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NCLEX Pediatrics Practice Questions

Pediatric questions often hinge on age: what is normal for a toddler is alarming in an infant. They also test safety and family teaching.

Work through these to practise milestones, pediatric emergencies and family-centred care.

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What the NCLEX tests in pediatrics

5 pediatrics practice questions with rationales

Answer each one before opening the rationale. Every option is explained, including the wrong ones.

Question 1 · Multiple choice
A child with suspected epiglottitis is drooling and sitting upright, leaning forward. Which action should the nurse avoid?
  1. Keeping the child calm with a parent
  2. Examining the throat with a tongue depressor
  3. Having emergency airway equipment ready
  4. Allowing the child to stay upright
Show answer and rationale

Answer: B

A. Keeping the child calm reduces airway risk.

B. Correct. Inserting a tongue depressor can trigger complete airway obstruction.

C. Airway equipment must be ready.

D. Upright positioning helps breathing.

Question 2 · Select all that apply
Which findings indicate dehydration in an infant? Select all that apply.
  1. Sunken anterior fontanel
  2. Fewer wet diapers
  3. Dry mucous membranes
  4. Bulging fontanel
  5. Tachycardia
Show answer and rationale

Answer: A, B, C, E

A. Correct. A sunken fontanel suggests fluid loss.

B. Correct. Decreased urine output.

C. Correct.

D. A bulging fontanel suggests increased intracranial pressure.

E. Correct. The heart compensates for low volume.

Question 3 · Multiple choice
At what age does an infant typically sit without support?
  1. 2 months
  2. 4 months
  3. About 6 to 8 months
  4. 12 months
Show answer and rationale

Answer: C

A. Too early; at 2 months infants lift the head while prone.

B. Too early; at 4 months infants roll and hold the head steady.

C. Correct. Most infants sit independently around 6 to 8 months.

D. By 12 months most infants are standing or walking.

Question 4 · Multiple choice
Which toy is safest for a 1-year-old?
  1. A bag of marbles
  2. Large stacking blocks
  3. A balloon
  4. A toy with small detachable parts
Show answer and rationale

Answer: B

A. Marbles are a choking hazard.

B. Correct. Large blocks support motor skills without choking risk.

C. Balloons are a serious aspiration hazard.

D. Small parts can be aspirated.

Question 5 · Select all that apply
Which teaching points about car seats are correct? Select all that apply.
  1. Infants ride rear-facing
  2. Children should stay rear-facing as long as the seat's limits allow
  3. The back seat is the safest place for children
  4. A toddler can ride in the front seat if buckled
  5. Harness straps should be snug
Show answer and rationale

Answer: A, B, C, E

A. Correct.

B. Correct. Current guidance keeps children rear-facing as long as possible.

C. Correct. Airbags endanger young children in the front.

D. Children under 13 should ride in the back.

E. Correct. Loose straps reduce protection.

How to study pediatrics for the NCLEX

  1. Always read the age first; normal vital signs and milestones change fast.
  2. For airway emergencies in children, do nothing that could agitate the child or obstruct the airway.
  3. Safety teaching is a high-yield category: choking, car seats, poisoning, water.

Frequently asked questions

What pediatric topics are on the NCLEX?

Growth and development, respiratory illnesses, dehydration, congenital heart defects, safety and medication dosing by weight.

Do I need to memorise milestones?

Yes, at least the major ones. Many questions test whether a finding is normal for the child's age.

Can I practise pediatrics from my lecture slides?

Yes. Upload them to NurseQuizAI to generate pediatric questions.

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