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A 4-year-old child is brought to the emergency department with a barking cough, inspiratory stridor, and mild respiratory distress. The nurse suspects croup. Which of the following interventions is the highest priority?

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B
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Key Facts: PED-BC Exam

150

Total Questions

ANCC

3 hours

Exam Time

ANCC

$395

Exam Fee

ANCC

The PED-BC (Pediatric Nurse - Board Certified) exam is a credential offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The exam consists of 150 questions and has a 3-hour time limit. The exam fee is $395 for non-members. While ANCC does not publish pass rates, the exam is considered challenging and requires thorough preparation.

Sample PED-BC Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your PED-BC exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A 4-year-old child is brought to the emergency department with a barking cough, inspiratory stridor, and mild respiratory distress. The nurse suspects croup. Which of the following interventions is the highest priority?
A.Administering a nebulized bronchodilator
B.Providing a cool mist environment
C.Preparing for immediate intubation
D.Obtaining a chest X-ray
Explanation: For a child with mild to moderate croup, providing a cool mist environment is the highest priority intervention to help decrease airway inflammation and relieve respiratory distress. Nebulized bronchodilators are not typically used for croup. Intubation is only necessary for severe respiratory distress. A chest X-ray may be done to rule out other conditions, but it is not the immediate priority.
2When assessing a 2-month-old infant, which of the following findings would be most concerning for a diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)?
A.Symmetrical gluteal folds
B.Positive Ortolani sign
C.Equal leg length
D.Full abduction of the hips
Explanation: A positive Ortolani sign (a 'clunk' felt when the hip is abducted and relocated) is a key indicator of developmental dysplasia of the hip in infants. Asymmetrical gluteal folds, unequal leg length, and limited hip abduction are also signs of DDH. Symmetrical folds, equal leg length, and full abduction are normal findings.
3A 10-year-old child with type 1 diabetes mellitus has a blood glucose level of 60 mg/dL. The child is conscious and able to swallow. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial intervention?
A.Administer subcutaneous glucagon
B.Give 4 ounces of orange juice
C.Provide a snack of crackers and cheese
D.Administer a dose of rapid-acting insulin
Explanation: For a conscious child with hypoglycemia, the most appropriate initial intervention is to provide a fast-acting carbohydrate, such as 4 ounces of orange juice. This will raise the blood glucose level quickly. A snack with protein and carbohydrates should be given after the initial treatment to maintain the blood glucose level. Glucagon is used for severe hypoglycemia when the child is unconscious. Insulin would further lower the blood glucose level.
4A nurse is providing teaching to the parents of a child with a newly diagnosed seizure disorder. Which of the following statements by the parents indicates a need for further teaching?
A."We should not leave our child unattended in the bathtub."
B."We will place a padded tongue blade in our child's mouth during a seizure."
C."Our child should wear a medical alert bracelet."
D."We will keep a record of our child's seizures."
Explanation: Placing a tongue blade or any object in the mouth of a child having a seizure is contraindicated as it can cause injury. The other statements are all appropriate safety measures for a child with a seizure disorder.
5A 6-year-old child is scheduled for a tonsillectomy. Which of the following findings in the child's preoperative assessment would be most important to report to the surgeon?
A.A history of frequent sore throats
B.A loose deciduous tooth
C.A temperature of 99.0°F (37.2°C)
D.A recent upper respiratory infection
Explanation: A recent upper respiratory infection increases the risk of complications during and after a tonsillectomy, such as laryngospasm or bronchospasm. The surgeon should be notified of this finding as the surgery may need to be postponed. A history of frequent sore throats is the reason for the surgery. A loose tooth should be noted, but it is not as critical as a recent URI. A temperature of 99.0°F is within normal limits.
6A nurse is administering a medication to a 3-year-old child. Which of the following is the most appropriate method to gain the child's cooperation?
A.Telling the child the medication is candy
B.Restraining the child firmly
C.Giving the child a choice of a cup or a spoon to take the medication
D.Mixing the medication in the child's favorite juice
Explanation: Giving a toddler a choice, such as a cup or a spoon, can help them feel a sense of control and increase their cooperation. Deceiving the child by calling medication candy can lead to mistrust. Restraining the child should be a last resort. Mixing medication in a large volume of liquid is not recommended as the child may not finish it all and receive the full dose.
7A nurse is caring for a 12-year-old child who is in Buck's traction for a fractured femur. Which of the following is a priority nursing intervention for this child?
A.Ensuring the weights are resting on the floor
B.Performing neurovascular checks every 8 hours
C.Encouraging the child to perform active range of motion exercises with the unaffected extremities
D.Providing a high-carbohydrate diet
Explanation: For a child in traction, frequent neurovascular checks are a priority to monitor for complications such as compartment syndrome. Weights should always hang freely, not rest on the floor. Neurovascular checks should be performed more frequently than every 8 hours, typically every 2-4 hours. Active range of motion with unaffected extremities is important to prevent complications of immobility. A diet high in protein and calcium is needed for bone healing.
8A nurse is providing discharge instructions to the parents of a child who has had a febrile seizure. Which of the following statements by the nurse is most appropriate?
A."Febrile seizures are very rare in young children."
B."Your child will likely develop epilepsy."
C."Most children with febrile seizures have no long-term health problems."
D."You should give your child aspirin for fevers."
Explanation: It is important to reassure the parents of a child with a febrile seizure that the prognosis is generally excellent and most children do not have any long-term health problems. Febrile seizures are common in young children. There is a slightly increased risk of epilepsy, but most children do not develop it. Aspirin should not be given to children with fevers due to the risk of Reye syndrome.
9A nurse is caring for a 5-year-old child with a diagnosis of acute glomerulonephritis. Which of the following findings is consistent with this diagnosis?
A.Hypotension
B.Polyuria
C.Hematuria
D.Weight loss
Explanation: Acute glomerulonephritis is characterized by inflammation of the glomeruli, leading to hematuria (blood in the urine), proteinuria, hypertension, and edema. Therefore, hematuria is a classic finding. Hypotension, polyuria, and weight loss are not typically associated with this condition.
10A school nurse is screening a 7-year-old child for scoliosis. Which of the following findings would be suggestive of scoliosis?
A.Symmetrical shoulder height
B.A prominent thoracic hump when the child bends forward
C.Equal distance between the arms and the body
D.A straight vertebral line
Explanation: When a child with scoliosis bends forward at the waist (Adam's forward bend test), a prominent hump on one side of the back is a classic sign. Asymmetrical shoulder height, unequal distance between the arms and the body, and a curved vertebral line are also indicators of scoliosis.

