Pediatric Nurse Exam Sample QuestionsThese sample questions apply to all exams taken on or after October 25, 2014. Show
The following sample questions are similar to those on the examination but do not represent the full range of content or levels of difficulty. The answers to the sample questions are provided after the last question. Please note: Taking these or any sample question(s) is not a requirement to sit for an actual certification examination. Completion of these or any other sample question(s) does not imply eligibility for certification or successful performance on any certification examination. To respond to the sample questions, first enter your first and last names in the boxes below (this information will not be recorded; it is strictly for purposes of identifying your results). Then click the button corresponding to the best answer for each question. When you are finished, click the "Evaluate" button at the bottom of the page. A new browser window will open, displaying your results, which you may print, if you wish. This practice exam is not timed, and you may take it as many times as you wish. Good luck! Recommendations and GuidelinesThe United States currently has the safest, most effective vaccines in its history. Federal regulations require that vaccines undergo years of testing before they can be licensed. Once in use, vaccines are monitored continually for safety and efficacy. As an immunization provider, you also play a key role in helping to ensure the safety and efficacy of vaccines through proper:
Vaccine Storage and AdministrationTo achieve the best possible results from vaccines, carefully follow the recommendations for storage, handling, and administration found in each vaccine’s package insert. Here are other steps you can take to help ensure vaccine safety: Storage
Consult the vaccine storage and handling page that has many resources along with the learning tool: Storage and Handling Toolkit. Administration
Consult the vaccine administration page for more resources. Top of Page Timing and SpacingThe timing and spacing of vaccine doses are two of the most important issues in the appropriate use of vaccines. To ensure optimal results from each immunization, follow the currently recommended immunization schedules for children, adolescents and adults. The recommended childhood immunization schedule and influenza immunization recommendations are updated each year. Please note:
Consult the printable catch-up schedule and a downloadable tool that helps calculate missed or skipped immunizations. Observe Valid Contraindications and PrecautionsContraindications and precautions to vaccination indicate when vaccines should not be given. A contraindication is a condition in a patient that increases the chance of a serious, adverse reaction. In general, a vaccine should not be administered when a contraindication is present. A precaution is a condition in a patient that may increase the chance of a serious side effect or render a vaccine less effective. Normally, vaccination is deferred when a precaution is present. However, situations may arise when the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risk of a side effect, and the provider may decide to vaccinate the patient. Most precautions and some contraindications are temporary and the vaccine may be given at a later time. For details, consult the CDC Guide to Contraindications to Childhood Vaccinations. One key to preventing serious adverse reactions to vaccines is screening for contraindications and precautions. Every provider who administers vaccines should screen every patient before giving a vaccine dose. Sample screening questionnaires are available from the Immunization Action Coalition site. Many conditions are often inappropriately regarded as contraindications to vaccination. In most cases, the following are not contraindications:
Communicate About Vaccine Benefits and RisksWhile you can do a number of things to help make vaccines as safe and effective as possible, providing patients or parents/guardians with information about vaccines and immunization is equally important. Before you administer each dose of certain vaccines, you are required by law to provide a copy of the most current Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) to either the adult being vaccinated or to the child’s parent/legal representative. VISs are developed by the CDC and discuss the benefits and risks associated with specific vaccines. You must also record the date that the VIS was given and the publication date of the VIS in the patient’s chart. Current VISs are available on CDC’s Vaccine Information Statements page. Translations in over 40 languages are available on the Immunization Action Coalitions site. Other materials such as brochures, videos, and resource kits can assist you in communicating with patients or parents about vaccine benefits and risks. Parents can also be referred to credible Internet and hotline resources, such as:
Top of Page Be Prepared to Manage Vaccine Side EffectsMost people experience no side effects, or only mild ones, following immunization. Mild side effects may include soreness, swelling, or redness at the injection site or mild fever. Severe side effects, such as severe allergic reactions, following vaccination are extremely rare. However, any provider who administers vaccines should have procedures in place for the emergency care of a person who experiences an anaphylactic reaction. Epinephrine and equipment for maintaining an airway should be available for immediate use. All vaccine providers should be familiar with the office emergency plan, and should be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Report Suspected Side Effects to VAERSThe Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) is a national vaccine safety monitoring program. VAERS collects information about adverse events (possible side effects) that occur after administration of U.S. licensed vaccines. The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act requires healthcare providers to report selected events occurring after vaccination to VAERS. However, VAERS encourages reporting of any clinically significant adverse event that occurs after administration of any vaccine licensed in the United States, even if it is not certain that the vaccine caused the event. By reporting possible vaccine side effects to VAERS, you provide valuable information that is needed for the ongoing evaluation of vaccine safety. The CDC and FDA use VAERS information to ensure the safest strategies of vaccine use and to further reduce the rare risks associated with vaccines. More information about VAERS, including reporting forms, can be obtained by visiting VAERS or calling VAERS at 800-822-7967. For more information about the topics covered here see the General Best Practice Guidelines for Immunization: Best Practices Guidance of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Top of Page Which immunizations would the nurse expect a 5 month old the infant to have already received?Diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough (pertussis) (DTaP) (3rd dose) Haemophilus influenzae type b disease (Hib) (3rd dose) Polio (IPV) (3rd dose) Pneumococcal disease (PCV) (3rd dose)
Which are the characteristics of reactions associated with immunizations for a 2 month old infant?After vaccinations, it's common for a baby to experience a minor reaction such as redness at the injection site, a mild fever, fussiness, or a slight loss of appetite. "These are actually encouraging signs that the immune response is working," Stinchfield says.
What is immunization and its importance?Immunization is a global health and development success story, saving millions of lives every year. Vaccines reduce risks of getting a disease by working with your body's natural defences to build protection. When you get a vaccine, your immune system responds.
Which immunizations does the nurse administer to an adolescent?All adolescents require measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus and diphtheria immunizations.
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