UITH Paediatric Post Basic Nursing Past Questions and Answers

“The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra. In nursing, that extra is knowledge.”

Welcome to the most comprehensive guide on the internet for prospective Paediatric Nurses in Nigeria. If you are reading this, you are likely a Registered Nurse (RN) seeking to elevate your career by specializing in one of the most vital and rewarding fields of medicine: Paediatrics.

The University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) is a beacon of excellence in healthcare training. Securing admission into its School of Post Basic Nursing (SPBN) is a prestigious achievement, but it is also highly competitive. Every year, hundreds of brilliant nurses fight for a few dozen spots.

I am Dr. Manny, the lead consultant at Manny Spark, a brand dedicated to helping medical professionals like you scale through examinations with ease. In this extensive article, I will not only share sample past questions and answers but also provide a deep dive into the psychology of the exam, study strategies, and the specific nature of the UITH environment.

This is not just a blog post; this is a masterclass. Sit tight, grab your notebook, and let’s secure your admission.

Unveiling UITH: Location, History, and Excellence

To pass the interview stage, you must show that you know the institution you are applying to. UITH is not just a hospital; it is a federal tertiary institution with a rich history.

The Location: A Serene Academic Environment

The University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital has fully relocated from its temporary site (General Hospital Wing at Amilegbe) to its massive Permanent Site.

• Specific Location: The hospital is situated along the Old Jebba Road, Oke-Ose, Ilorin, Kwara State.

• The Environment: Oke-Ose is located on the outskirts of Ilorin metropolis. This location was strategically chosen to provide a quiet, spacious environment away from the noise of the city center, making it perfect for academic pursuits. The Schools Complex, where the School of Post Basic Nursing is housed, is a dedicated section within the hospital grounds, featuring modern classrooms, a well-stocked library, and demonstration rooms.

Services and Reputation

UITH serves as a referral center for Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Osun, and Ekiti states. As a student here, you will be exposed to a diverse range of paediatric cases, including:

• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU): One of the best equipped in North Central Nigeria, handling extreme prematurity and congenital anomalies.

• Paediatric Surgery: Specialized surgeries for conditions like Omphalocele and Gastroschisis.

• Oncology: Management of childhood cancers like Burkitt’s Lymphoma and Leukemia.

Why Paediatric Nursing? The Career Trajectory

Why are you doing this? This is a question you must answer for yourself and for the interviewers.

Paediatric nursing is the art and science of giving care to children from birth through adolescence with a holistic approach that includes the family. By obtaining a Post Basic Diploma in Paediatric Nursing from UITH, you unlock several doors:

1. Clinical Specialization: You become a consultant in child care, moving away from general bedside nursing.

2. Global Opportunities: Paediatric nurses are in high demand in the UK (NHS), USA, Canada, and Saudi Arabia.

3. Academic Progression: This diploma is a solid foundation for a BSc or MSc in Nursing.

Admission Requirements: Are You Eligible?

Before we look at the questions, let’s ensure you are qualified. UITH is very strict with documentation.

The entrance examination is the biggest hurdle. Understanding the format is half the battle won.

• Format: Typically a Computer Based Test (CBT), though paper-based tests have been used in the past.

• Time: Fast-paced. You often have less than 1 minute per question.

• Subject Areas:

  1. Paediatric Nursing (50%): Growth & development, diseases, immunization, nutrition.

  2. General Nursing (30%): Foundations, ethics, ward management.

  3. English & Current Affairs (20%): Basic grammar and knowledge about the Nigerian health sector.

Manny Spark Insight: Many candidates fail because they neglect the “General Knowledge” section. Knowing the current Minister of Health or the Registrar of the NMCN can be the tie-breaker.

Comprehensive Past Questions and Answers (Educational Mock)

Below is a detailed compilation of questions modeled after recent UITH Paediatric Nursing entrance exams. These are curated by Dr. Manny to test your depth of knowledge.

Module 1: Growth and Development

1. The nurse is assessing a 4-year-old child. According to Erik Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, which developmental task is central to this age group? A) Trust vs. Mistrust B) Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt C) Initiative vs. Guilt D) Industry vs. Inferiority

2. A mother brings her 10-month-old infant to the clinic. Which of the following milestones would the nurse expect the infant to have achieved? A) Walking without support B) Building a tower of 3 blocks C) Sitting without support D) Speaking in 3-word sentences

3. The closure of the Posterior Fontanelle typically occurs at: A) 2–3 months B) 6–8 months C) 12–18 months D) 18–24 months

4. Which play pattern is most characteristic of toddlers (1–3 years)? A) Solitary play B) Parallel play C) Associative play D) Cooperative play

