healthy relationships.
Question 5: A 4-month-old infant is unable to hold their head steady when pulled to sitting. What is the nurse's priority action?
- Document as a normal finding
- Reassure the parents
- Notify the provider and document the finding (Correct answer)
- Schedule a recheck at 6 months
Correct answer: Notify the provider and document the finding
Head control when pulled to sitting should be present by 4 months; absence suggests a developmental delay requiring provider notification.
Question 6: Which reflex should have disappeared by 6 months of age?
- Babinski reflex
- Moro reflex (Correct answer)
- Parachute reflex
- Plantar grasp reflex
Correct answer: Moro reflex
The Moro (startle) reflex normally disappears by 4–6 months; persistence beyond 6 months may indicate neurological problems.
Question 7: A parent asks when their child should begin losing primary teeth. What is the nurse's best response?
- Around 3–4 years
- Around 6–7 years (Correct answer)
- Around 8–9 years
- Around 10–11 years
Correct answer: Around 6–7 years
Primary (deciduous) tooth loss typically begins around age 6–7, starting with the lower central incisors.
At what age is a child typically expected to achieve daytime bladder control?