NCLEX Pediatric Questions
Pediatric NCLEX questions test whether you can adapt nursing care to the unique physiological, developmental, and psychosocial needs of children.
Pediatric nursing questions comprise 10–15% of the NCLEX-RN and require a fundamentally different clinical mindset than adult care. Children have different vital sign ranges, dose their medications by weight, communicate symptoms differently at each developmental stage, and depend on family-centered care. Our free pediatric question bank drills the exact scenarios most likely to appear on your exam — from Denver II milestones to congenital heart defects to pediatric emergency recognition.
Pediatric Vital Signs You Must Memorize
Age-specific vital sign ranges are foundational for every pediatric question. Newborn: HR 120–160, RR 30–60, BP 60–80 systolic. Infant (1–12 mo): HR 100–160, RR 25–40. Toddler (1–3 yr): HR 90–140, RR 22–34, BP 80–100. Preschool (3–6 yr): HR 80–120, RR 20–30. School-age (6–12 yr): HR 70–110, RR 18–26. Adolescent (12–18 yr): approaches adult ranges. On any pediatric question, first ask: are these vital signs age-appropriate? A HR of 150 is a red flag in an adult but normal in a newborn. A HR of 70 is normal in an adolescent but critical bradycardia in an infant.
Developmental Milestones for the NCLEX-RN
Milestone questions are almost guaranteed. Know: 2 months — social smile, lifts head 45°. 4 months — rolls tummy to back, laughs. 6 months — sits with support, transfers objects. 9 months — pincer grasp emerging, waves bye-bye. 12 months — walks with assistance, 1–3 words, birth weight tripled. 18 months — walks independently, 10-word vocabulary. 2 years — 2-word phrases, runs, follows 2-step commands. 3 years — 3-word sentences, rides tricycle. 4 years — hops on one foot, draws a person with 3 parts. 5 years — skips, ties shoes. Erikson's stages: infant trust vs. mistrust, toddler autonomy vs. shame, preschool initiative vs. guilt, school-age industry vs. inferiority, adolescent identity vs. role confusion.
Pediatric Medication Safety
Pediatric doses are calculated by weight (mg/kg). Always double-check math. Know the safe dose ranges for common pediatric medications: acetaminophen 10–15 mg/kg/dose q4–6h, ibuprofen 5–10 mg/kg/dose q6–8h (over 6 months only), amoxicillin 20–90 mg/kg/day divided doses. Never administer aspirin to a child with a viral illness — Reye syndrome risk. Watch for tetracycline in children under 8 (tooth discoloration) and fluoroquinolones (cartilage damage). For any dose calculation question, verify: (1) is the calculated dose within the safe range per kg? (2) is the route age-appropriate? (3) is the formulation available in that concentration?
Pediatric Emergencies: Croup, Epiglottitis, and RSV
The NCLEX-RN loves respiratory emergency scenarios in pediatrics. Croup — barking cough, low-grade fever, hoarseness, subacute onset. Manage with cool humidified air, racemic epinephrine, dexamethasone. Epiglottitis — high fever, drooling, dysphagia, tripod position, muffled voice, no cough. MEDICAL EMERGENCY — never inspect the throat, never place supine, prepare for intubation. RSV bronchiolitis — infant with wheezing, tachypnea, retractions, apnea in young infants. Contact isolation, suction nares, monitor SpO2, ribavirin only in severe cases. Recognize the tripod position and drooling combo instantly — it always means epiglottitis until proven otherwise.
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