Pediatric nursing worksheet with answers

Why are infants and young children more likely than adults to get middle ear infections (otitis media)?

1. ATheir ear canals are longer and narrower than those of adults
2. BThey make more earwax, which traps bacteria in the middle ear
3. CTheir eardrums are thicker and cannot move with pressure changes
4. DTheir Eustachian tubes are shorter, wider and more horizontal

The Wong–Baker FACES scale is best suited for:

1. AUnconscious children on a ventilator who cannot respond verbally
2. BBabies under 6 months
3. CPreterm newborns
4. DChildren of about 3 years and older who can point to a face

What is the usual normal range for the platelet count?

1. AAbout 15 to 40 × 10⁹/L
2. BAbout 4 to 11 × 10⁹/L
3. CAbout 150 to 400 × 10⁹/L
4. DAbout 1,500 to 4,000 × 10⁹/L

Which signs suggest meningitis in a young infant?

1. AA bulging fontanelle, a high-pitched cry, poor feeding and irritability
2. BNeck stiffness and a positive Kernig's sign, as in older children and adults
3. CA sunken fontanelle with heavy wet nappies
4. DA clear runny nose, a mild cough and normal feeding

Which sign shows that a baby is ready to start solid foods?

1. AHas cut a first tooth
2. BStarts waking more often during the night and seems hungry after milk feeds
3. CHas reached 6 weeks of age
4. DSits with support, holds the head steady and shows interest in food

Which daily monitoring is most useful for a child with nephrotic syndrome?

1. APeak flow and oxygen saturation every morning
2. BHead circumference and fontanelle tension
3. CBlood glucose before and after every meal
4. DWeight and urine dipstick for protein

A child with a new forearm cast has severe pain not relieved by analgesia and screams when the nurse gently moves the fingers. What should the nurse suspect?

1. AAnxiety; distract the child with play
2. BCompartment syndrome; report it at once
3. CNormal pain after a fracture; give more time
4. DItching under the cast; give an antihistamine

On day 5 of chickenpox, a child has a fever again, and one area of skin around some spots has become red, hot, swollen and very painful. What should the nurse suspect?

1. AAn allergy to calamine lotion
2. BA secondary bacterial skin infection
3. CNormal healing of chickenpox spots
4. DA second attack of chickenpox caused by a different strain