Module 2: Paediatric Pharmacology & Calculations

5. A child weighing 20kg is prescribed a drug at a dose of 15mg/kg/day in 3 divided doses. How many mg should the nurse administer per dose? A) 100 mg B) 150 mg C) 200 mg D) 300 mg

6. The nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to a 6-month-old infant. The preferred site is: A) Deltoid muscle B) Dorsogluteal muscle C) Ventrogluteal muscle D) Vastus Lateralis muscle

7. When administering ear drops to a child under 3 years old, the nurse should pull the pinna: A) Up and back B) Down and back C) Straight back D) Forward and down

Module 3: Neonatology & High-Risk Infants

8. A newborn has an APGAR score of 4 at 1 minute. The nurse’s immediate action should be: A) Proceed with routine care and re-evaluate at 5 minutes. B) Administer Vitamin K immediately. C) Initiate resuscitation measures. D) Wrap the baby and give it to the mother.

9. Physiological Jaundice in a newborn usually appears: A) Within the first 24 hours of life. B) Between 24 to 72 hours of life. C) After 1 week of life. D) At birth.

10. Which of the following is a classic sign of Oesophageal Atresia with Tracheoesophageal Fistula (TEF)? A) Projectile vomiting B) Excessive drooling, coughing, and choking C) Olive-shaped mass in the abdomen D) Ribbon-like stools

Module 4: Paediatric Medical-Surgical Conditions

11. A child with Nephrotic Syndrome is being treated with corticosteroids. The nurse should prioritize monitoring for: A) Hypoglycemia B) Infection C) Hypotension D) Weight loss

12. In the management of a child with Sickle Cell Anaemia experiencing a Vaso-occlusive crisis, the priority nursing intervention is: A) Antibiotic administration B) Genetic counseling C) Hydration and Pain management D) Blood transfusion

13. The causative organism for Whooping Cough is: A) Clostridium tetani B) Bordetella pertussis C) Corynebacterium diphtheriae D) Haemophilus influenzae

Module 5: General Knowledge & Current Affairs

14. The headquarters of the World Health Organization (WHO) is located in: A) New York, USA B) London, UK C) Geneva, Switzerland D) Paris, France

15. The current Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) is: (Note: This answer changes; as of the last update, ensure you know the current name). A) Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar B) Mrs. A.G. Yusuf C) Alhaji T.O. Rashid D) Mrs. O.O. Ojo

In-Depth Rationales and Clinical Lessons

To be a Manny Spark student means you don’t just memorize; you understand. Here is the detailed breakdown.

Growth and Development Analysis

1. Answer: C (Initiative vs. Guilt)

• Rationale:

  • Infant (0-1 yr): Trust vs. Mistrust.

  • Toddler (1-3 yrs): Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt (Potty training era).

  • Preschooler (3-6 yrs): Initiative vs. Guilt (They want to do things, explore, and create. If criticized, they feel guilt).

  • School Age (6-12 yrs): Industry vs. Inferiority.

  • Adolescent (12-18 yrs): Identity vs. Role Confusion.

2. Answer: C (Sitting without support)

• Rationale:

  • By 6-8 months, most infants can sit with support.

  • By 8-10 months, they can sit steadily without support.

  • Walking usually starts around 12 months.

  • Building a tower of 3 blocks is a typical 18-month milestone.

3. Answer: A (2–3 months)

• Rationale: The posterior fontanelle is triangular and smaller; it closes early (8-12 weeks). The Anterior fontanelle (diamond shape) closes much later, between 12 to 18 months. Knowing the difference is crucial for UITH exams.

4. Answer: B (Parallel play)

• Rationale:

  • Solitary play: Infants (Playing alone).

  • Parallel play: Toddlers (Playing beside another child but not with them).

  • Associative/Cooperative play: Preschoolers (Playing together, sharing rules).

Pharmacology Mastery

5. Answer: A (100 mg)

• Step-by-step Calculation:

  1. Total daily dose = Weight (kg) × Dose (mg/kg).

  2. Total daily dose = 20 kg × 15 mg = 300 mg/day.

  3. The question asks for the dose per dose (divided into 3 doses).

  4. Single dose = 300 mg ÷ 3 = 100 mg.

  • Trap Alert: Many students stop at 300mg and fail. Always read if the question asks for “daily dose” or “per dose”.

6. Answer: D (Vastus Lateralis muscle)

• Rationale: The gluteal muscles (buttocks) are not well developed in infants who are not yet walking, and there is a high risk of hitting the sciatic nerve. The Vastus Lateralis (thigh muscle) is the largest and safest site for IM injections in infants under 1 year.

