CPNP-AC Peds Nurse Exam 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.
Q1A 2-year-old presents with sudden onset of stridor and barking cough. Which physical assessment finding is most important to document immediately?
✓ Correct answer: D. Work of breathing and respiratory rate
In a case suggesting croup, immediate assessment of work of breathing and respiratory rate is crucial as it indicates severity and need for urgent intervention.
Q2When assessing a 14-year-old with new onset seizures, which component of the family history is most relevant?
✓ Correct answer: C. History of genetic disorders or epilepsy
Family history of genetic disorders or epilepsy is crucial in evaluating new onset seizures as many seizure disorders have genetic components.
Q3A 5-month-old with bronchopulmonary dysplasia on home oxygen presents with increased work of breathing. What is the most important initial assessment?
✓ Correct answer: B. Current oxygen requirement compared to baseline
In technology-dependent patients, comparing current oxygen needs to baseline helps determine acuity and deterioration.
Q4When assessing a 16-year-old following a motor vehicle accident, which physical examination component takes priority?
✓ Correct answer: A. Cervical spine stabilization and neurological status
In trauma cases, cervical spine protection and neurological assessment are priority to prevent further injury and assess severity.
Q5During assessment of a 3-year-old with suspected sepsis, which vital sign trend is most concerning?
✓ Correct answer: D. Tachycardia with normal blood pressure
Tachycardia with normal blood pressure can be an early sign of compensated shock in pediatric sepsis.
Q6Which assessment finding is most concerning in an 8-year-old with diabetic ketoacidosis?
✓ Correct answer: C. Altered mental status
Altered mental status in DKA can indicate cerebral edema, a life-threatening complication requiring immediate intervention.
Q7When assessing a 6-month-old with congenital heart disease, which finding requires immediate intervention?
✓ Correct answer: B. Central cyanosis with respiratory distress
Central cyanosis with respiratory distress indicates severe cardiovascular compromise requiring immediate intervention.
Q8Which assessment finding is most important in a 4-year-old with suspected intussusception?
✓ Correct answer: A. Intermittent severe abdominal pain with lethargy
Intermittent severe abdominal pain with lethargy is characteristic of intussusception and helps differentiate it from other conditions.
Q9In assessing a 12-year-old with acute asthma exacerbation, which finding indicates need for immediate intervention?
✓ Correct answer: D. Silent chest on auscultation
Silent chest in asthma indicates severe bronchospasm and impending respiratory failure requiring immediate intervention.
Q10When assessing a 2-month-old with fever, which finding warrants immediate sepsis workup?
✓ Correct answer: C. Temperature of 38.5°C (101.3°F) with poor feeding
In infants under 3 months, fever ≥38.0°C requires full sepsis evaluation due to risk of serious bacterial infection.
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