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 2 of 18

  • A. Count respirations for 30 seconds while the infant is awake
  • B. Count respirations for 60 seconds while the infant is quiet
  • C. Count respirations for 15 seconds after the infant cries
  • D. Count respirations for 30 seconds after feeding

Explanation: Infants often have irregular breathing, so respirations should be counted for a full minute while the child is quiet.

Correct answer: Count respirations for 60 seconds while the infant is quiet
  • A. Numeric rating scale from 0 to 10
  • B. Visual analogue scale with a marked line
  • C. FLACC behavioural pain scale
  • D. Glasgow Coma Scale

Explanation: The FLACC scale assesses facial expression, legs, activity, crying and consolability in children who cannot reliably self-report pain.

Correct answer: FLACC behavioural pain scale
Very hard
  • A. Administer both medicines at different times
  • B. Give the medicine with the larger dose
  • C. Hold the medicines and clarify the prescriptions
  • D. Ask the parent which medicine seems stronger

Explanation: Duplicate paracetamol can cause an excessive total dose and liver injury.

Correct answer: Hold the medicines and clarify the prescriptions
  • A. Warm skin and increased urine output
  • B. Moist mouth and a strong pulse
  • C. Sunken eyes and decreased urine output
  • D. Brisk capillary refill and normal thirst

Explanation: Sunken eyes and reduced urine output are important clinical signs of fluid deficit in a child.

Correct answer: Sunken eyes and decreased urine output
Fairly easy
  • A. Place the child flat after the first few bites
  • B. Keep the child upright during feeding and afterward
  • C. Offer large mouthfuls to shorten the meal
  • D. Use a straw for every drink and food item

Explanation: An upright position supports swallowing and reduces aspiration risk during and after feeding.

Correct answer: Keep the child upright during feeding and afterward
  • A. Warm skin with brisk blood return
  • B. Cool, swollen tissue around the cannula
  • C. A dry dressing with no discomfort
  • D. A regular infusion rate without swelling

Explanation: Infiltration causes leakage of intravenous fluid into surrounding tissue, producing coolness, swelling, pallor and discomfort.

Correct answer: Cool, swollen tissue around the cannula
Fairly easy
  • A. Allow participation after explaining safe tasks and hand hygiene
  • B. Ask the parent to wait outside until all care is complete
  • C. Permit the parent to change treatments without supervision
  • D. Tell the parent that nurses must perform all daily care

Explanation: Family-centred care includes parents in appropriate care after the nurse explains their role, infection prevention and safety limits.

Correct answer: Allow participation after explaining safe tasks and hand hygiene
Fairly easy
  • A. It will not hurt, so you should not worry
  • B. Be brave because other children manage it
  • C. You may feel a brief pinch, and I will explain each step
  • D. Your parent can answer because nurses perform the procedure

Explanation: Honest, simple preparation builds trust and helps the child use coping strategies.

Correct answer: You may feel a brief pinch, and I will explain each step
  • A. Discuss the diagnosis loudly at the bedside
  • B. Expose the whole body to save time
  • C. Close the curtain and uncover only the area being examined
  • D. Ask visitors to remain while the child is examined

Explanation: Closing the curtain and exposing only the required body area protects privacy, dignity and the child’s rights.

Correct answer: Close the curtain and uncover only the area being examined
Moderate
  • A. Give written instructions without checking understanding
  • B. Ask the caregiver to repeat medicines, warning signs and follow-up plans
  • C. Tell the caregiver to contact the hospital only if symptoms last a week
  • D. Provide follow-up information only to an older sibling

Explanation: Using teach-back confirms that the caregiver understands medicines, warning signs, follow-up and when to seek urgent help.

Correct answer: Ask the caregiver to repeat medicines, warning signs and follow-up plans
  • A. Ask the child to state the room number
  • B. Compare the child's name and birth date with the record
  • C. Confirm the child's diagnosis with a nearby parent
  • D. Match the band colour with the ward diagnosis

Explanation: Using two identifiers, such as name and date of birth, helps prevent errors in medicines, procedures and investigations.

Correct answer: Compare the child's name and birth date with the record
  • A. Count the radial pulse for 15 seconds
  • B. Count the brachial pulse for 30 seconds
  • C. Count the apical pulse for a complete minute
  • D. Count the carotid pulse for 30 seconds

Explanation: An infant's apical pulse is assessed with a stethoscope and counted for a full minute because infant rhythms may be irregular.

Correct answer: Count the apical pulse for a complete minute
Very hard
  • A. Crush it and mix it with juice
  • B. Split it and give it with food
  • C. Ask the prescriber or pharmacist for a suitable form
  • D. Dissolve it in warm water before giving it

Explanation: Extended-release medicines must not usually be crushed, split or dissolved because this can release the drug too quickly.

Correct answer: Ask the prescriber or pharmacist for a suitable form
Fairly easy
  • A. Tell the child to remain completely silent
  • B. Use slow breathing and guided distraction
  • C. Promise that the procedure cannot hurt
  • D. Delay all explanations until the procedure ends

Explanation: Slow breathing, distraction and simple explanations can reduce fear and the child's perception of pain.

Correct answer: Use slow breathing and guided distraction
  • A. Increase the feeding rate to finish quickly
  • B. Stop the feed and assess the child's airway and breathing
  • C. Place the child flat and continue observing
  • D. Offer oral water to clear the throat

Explanation: Coughing and a wet voice during tube feeding may indicate aspiration, so the feed must be stopped and airway and breathing assessed first.

Correct answer: Stop the feed and assess the child's airway and breathing
Fairly easy
  • A. Clean from the anus toward the urethra
  • B. Use vigorous rubbing to remove all redness
  • C. Clean gently from front to back and apply a barrier
  • D. Leave the skin uncovered without cleaning after stools

Explanation: Gentle front-to-back cleansing reduces transfer of organisms toward the urinary tract, and a barrier protects irritated skin from further…

Correct answer: Clean gently from front to back and apply a barrier
Hard
  • A. Use airborne precautions in a well-ventilated room
  • B. Use only standard precautions after the first dose
  • C. Place the child in a crowded room near the nurses' station
  • D. Use contact precautions without respiratory protection

Explanation: Suspected pulmonary tuberculosis requires airborne precautions, including appropriate respiratory protection and a suitable…

Correct answer: Use airborne precautions in a well-ventilated room
  • A. Use complex medical terms to sound precise
  • B. Speak only to the parent while the child is present
  • C. Use simple words and invite the child's questions
  • D. Tell the child not to ask about the treatment

Explanation: Simple, honest communication at the child's developmental level supports understanding and cooperation.

Correct answer: Use simple words and invite the child's questions
Fairly easy
  • A. Proceed without speaking to the child
  • B. Seek the child's assent after explaining the procedure
  • C. Ask the child to provide the parent's legal consent
  • D. Allow the child to make every decision alone

Explanation: Parental consent does not remove the child's right to receive an explanation and participate through assent when developmentally able.

Correct answer: Seek the child's assent after explaining the procedure
Fairly easy
  • A. Give the caregiver a leaflet without discussion
  • B. Ask the caregiver to repeat the plan and demonstrate key care
  • C. Tell the caregiver to contact the ward for every question
  • D. Ask the caregiver to sign the discharge form immediately

Explanation: Teach-back and demonstration allow the nurse to identify misunderstandings before the child leaves.

Correct answer: Ask the caregiver to repeat the plan and demonstrate key care