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DHA Paediatric Nursing Practice Questions
Paediatric questions test normal development, the sick child, dehydration and common childhood illnesses, plus weight-based medication safety. Below are 5 free sample questions for the DHA Registered Nurse exam, each with the answer and a rationale.
What this topic covers
- Growth and development milestones
- Paediatric vital signs and pain scales
- Dehydration and oral rehydration
- Croup, bronchiolitis and epiglottitis
- Febrile seizures
- Child safety and safeguarding
The full bank has 90 paediatric nursing questions, part of 1,500 questions across 16 nursing topics.
Free DHA paediatric nursing questions
1. A medication is prescribed at 30 mg/kg/day in three divided doses for a child who weighs 15 kg. How much should the child receive per dose?
- A. 450 mg
- B. 225 mg
- C. 150 mg
- D. 50 mg
Show answer and rationale
30 mg/kg/day x 15 kg = 450 mg/day. 450 mg divided into 3 doses = 150 mg per dose. 450 mg is the total daily amount, not a single dose.
Reference: Standard paediatric dosage calculation
2. A 3-year-old is prescribed an inhaled asthma medication. Which delivery device is most appropriate for this age?
- A. Metered-dose inhaler used without a spacer
- B. Dry powder inhaler requiring a fast, deep breath
- C. Metered-dose inhaler held away from the open mouth
- D. Metered-dose inhaler with a spacer and face mask
Show answer and rationale
Young children cannot coordinate actuation with inhalation, so a metered-dose inhaler with a spacer and a close-fitting face mask is recommended. Dry powder inhalers need a strong, fast inspiration that young children cannot reliably produce.
Reference: GINA – inhaler devices for young children
3. Which child can safely receive their scheduled inactivated vaccines today?
- A. A child with a runny nose and a temperature of 37.6 °C
- B. A child with a severe acute illness and high fever
- C. A child with a known anaphylactic allergy to a component of the vaccine
- D. A child who had anaphylaxis after a previous dose of the same vaccine
Show answer and rationale
A mild illness such as a cold, with or without low-grade fever, is not a reason to delay vaccination. Anaphylaxis to a previous dose or component is a contraindication, and moderate to severe acute illness is a precaution.
Reference: CDC – contraindications and precautions to vaccination
4. A nurse is assessing a child with diarrhoea. Which finding indicates severe dehydration?
- A. Drinks eagerly and appears thirsty
- B. Moist oral mucous membranes
- C. Skin pinch goes back very slowly (more than 2 seconds)
- D. Restless and irritable behaviour
Show answer and rationale
A very slow skin pinch (over 2 seconds), lethargy, sunken eyes and inability to drink indicate severe dehydration. Restlessness and eager drinking suggest some dehydration, and moist mucous membranes suggest none.
Reference: WHO IMCI – assessment of dehydration
5. Five minutes after a vaccination, a child develops widespread hives, wheezing and swelling of the lips. What is the nurse's first action?
- A. Observe for 30 minutes before acting
- B. Give oral antihistamine
- C. Give intramuscular adrenaline (epinephrine)
- D. Apply ice to the injection site
Show answer and rationale
These are signs of anaphylaxis, and intramuscular adrenaline is the first-line treatment and must not be delayed. Antihistamines are adjuncts only and do not treat airway swelling or shock.
Reference: WHO / Resuscitation Council – anaphylaxis management
Study tip
Never examine the throat of a child with suspected epiglottitis. It is a classic exam trap.
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