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 3 of 18
- A. Administer the antibiotic and observe the child closely
- B. Withhold the dose and clarify and document the allergy
- C. Ask the parent to choose a different antibiotic
- D. Give an antihistamine before administering the antibiotic
Explanation: The nurse must clarify and document the reported allergy before giving the medicine.
Correct answer: Withhold the dose and clarify and document the allergy- A. Measure all vital signs while the child is crying
- B. Allow the child to settle, then measure and record the findings
- C. Ask the parent to hold the child firmly during measurement
- D. Record the values as normal because crying affects all children
Explanation: Crying can temporarily increase the pulse, respiratory rate and blood pressure.
Correct answer: Allow the child to settle, then measure and record the findings- A. Ask an older sibling to translate the instructions
- B. Use a trained medical interpreter for communication
- C. Speak slowly and repeat the instructions louder
- D. Give the parent written instructions in English
Explanation: A trained medical interpreter supports accurate communication and informed participation in care.
Correct answer: Use a trained medical interpreter for communication- A. Assume the pain is relieved if the child is quiet
- B. Reassess pain using the same age-appropriate method
- C. Repeat the dose immediately if the child remains in bed
- D. Stop observing the wound once the medicine is given
Explanation: Pain should be reassessed using the same suitable pain scale so that the response to treatment can be evaluated.
Correct answer: Reassess pain using the same age-appropriate method- A. Weigh the child at different times each day
- B. Record the child’s weight at the same time each day
- C. Measure the child’s height after every fluid change
- D. Estimate hydration from the child’s appetite alone
Explanation: Daily weight measured under similar conditions is a sensitive indicator of fluid gain or loss.
Correct answer: Record the child’s weight at the same time each day- A. Offer oral fluids and recheck after one hour
- B. Document the findings at the end of the shift
- C. Assess circulation and immediately notify the nurse in charge
- D. Provide a quiet activity to reduce the child’s anxiety
Explanation: The combination of tachycardia, pallor, cool extremities and delayed capillary refill suggests impaired circulation and possible shock.
Correct answer: Assess circulation and immediately notify the nurse in charge- A. Ask the parent to continue the medicines without changes
- B. Record the medicine names, doses and schedules for prescriber review
- C. Place the medicines in the bedside locker for later use
- D. Stop all home medicines until the child leaves hospital
Explanation: Home medicines must be identified, including their dose, route and timing, and checked against the hospital prescription.
Correct answer: Record the medicine names, doses and schedules for prescriber review- A. Breastfeeding should stop until discharge from hospital
- B. Breastfeeding may continue if the infant and mother are clinically able
- C. Breastfeeding should be replaced with water between feeds
- D. Breastfeeding is permitted only after every medicine is stopped
Explanation: Continuing breastfeeding supports nutrition, hydration, comfort and the parent-child relationship when there is no clinical…
Correct answer: Breastfeeding may continue if the infant and mother are clinically able- A. Tell the child that the parent has already decided
- B. Explain the procedure in simple language and invite questions
- C. Ask the child to leave all decisions to the healthcare team
- D. Avoid discussing the procedure to prevent additional fear
Explanation: Children should receive developmentally appropriate information and be involved in decisions as much as possible.
Correct answer: Explain the procedure in simple language and invite questions- A. Give the caregiver written instructions without discussion
- B. Ask the caregiver to repeat the medicine and follow-up plan
- C. Tell the caregiver to contact the ward only if problems become severe
- D. Advise the caregiver to use the previous home routine without changes
Explanation: Teach-back checks whether the caregiver can explain and follow the plan, rather than merely receiving written information.
Correct answer: Ask the caregiver to repeat the medicine and follow-up plan51. For a healthy term infant, which feeding practice is recommended during the first 6 months of life?
- A. Exclusive breastfeeding without water or other foods
- B. Breastfeeding with regular diluted fruit juice
- C. Formula feeding with added cereal from birth
- D. Breastfeeding with animal milk after one month
Explanation: Exclusive breastfeeding means giving only breast milk, including no water, for the first 6 months when possible.
Correct answer: Exclusive breastfeeding without water or other foods- A. Offer thick, mashed foods while continuing breastfeeding
- B. Give only clear soup until the child is one year old
- C. Replace breast milk with diluted cow's milk
- D. Add salt and sugar to every meal for extra energy
Explanation: At about 6 months, breast milk is continued while thick, mashed, nutrient-dense complementary foods are introduced gradually.
Correct answer: Offer thick, mashed foods while continuing breastfeeding- A. Severe wasting with marked loss of subcutaneous fat
- B. Bilateral pitting oedema with a rounded face
- C. Generalised oedema with fatty liver enlargement
- D. Depigmented hair with a flaky skin rash
Explanation: Marasmus is severe energy deficiency causing extreme wasting and loss of fat and muscle, usually without oedema.
Correct answer: Severe wasting with marked loss of subcutaneous fat- A. Kwashiorkor
- B. Marasmus
- C. Iron deficiency anaemia
- D. Vitamin D deficiency
Explanation: Kwashiorkor is severe protein deficiency and commonly presents with bilateral oedema, hair changes, apathy, and skin abnormalities.
Correct answer: Kwashiorkor- A. Vitamin A deficiency
- B. Iron deficiency
- C. Vitamin D deficiency
- D. Iodine deficiency
Explanation: Night blindness and xerosis of the conjunctiva are early signs of vitamin A deficiency.
Correct answer: Vitamin A deficiency- A. Give iron-rich foods with a source of vitamin C
- B. Give tea with meals to improve iron absorption
- C. Use mainly polished rice and refined flour
- D. Avoid meat, pulses, and green leafy vegetables
Explanation: Meat, pulses, and green leafy vegetables provide iron, while vitamin C improves absorption of non-haem iron.
Correct answer: Give iron-rich foods with a source of vitamin C- A. Vitamin D deficiency
- B. Vitamin A deficiency
- C. Iron deficiency
- D. Iodine deficiency
Explanation: These findings are typical of rickets caused by impaired bone mineralisation, most often related to vitamin D deficiency.
Correct answer: Vitamin D deficiency- A. Iodine deficiency
- B. Vitamin C deficiency
- C. Iron deficiency
- D. Vitamin D deficiency
Explanation: Iodine deficiency can enlarge the thyroid, producing goitre, and can impair brain development and learning.
Correct answer: Iodine deficiency- A. The child is underweight for age
- B. The child has wasting for height
- C. The child has stunting for age
- D. The child has nutritional oedema
Explanation: Weight-for-age below the expected range indicates underweight, but it cannot by itself distinguish wasting from stunting.
Correct answer: The child is underweight for age- A. Check blood glucose and prevent further heat loss
- B. Start vigorous exercise to improve muscle strength
- C. Give a large high-protein meal immediately
- D. Restrict fluids to prevent nutritional oedema
Explanation: Lethargy and cold skin in severe malnutrition may indicate hypoglycaemia and hypothermia, both life-threatening problems.
Correct answer: Check blood glucose and prevent further heat loss