All Free Paediatric Nursing MCQs with Answers

Every Paediatric Nursing question in the bank, across all chapters, each with the correct answer and a written explanation. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.

350 questions · page 13 of 18

  • A. It develops memory cells after vaccination
  • B. It gives immediate protection without lasting immune memory
  • C. It requires exposure to a weakened microorganism
  • D. It usually provides lifelong protection after one dose

Explanation: Passive immunity comes from ready-made antibodies and acts quickly, but it does not usually create immune memory.

Correct answer: It gives immediate protection without lasting immune memory
  • A. Live attenuated vaccine
  • B. Inactivated whole-cell vaccine
  • C. Subunit vaccine
  • D. Toxoid vaccine

Explanation: A subunit vaccine contains purified components, such as proteins or polysaccharides, that stimulate immunity.

Correct answer: Subunit vaccine
  • A. In the refrigerator door shelves
  • B. Against the freezer compartment wall
  • C. On the middle shelves away from the door
  • D. Beside the refrigerator light bulb

Explanation: Vaccines should be kept on the middle shelves where the temperature is more stable.

Correct answer: On the middle shelves away from the door
Moderate
  • A. Leave them there because the door is easy to access
  • B. Move them to the recommended shelves and check their condition
  • C. Place them beside the freezer to cool them quickly
  • D. Discard every vaccine immediately without assessment

Explanation: The nurse should move vaccines to the correct shelves and assess temperature records, expiry dates and VVM status.

Correct answer: Move them to the recommended shelves and check their condition
Hard
  • A. Send the child home after the seizure stops
  • B. Record and promptly report the serious AEFI through the EPI system
  • C. Give the same vaccine again to confirm the reaction
  • D. Wait for the next routine immunisation session to report it

Explanation: A serious AEFI requires accurate documentation and prompt notification through the designated EPI reporting system after the child is…

Correct answer: Record and promptly report the serious AEFI through the EPI system
  • A. Recap it with two hands before disposal
  • B. Bend it before placing it in the waste bin
  • C. Place it immediately in a puncture-resistant safety box
  • D. Leave it on the tray until the session has ended

Explanation: Used needles should be placed immediately into a puncture-resistant safety box without recapping, bending or handling them again.

Correct answer: Place it immediately in a puncture-resistant safety box
Moderate
  • A. Touch the dropper tip to the child’s lips
  • B. Place the dropper tip inside the child’s mouth
  • C. Keep the dropper tip away from the mouth and tongue
  • D. Mix the vaccine with leftover milk in a feeding bottle

Explanation: The dropper tip should not touch the child’s mouth because this can contaminate the vial.

Correct answer: Keep the dropper tip away from the mouth and tongue
  • A. They contain a live bacterium that multiplies in the intestine
  • B. They link a polysaccharide antigen to a protein carrier to improve the immune response
  • C. They contain antibodies collected from an immune donor
  • D. They destroy bacteria already multiplying in the child’s blood

Explanation: Conjugate vaccines link a polysaccharide antigen to a protein carrier, producing a stronger and more reliable response in young children.

Correct answer: They link a polysaccharide antigen to a protein carrier to improve the immune response
Moderate
  • A. This always means the child has a severe allergy
  • B. These mild reactions can occur and usually settle with observation and comfort care
  • C. The child must never receive another vaccine
  • D. The child needs antibiotics immediately for vaccine infection

Explanation: Mild soreness, swelling or low-grade fever can occur after immunisation and usually resolves without antibiotics.

Correct answer: These mild reactions can occur and usually settle with observation and comfort care
  • A. Vaccination only benefits children who have already been infected
  • B. Vaccination helps protect the child and reduces spread within the community
  • C. Vaccination replaces handwashing and safe drinking water
  • D. Vaccination treats infections after symptoms have started

Explanation: Vaccination directly protects the child and also reduces transmission, helping protect people who cannot be fully vaccinated.

Correct answer: Vaccination helps protect the child and reduces spread within the community
  • A. 6
  • B. 7
  • C. 8
  • D. 9

Explanation: The scores are 2 for heart rate, 2 for respirations, 2 for muscle tone, 2 for reflex response, and 1 for colour, giving 9?

Correct answer: 8
  • A. Place the newborn under a fan for ventilation
  • B. Dry the newborn thoroughly and cover the head
  • C. Bathe the newborn in warm water
  • D. Leave the newborn uncovered for observation

Explanation: Drying removes evaporative heat loss, while covering the head reduces further heat loss.

Correct answer: Dry the newborn thoroughly and cover the head
  • A. Separate the newborn for routine bathing
  • B. Offer glucose water before the first feed
  • C. Place the newborn skin-to-skin with the mother
  • D. Delay breastfeeding until the mother has rested

Explanation: Skin-to-skin contact supports warmth, bonding, and early initiation of breastfeeding.

Correct answer: Place the newborn skin-to-skin with the mother
  • A. Apply antibiotic powder after every diaper change
  • B. Keep the cord clean and dry and fold the diaper below it
  • C. Cover the cord tightly with a wet dressing
  • D. Pull off the cord when it begins to loosen

Explanation: Keeping the stump clean and dry and preventing urine or stool contact helps reduce infection.

Correct answer: Keep the cord clean and dry and fold the diaper below it
Moderate
  • A. Mild peeling of skin on the hands
  • B. Respiratory grunting with chest retractions
  • C. Small white spots on the nose
  • D. A bluish colour limited to the hands and feet

Explanation: Grunting and chest retractions indicate increased work of breathing and possible respiratory distress, so airway and breathing take…

Correct answer: Respiratory grunting with chest retractions
Moderate
  • A. Give a full bath with warm water
  • B. Place the newborn skin-to-skin under warm covering
  • C. Offer plain water by mouth
  • D. Keep the newborn uncovered for frequent observation

Explanation: Skin-to-skin care under warm covering provides effective warmth and also supports cardiorespiratory stability.

Correct answer: Place the newborn skin-to-skin under warm covering
  • A. Reassure the mother that this is always normal
  • B. Encourage sunlight exposure at home
  • C. Notify the clinician promptly for assessment
  • D. Stop breastfeeding until the colour clears

Explanation: Jaundice appearing during the first 24 hours is potentially pathological and requires prompt assessment, including bilirubin evaluation.

Correct answer: Notify the clinician promptly for assessment
Moderate
  • A. Place the newborn prone and leave the room
  • B. Check the blood glucose and notify the clinician
  • C. Give a routine bath to stimulate activity
  • D. Wait until the next scheduled feeding

Explanation: Jitteriness and poor feeding may indicate neonatal hypoglycaemia, which can cause neurological injury if untreated.

Correct answer: Check the blood glucose and notify the clinician
Moderate
  • A. Temperature instability with poor feeding
  • B. Sneezing once after feeding
  • C. Small amounts of breast milk regurgitation
  • D. Transient hiccups after crying

Explanation: Temperature instability combined with poor feeding is a neonatal danger sign and may indicate sepsis.

Correct answer: Temperature instability with poor feeding
  • A. Begin oral feeding to improve energy
  • B. Place the newborn supine and reassess later
  • C. Provide immediate respiratory support and call for urgent help
  • D. Wrap the newborn tightly and continue routine observations

Explanation: Tachypnoea, nasal flaring, and central cyanosis show serious respiratory compromise, so breathing is the immediate priority.

Correct answer: Provide immediate respiratory support and call for urgent help