CPNP-PC 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.
Q11Which statement is TRUE regarding pharmacokinetic considerations when managing a pediatric patient with epilepsy starting on phenytoin?
✓ Correct answer: D. Slow metabolizers may experience more side effects and may need a reduced dose.
Phenytoin is metabolized in the liver and its clearance can vary greatly among patients. Slow metabolizers may experience higher drug concentrations leading to more side effects such as dizziness and ataxia, thus they may require a reduced dose to prevent toxicity.
Q12Based on recent statistics, what is the MOST common mental health disorder diagnosed in children within primary care settings? Disorder Prevalence Percentage Preventative Strategies ADHD 9.8% Routine screenings; Parent training programs Anxiety disorders 7.1% Stress management techniques; Early intervention programs Depressive disorders 4.4% Encouraging physical activity; Family therapy options
✓ Correct answer: C. ADHD
Answer: ADHD ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is the most common mental health disorder diagnosed in children within primary care settings with a prevalence of 9.8%. It requires routine screenings and parent training programs as preventative strategies. While anxiety and depressive disorders are also common, they have lower prevalence percentages compared to ADHD.
Q13Which of the following represents the characteristic acid-base disturbance seen in pediatric patients with diabetic ketoacidosis? Condition Electrolyte Imbalance Acid-Base Imbalance Diabetic Ketoacidosis Hyponatremia, Hyperkalemia Metabolic acidosis with elevated anion gap
✓ Correct answer: B. Metabolic acidosis with elevated anion gap
Answer: Metabolic acidosis with elevated anion gap Diabetic ketoacidosis is typically characterized by a high anion gap metabolic acidosis. This occurs due to the accumulation of ketones in the blood, which increases the anion gap and leads to acidosis. Management of DKA involves fluid resuscitation, insulin therapy, and careful monitoring of electrolytes, particularly potassium. The elevated anion gap usually resolves with treatment as the underlying ketosis is corrected.
Q14In the management of an acute asthma exacerbation in children, which of the following interventions is typically NOT required?
✓ Correct answer: D. Bed rest
Answer: Bed rest Management of acute asthma exacerbations typically includes: 1. Bronchodilator therapy for wheezing relief, often with albuterol. 2. Corticosteroid therapy to reduce inflammation, such as oral prednisolone. 3. Oxygen therapy if the child is hypoxic to maintain adequate oxygen saturation levels. Environmental trigger identification is important to prevent future episodes, but bed rest is not generally indicated unless the child is exhausted and requires rest.
Q15A 10-year-old male presents in a primary care setting with symptoms of acute sinusitis, including facial pain, nasal discharge, and fever lasting more than 3 days. Which is the MOST appropriate antibiotic regimen to prescribe?
✓ Correct answer: C. Amoxicillin (Amoxil, Wymox) 25 mg/kg twice a day for 10 days
The correct answer is Amoxicillin administered at 25 mg/kg twice a day for 10 days. Amoxicillin is the first-line treatment for acute bacterial sinusitis in children, based on the common pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae. Azithromycin is not the first choice for sinusitis due to concerns over antibiotic resistance. Clarithromycin is an alternative but not preferred due to similar concerns, and Oseltamivir is an antiviral not used for sinusitis.
Q16In a school health clinic, a team of healthcare providers, including pediatric nurse practitioners, manages the asthma care program for students. Which of the following statements about collaborative practice in this setting is CORRECT?
✓ Correct answer: D. Accountability for managing asthma care is shared among team members
Answer: Accountability for managing asthma care is shared among team members. In a collaborative setting like a school health clinic, accountability for student health management, such as asthma care, should be shared among all team members. It is important for roles and responsibilities to be clearly defined to ensure effective collaboration and to learn from each other's expertise. Leadership does not solely depend on having the highest level of specialized training, and autonomy is not ideal as members should work together, enhancing the care provided.
Q17A 5-year-old child presents with symptoms of jaundice and was diagnosed with autoimmune hemolytic anemia. This condition is an example of which type of hypersensitivity reaction?
✓ Correct answer: D. Type II
Answer: Type II Autoimmune hemolytic anemia is a result of Type II hypersensitivity reactions, where IgM and IgG antibodies target and destroy red blood cells, leading to symptoms such as jaundice. Type I involves immediate allergic reactions like anaphylaxis. Type III reactions involve immune complexes, such as in serum sickness. Type IV reactions are delayed and cell-mediated, such as in tuberculosis skin testing.
Q18A 17-year-old male presents to the clinic with a 3-day history of burning sensation during urination and penile discharge. He reports having new sexual partners in the past month and inconsistent condom use. He denies fever or abdominal pain. Which of the following diagnostic studies is MOST likely to yield the correct diagnosis?
✓ Correct answer: A. Nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) for gonorrhea and chlamydia
The symptoms and recent sexual history suggest a sexually transmitted infection, likely gonorrhea or chlamydia. NAAT is the recommended test due to its high sensitivity and specificity for these infections. CBC can indicate infection but will not diagnose the specific STI. Urine analysis for kidney stones is not relevant since the symptoms are consistent with an STI rather than urological issues. An abdominal ultrasound would not be helpful without abdominal symptoms.
Q19A 6-year-old child is brought to your clinic with a history of prolonged nosebleeds and easy bruising. No recent illnesses, medications, or significant injuries are reported. The child's mother mentions that a similar condition runs in the family. You order clotting factor assays to investigate further. Given these symptoms and familial history, the MOST likely diagnosis is:
✓ Correct answer: B. Hemophilia A
Answer: Hemophilia A Hemophilia A is an inherited bleeding disorder characterized by a deficiency in clotting factor VIII, leading to prolonged bleeding episodes. The significant family history supports this diagnosis, as hemophilia is genetically inherited. Unlike ITP, which presents abruptly after a viral infection, and von Willebrand's disease, which also includes mucosal bleeding like nosebleeds but differs in platelet adhesion dysfunction, Hemophilia is a lifelong condition stemming from specific clotting factor deficiencies.
Q20Which of the following conditions is characterized by an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance? Condition Inheritance Pattern Cystic Fibrosis Autosomal Recessive Huntington's Disease Autosomal Dominant Sickle Cell Anemia Autosomal Recessive Hemophilia X-linked Recessive
✓ Correct answer: D. Autosomal Recessive
Answer: Autosomal Recessive Autosomal recessive disorders occur when two copies of an abnormal gene are present. Cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia are examples of autosomal recessive disorders. Huntington's disease is autosomal dominant, hemophilia is X-linked recessive, and mitochondrial disorders involve mutations in nonchromosomal DNA.
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