CPN Pediatric Nurse Prep practice questions and answers 2026. Tap an option to test yourself — you'll see the correct answer and a plain-English explanation for every question. Free, no login.
Q21A family with a 2-month-old infant relies on private well water. The water appears clear and has no odor. Which specific safety recommendation should the nurse provide?
✓ Correct answer: D. Test the water for nitrates and coliform bacteria
Private wells need testing for nitrates and bacteria. Boiling concentrates nitrates; visual clarity does not ensure safety from dissolved contaminants.
Q22A pediatric nurse identifies a pattern of three unrelated children from the same daycare facility presenting with similar unexplained respiratory symptoms. The facility is located near an industrial zone. Which action is required?
✓ Correct answer: A. Contact the local public health department to report the cluster
Cluster symptoms near hazards require public health investigation. Individual providers lack authority to investigate facilities or mandate closures.
Q23A parent of an infant admits to smoking cigarettes but states they are currently unable to quit. To minimize the infant's exposure to third-hand smoke, which harm reduction strategy should the nurse recommend?
✓ Correct answer: C. Wear a designated jacket outside and remove it upon entering
Third-hand smoke clings to clothing. Smoking outside and removing outer layers prevents indoor contamination. Ventilation and purifiers do not remove surface residue.
Q24The local Air Quality Index (AQI) is reported as 155 (Unhealthy) due to wildfire smoke. A 10-year-old with asthma has soccer practice scheduled. Which advice is most appropriate?
✓ Correct answer: E. Move the practice indoors or cancel the outdoor session
AQI over 150 is unhealthy; asthmatics must avoid outdoor exertion. Surgical masks do not filter fine particulates; limiting duration is insufficient.
Q25A child with elevated lead levels lives in a rental home with peeling paint. The family has limited financial resources and the landlord is unresponsive. Which immediate, low-cost intervention is most effective for reducing exposure?
✓ Correct answer: B. Perform weekly wet mopping of floors and sills
Wet cleaning captures lead dust safely. Dry sweeping resuspends hazardous dust, while professional abatement is cost-prohibitive for renters with limited funds.
Q26A 6-year-old presents with recurrent respiratory infections and poor asthma control despite medication adherence. History reveals the family lives 100 meters from a major interstate highway. Which environmental factor is the likely trigger?
✓ Correct answer: D. Exposure to traffic-related air pollution nearby
Proximity to major roadways exposes children to traffic-related air pollution, a known asthma trigger. Other options imply rare systemic pathologies or indoor allergens not indicated.
Q27A toddler has a blood lead level of 8 mcg/dL and lives in a home where caregivers smoke inside. Which combination of interventions addresses the highest priority environmental risks?
✓ Correct answer: A. Refer for lead hazard reduction and advise smoking outside
Priorities include removing lead sources and eliminating smoke. Chelation is not indicated for levels <45 mcg/dL. Standard vacuums unsafely resuspend lead dust.
Q28During a well-child visit, a parent discloses they have no food at home and received an eviction notice yesterday. The child also requires a referral for speech delay. Which action should the nurse prioritize?
✓ Correct answer: C. Connect the family with emergency housing and food banks
Immediate physiological and safety needs (food, shelter) take precedence over developmental referrals. Emergency housing addresses the urgent crisis before long-term goals.
Q29A 16-year-old screens positive for moderate depression. To facilitate a successful "warm handoff" to a behavioral health partner, which action should the nurse take?
✓ Correct answer: E. Introduce patient to counselor immediately via phone or in-person
Warm handoffs involve direct introductions to bridge care gaps and increase engagement. Passive referrals like lists or letters place the burden on the patient.
Q30A grandmother raising her 6-year-old grandchild requests food assistance. The household income is below the federal poverty level. Which program is the child most likely eligible for?
✓ Correct answer: B. SNAP food assistance benefits
SNAP provides food assistance to low-income families without the age restrictions of WIC (ends at age 5) or Early Head Start (ends at age 3).
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