7. Answer: B (Down and back)

• Rationale:

  • Children < 3 years: Pull the earlobe down and back to straighten the ear canal (because the canal curves upward).

  • Adults & Children > 3 years: Pull the pinna up and back.

Clinical Management Rationales

8. Answer: C (Initiate resuscitation measures)

• Rationale:

  • APGAR 0-3: Severe depression (Resuscitate immediately).

  • APGAR 4-6: Moderate depression (Stimulate, clear airway, give O2).

  • APGAR 7-10: Normal.

  • Note: While 4 is moderate, in an exam context involving “immediate action” for low scores, clearing the airway and supporting breathing (resuscitation steps) takes precedence over “routine care”.

9. Answer: B (Between 24 to 72 hours)

• Rationale:

  • Pathological Jaundice: Appears within the first 24 hours (Danger sign! Usually due to Rh incompatibility).

  • Physiological Jaundice: Appears after 24 hours, usually peaks on day 3 or 4. It is due to immature liver function.

10. Answer: B (Excessive drooling, coughing, and choking)

• Rationale: This is known as the “3 Cs” of Tracheoesophageal Fistula: Coughing, Choking, Cyanosis.

  • Olive-shaped mass = Pyloric Stenosis.

  • Ribbon-like stools = Hirschsprung’s Disease (Megacolon).

11. Answer: B (Infection)

• Rationale: Corticosteroids (like Prednisolone) suppress the immune system, making the child highly susceptible to infections. While they can cause weight gain (fluid retention) and hypertension, infection is the most immediate life-threatening complication to monitor.

12. Answer: C (Hydration and Pain management)

• Rationale: In a crisis, the sickled cells block blood flow, causing ischemia and severe pain.

  • Hydration: Increases blood volume and reduces viscosity to unstuck the cells.

  • Pain Relief: Essential for humane care.

  • Oxygen is also used, but hydration is the mechanical fix for the occlusion.

The Oral Interview: Cracking the Code

Once you pass the written/CBT exam, you will be invited for an interview. This is where Manny Spark candidates shine because we prepare you for the psychological aspect.

Location of Interview: Usually at the School of Post Basic Nursing Conference Hall, UITH.

Panelists: Usually includes the School Coordinator, the Head of Paediatric Nursing Department, and sometimes a representative from the Hospital Management.

Key Questions to Prepare For:

1. “Tell us about yourself.”

   • Bad Answer: My name is Manny, I am from Lagos, I like rice.

   • Manny Spark Model Answer: “My name is [Name], a Registered Nurse with 3 years of experience currently working at [Hospital]. I obtained my initial nursing qualification from [School]. I am a dedicated professional with a specific passion for child health, which is why I am applying to this prestigious institution.”

2. “What is the Motto of UITH?”

   • Answer: “Assured Care.” (Always verify this on their current website, but showing you know their brand identity is impressive).

3. “How would you handle a crying mother whose child has just died?”

   • Tip: This tests your empathy and professionalism. Discuss creating a private environment, allowing her to grieve, not giving false hope, and offering bereavement support.

4. “Why UITH?”

   • Answer: Mention that UITH is a center of excellence in Paediatrics in the North Central region and you want to be trained by the best to provide the best care.

Study Strategies for the Busy Nurse

You are likely working while studying. Here is how to manage:

• The 40-Minute Rule: Study for 40 minutes, take a 10-minute break. The brain retains more this way.

• Focus on Calculations: Paediatric drug calculations (mg/kg) are guaranteed questions. Master them.

• Know Your Immunization Schedule: Nigeria’s National Programme on Immunization (NPI) schedule is mandatory knowledge. Know the vaccines given at birth, 6 weeks, 10 weeks, 14 weeks, and 9 months.

• Use Past Questions: Don’t read the textbook cover to cover. Use the past questions to identify topics, then read those topics in the textbook.

Takeaway: Your Path to Success

Admission into the UITH Paediatric Nursing Programme is a journey that transforms your career. It requires:

1. Diligent Preparation: Don’t assume your experience is enough. The exam is academic.

2. Strategic Study: Focus on high-yield topics like Growth & Development and Pharmacology.

3. Guidance: Having the right materials.

You have the passion. You have the potential. Now, you need the tools.

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

How to Get the Complete Study Pack

This article contains about 5% of the total question bank. To ensure you walk into that exam hall with 100% confidence, you need the Manny Spark UITH Ultimate Study Pack.

The Pack Includes:

• Over 500 Past Questions and Answers (Last 10 Years).

• Mock CBT Software (Practice on your phone).

• A dedicated “Current Affairs” booklet for the General Knowledge section.

• Direct mentorship access to Dr. Manny.