Q.1 Which route is most commonly used for medication administration in children who are conscious and able to swallow?
Intravenous
Oral
Intramuscular
Rectal
Explanation - Oral administration is preferred in children who are conscious and can swallow because it is safe, non-invasive, and convenient.
Correct answer is: Oral
Q.2 What is the primary reason for calculating pediatric drug doses based on weight?
To reduce cost
To improve taste
To ensure safety and efficacy
To simplify administration
Explanation - Pediatric doses are calculated based on weight to prevent underdosing or overdosing, ensuring therapeutic effect while minimizing toxicity.
Correct answer is: To ensure safety and efficacy
Q.3 Which medication is commonly used to treat febrile seizures in children?
Ibuprofen
Diazepam
Amoxicillin
Loratadine
Explanation - Diazepam is used in acute management of febrile seizures to control convulsions.
Correct answer is: Diazepam
Q.4 What is a major concern when giving antibiotics to children?
Development of resistance
Increased appetite
Hyperactivity
Hair loss
Explanation - Incorrect or excessive use of antibiotics in children can lead to bacterial resistance, reducing drug effectiveness.
Correct answer is: Development of resistance
Q.5 Which type of insulin is typically used for rapid control of blood glucose in children with type 1 diabetes?
NPH insulin
Regular insulin
Glargine
Detemir
Explanation - Regular insulin is short-acting and used for rapid glucose control, especially during hyperglycemic episodes.
Correct answer is: Regular insulin
Q.6 When administering a liquid medication to a child, the nurse should:
Use a tablespoon
Mix with a full glass of water without instructions
Use a calibrated syringe
Force the child to drink quickly
Explanation - A calibrated syringe ensures accurate dosing and reduces the risk of overdose.
Correct answer is: Use a calibrated syringe
Q.7 Which side effect should a nurse monitor for when a child is on long-term corticosteroid therapy?
Weight loss
Growth suppression
Hyperactivity
Bradycardia
Explanation - Long-term corticosteroid use in children can suppress growth due to effects on bone metabolism and hormone regulation.
Correct answer is: Growth suppression
Q.8 What is the recommended action if a child spits out oral medication?
Discard and do not re-administer
Re-administer the same dose immediately
Estimate remaining dose
Consult prescriber before re-administering
Explanation - Re-administration or dose adjustment should be guided by the prescriber to avoid overdose or underdose.
Correct answer is: Consult prescriber before re-administering
Q.9 Which medication is used as first-line treatment for pediatric asthma exacerbation?
Montelukast
Albuterol
Prednisone
Theophylline
Explanation - Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist used for rapid relief during asthma attacks in children.
Correct answer is: Albuterol
Q.10 Which factor increases the risk of medication errors in pediatric patients?
Standardized adult dosing charts
Weight-based dosing
Parental involvement
Oral administration
Explanation - Using adult dosing charts in children increases the risk of overdose; pediatric dosing must be individualized based on weight and age.
Correct answer is: Standardized adult dosing charts
Q.11 Why is it important to check for allergies before administering any pediatric medication?
To avoid nausea
To prevent allergic reactions
To reduce cost
To speed up absorption
Explanation - Children may have severe reactions to certain medications; checking for allergies prevents potentially life-threatening events.
Correct answer is: To prevent allergic reactions
Q.12 Which is the safest method to administer rectal medication to a child?
Rapid insertion without lubrication
Use of a gloved finger with lubrication
Mix with food
Inject with a needle
Explanation - Lubricated insertion with a gloved finger ensures safety, comfort, and proper absorption of rectal medication.
Correct answer is: Use of a gloved finger with lubrication
Q.13 Which class of drugs is most commonly used for pediatric pain management after surgery?
Opioids
Antihistamines
Beta-blockers
Diuretics
Explanation - Opioids like morphine or fentanyl are used for moderate to severe pain in children postoperatively, under careful monitoring.
Correct answer is: Opioids
Q.14 A child on digoxin therapy should be monitored for which side effect?
Bradycardia
Tachycardia
Hyperactivity
Hypertension
Explanation - Digoxin can slow the heart rate; monitoring for bradycardia is essential to prevent toxicity.
Correct answer is: Bradycardia
Q.15 Which is the safest approach for mixing medications with food for a child?
Mix with large amounts of food to hide taste
Mix only with small amounts as prescribed
Mix in formula without checking compatibility
Mix with candy for all doses
Explanation - Mixing with small, compatible amounts of food ensures the full dose is ingested without affecting absorption.
Correct answer is: Mix only with small amounts as prescribed
Q.16 Why should tetracycline be avoided in children under 8 years?
Causes hair loss
Stains teeth and affects bone growth
Causes hyperactivity
Reduces appetite
Explanation - Tetracycline binds to calcium in developing teeth and bones, causing permanent staining and growth issues.
Correct answer is: Stains teeth and affects bone growth
Q.17 Which medication requires monitoring of serum levels in pediatric patients to avoid toxicity?
Amoxicillin
Gentamicin
Ibuprofen
Acetaminophen
Explanation - Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside with a narrow therapeutic index; serum levels must be monitored to prevent nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity.
Correct answer is: Gentamicin
Q.18 Which is the recommended action when a pediatric patient refuses oral medication?
Force the child to swallow
Offer alternate forms if available
Skip the dose entirely
Double the next dose
Explanation - Providing an alternative formulation like liquid, chewable, or suppository helps ensure adherence and safety.
Correct answer is: Offer alternate forms if available
Q.19 Which is a common adverse effect of antihistamines in children?
Drowsiness
Hypertension
Seizures
Hyperglycemia
Explanation - Many antihistamines have sedative effects, causing drowsiness in pediatric patients.
Correct answer is: Drowsiness
Q.20 Why is it important to observe for paradoxical reactions in children receiving sedatives?
They are more sleepy than expected
They may become agitated or hyperactive
They experience better sleep
They develop tolerance immediately
Explanation - Some children respond oppositely to sedatives, showing agitation or hyperactivity instead of sedation.
Correct answer is: They may become agitated or hyperactive
Q.21 Which medication is preferred for reducing fever in children?
Acetaminophen
Amoxicillin
Diazepam
Prednisone
Explanation - Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is effective and safe for reducing fever in children when dosed appropriately.
Correct answer is: Acetaminophen
Q.22 Which factor affects drug absorption in neonates compared to older children?
Gastrointestinal pH and motility
Increased muscle mass
Faster renal clearance
Increased liver enzyme activity
Explanation - Neonates have higher gastric pH and slower motility, affecting oral drug absorption.
Correct answer is: Gastrointestinal pH and motility
Q.23 Which type of medication should never be given to children under 2 years due to risk of Reye’s syndrome?
Aspirin
Acetaminophen
Ibuprofen
Diphenhydramine
Explanation - Aspirin is associated with Reye’s syndrome in children, particularly during viral illnesses, and is contraindicated.
Correct answer is: Aspirin
Q.24 What is the first action a nurse should take if a pediatric patient shows signs of anaphylaxis after medication?
Call family only
Administer epinephrine immediately
Wait to observe
Give oral antihistamine
Explanation - Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis; immediate administration is critical for saving the child’s life.
Correct answer is: Administer epinephrine immediately
Q.25 Which medication class is used to prevent seizures in children with epilepsy?
Antiepileptics
Antibiotics
Antihypertensives
Analgesics
Explanation - Antiepileptic drugs control and prevent seizure activity in children with epilepsy.
Correct answer is: Antiepileptics