Exam Practice Test Questions And Correct

Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) Certification Exam Practice Test Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• A 2-year-old child presents with a fever and pulling at the ear. The

nurse suspects otitis media. Which symptom best supports this diagnosis?

• Clear drainage from the ear
• Bulging tympanic membrane
• Sunken fontanel
• White patches on the tongue

Rationale: A bulging tympanic membrane is a key indicator of otitis

media due to fluid and infection behind the eardrum.

• When caring for a child with cystic fibrosis, which nursing intervention

is most important?

• Limit fluid intake
• Encourage low-protein diet
• Administer pancreatic enzymes with meals 1 / 4

• Restrict salt intake

Rationale: Pancreatic enzymes aid digestion and nutrient absorption,

which are impaired in cystic fibrosis.

• The nurse is assessing a 6-year-old with suspected appendicitis. Which

finding requires immediate action?

• Low-grade fever
• Abdominal tenderness
• Sudden relief of pain
• Nausea and vomiting

Rationale: Sudden relief of pain may indicate appendix rupture, a

surgical emergency.

• Which developmental milestone is expected for a 9-month-old infant?
• Uses two-word sentences
• Crawls on hands and knees
• Walks independently
• Rolls from back to side

Rationale: Crawling typically develops around 9 months of age.

• A nurse teaches a parent about iron supplementation for a toddler.

Which statement shows understanding?

• “I’ll give it with milk.”
• “I’ll give it with orange juice.”
• “I’ll mix it in cereal.” 2 / 4

• “I’ll give it after meals.”

Rationale: Vitamin C enhances iron absorption; milk inhibits it.

• Which condition requires airborne precautions in a pediatric unit?
• Varicella (chickenpox)
• RSV
• Influenza
• Pertussis

Rationale: Varicella spreads via airborne droplets; a negative

pressure room is required.

• When caring for a child with nephrotic syndrome, which nursing action

is a priority?

• Increase sodium intake
• Monitor daily weights
• Restrict protein
• Encourage fluid intake

Rationale: Daily weights are the most accurate indicator of fluid

retention.

• A 10-year-old with type 1 diabetes becomes pale, shaky, and

diaphoretic. The nurse should first:

• Check urine for ketones
• Give 15 g of glucose
• Administer insulin
• Notify the physician 3 / 4

Rationale: These are symptoms of hypoglycemia; immediate glucose

administration is required.

• A child with sickle cell crisis is crying in pain. The most appropriate

nursing action is:

• Apply cold compress
• Administer prescribed opioid analgesic
• Restrict fluids
• Encourage ambulation

Rationale: Pain in sickle cell crisis results from vaso-occlusion; opioids

are indicated.

• Which toy is most appropriate for a hospitalized 3-year-old?
• Board game
• Large building blocks
• Crossword puzzle
• Chapter book

Rationale: Preschoolers need toys that promote motor skills and

creativity.

• The best injection site for an intramuscular vaccine in an infant

under 1 year is:

• Deltoid
• Vastus lateralis
• Dorsogluteal
• / 4