About the PED-BC Exam

The ANCC Pediatric Nursing board certification examination is a competency based examination that provides a valid and reliable assessment of the entry-level clinical knowledge and skills of registered nurses in the pediatric specialty after initial RN licensure.

Questions

150 scored questions

Time Limit

3 hours

Passing Score

N/A

Exam Fee

$395 (ANCC)

PED-BC Exam Content Outline

32%

Assessment and Diagnosis

Physical and psychosocial assessment, growth and development, and diagnostic procedures.

38%

Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation

Care planning, therapeutic interventions, medication administration, and evaluation of outcomes.

30%

Professional Role

Ethical and legal issues, leadership, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice.

How to Pass the PED-BC Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: N/A
  • Exam length: 150 questions
  • Time limit: 3 hours
  • Exam fee: $395

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

PED-BC Study Tips from Top Performers

1Review the content outline provided by ANCC to identify areas where you need to focus your studying.
2Use practice questions to familiarize yourself with the format and content of the exam.
3Develop a study plan and stick to it.
4Join a study group to share knowledge and support with other nurses preparing for the exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PED-BC exam?

The PED-BC exam is the Pediatric Nursing Certification exam offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). It is for registered nurses who want to demonstrate their expertise in pediatric nursing.

How many questions are on the PED-BC exam?

The PED-BC exam has 150 questions. 125 are scored and 25 are unscored pretest questions.

How long do I have to complete the PED-BC exam?

You have 3 hours to complete the exam.

What is the passing score for the PED-BC exam?

ANCC does not publish the passing score for the PED-BC exam.

How much does it cost to take the PED-BC exam?

The exam fee is $395 for non-members and $295 for members of the American Nurses Association.