Free Growth and Development MCQs with Answers
50 Growth and Development MCQs from Paediatric Nursing, each with the correct answer and a written explanation of why it is correct. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.
Growth refers to measurable physical change, while development describes progressive skills in the motor, language, cognitive, emotional and social domains. Questions cover normal growth patterns, developmental milestones, developmental screening, factors affecting progress, and recognition of growth faltering or developmental delay, including the difference between maturation and learning.
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50 questions · page 3 of 3
- A. Birth length usually doubles by 2 years of age
- B. Birth length usually doubles by 4 years of age
- C. Birth length usually doubles by 6 years of age
- D. Birth length usually doubles by 10 years of age
Explanation: A child’s birth length usually doubles by about 4 years of age. Doubling by 2 years refers more closely to the expected pattern for birth…
Correct answer: Birth length usually doubles by 4 years of age- A. The anterior fontanelle is usually widely open
- B. The chest circumference is usually smaller than the head
- C. The chest circumference is usually about equal to the head
- D. The posterior fontanelle is usually larger than the anterior
Explanation: By about 12 months, chest circumference usually becomes approximately equal to head circumference.
Correct answer: The chest circumference is usually about equal to the head- A. Walking independently across a room
- B. Sitting without support for a short period
- C. Climbing stairs while holding a rail
- D. Jumping with both feet from the floor
Explanation: Many healthy infants can sit without support at around 6 to 8 months. Independent walking, stair climbing, and jumping develop later and…
Correct answer: Sitting without support for a short period- A. Observe the child during a usual feeding
- B. Measure the child’s chest circumference
- C. Test the child’s deep tendon reflexes
- D. Assess the child’s ability to copy a circle
Explanation: Direct observation of feeding can identify poor attachment, unsafe feeding technique, prolonged meals, or inadequate intake.
Correct answer: Observe the child during a usual feeding- A. Reassure the family that no follow-up is needed
- B. Repeat or review the screening according to local protocol
- C. Diagnose a developmental disorder immediately
- D. Begin medication for the suspected developmental problem
Explanation: A borderline screening result is not a diagnosis and should be reviewed, repeated, or followed by a focused assessment according to…
Correct answer: Repeat or review the screening according to local protocol- A. Regular responsive interaction with caregivers
- B. A balanced diet with adequate sleep
- C. Persistent untreated hearing impairment
- D. Opportunities for safe play and exploration
Explanation: Untreated hearing impairment can affect speech, language, learning, and social interaction.
Correct answer: Persistent untreated hearing impairment- A. The appearance of the first primary tooth
- B. The closure of the posterior fontanelle
- C. Learning to use a spoon through repeated practice
- D. The natural increase in head size during infancy
Explanation: Learning results from experience, teaching, and practice, so using a spoon is a learned skill.
Correct answer: Learning to use a spoon through repeated practice- A. Place the tape below the eyebrows and under the chin
- B. Place the tape over the maximum occipital and frontal points
- C. Place the tape around the neck below the occiput
- D. Place the tape across the nose and under the lower jaw
Explanation: The tape is placed around the largest circumference of the head, passing over the most prominent part of the occiput and the frontal area…
Correct answer: Place the tape over the maximum occipital and frontal points- A. The pattern may indicate inadequate recent caloric intake
- B. The pattern confirms a normal weight for the child’s height
- C. The pattern proves a primary endocrine disorder
- D. The pattern indicates isolated enlargement of the head
Explanation: Low weight-for-height with relatively preserved height can suggest recent or current undernutrition.
Correct answer: The pattern may indicate inadequate recent caloric intake- A. Maturation without environmental influence
- B. Learning through experience and practice
- C. Growth measured by body length
- D. A fixed genetic sequence without variation
Explanation: Riding a tricycle is a learned motor skill that develops through practice, instruction, and opportunity.
Correct answer: Learning through experience and practice