ATI LPN
NP Practice Questions Pediatric Immunizations Questions
Question 1 of 5
An attenuated vaccine is a vaccine that:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: An attenuated vaccine contains a live but weakened (attenuated) virus or bacteria that replicates minimally in the host, stimulating a strong immune response without causing disease (e.g., MMR, varicella). Choice A describes inactivated/killed vaccines, Choice B refers to combination vaccines (not attenuation), and Choice C describes toxoid vaccines (e.g., tetanus), making Choice D the correct definition.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is discussing vaccines with the mother of a 4-year-old child who attends a day care center that requires the DTaP vaccine. The mother, who is pregnant, tells the nurse that she does not want her child to receive the pertussis vaccine because she has heard that the disease is 'not that serious' in older children. Which of the following is correct?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pertussis is highly contagious and severe in newborns, who lack immunity. If the 4-year-old contracts it (e.g., at daycare), they could transmit it to the newborn (Choice B). Choice A is false—vaccinating the mother (Tdap recommended at 27-36 weeks) protects her and the baby, not vice versa. Choice C is irrelevant (mother’s pregnancy doesn’t affect child’s vaccination), and Choice D is incorrect (active immunity in the child doesn’t confer passive immunity to the fetus).
Question 3 of 5
During a routine pediatric visit, a 4-month-old patient will need which of the following vaccines?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: At 4 months, the CDC schedule includes RV (dose 2), DTaP (dose 2), Hib (dose 2), PCV (dose 2), and IPV (dose 2) (Choice C). MMR and Varicella start at 12-15 months, HepA at 12 months, and HepB dose 3 is typically at 6-18 months, not 4 months.
Question 4 of 5
In the combined DTP vaccine used in the past, which of the 3 vaccine components reportedly caused severe reactions?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The older DTP vaccine (with whole-cell pertussis) was associated with severe reactions (e.g., high fever, seizures) primarily due to the pertussis component, leading to the switch to acellular pertussis (DTaP) in the 1990s. Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids (Choices A, C) rarely caused such issues, and severe reactions weren’t from the combination alone (Choice D), but specifically the whole-cell pertussis (Choice B), per historical CDC data.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is preparing to administer oral medication to a toddler. What action should the nurse take to ensure proper administration?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Crushing medication (if safe) and mixing with a small amount of food aids administration in toddlers (1-3 years), who resist pills (pediatric nursing practice). Choices B, C, and D are less practical for this age.