ATI Pediatrics Proctored Exam 2026
With Questions And Answers With
Rationales/Graded A+/2026
Update/100% Correct
Section 1: Growth and Development Milestones
1. A nurse is assessing a 12-month-old infant during a well-child visit. Which
finding requires further evaluation?
• A) Birth weight has tripled
• B) Anterior fontanel is still open
• C) Pulls to a standing position
• D) Demonstrates separation anxiety
Correct Answer: B – Anterior fontanel is still open
Rationale: The anterior fontanel typically closes between 12 and 18 months of age.
While it can close as late as 18 months, an open fontanel at 12 months is generally
within normal limits, BUT if it is widely open or bulging/depressed it requires
eval. However, standard ATI review texts emphasize that by 12 months, the
anterior fontanel should be nearly closed or significantly reduced in size. Tripling
of birth weight is expected by 12 months. Pulling to stand is a gross motor
milestone for 12 months. Separation anxiety peaks at 10-18 months .
2. A nurse is providing anticipatory guidance to parents of a 2-month-old
infant. Which statement should the nurse include?
• A) "Your baby can sleep with a soft blanket now."
• B) "Place your baby on the back for sleep."
• C) "Begin introducing rice cereal at bedtime."
, • D) "Your baby should be sitting independently."
Correct Answer: B – "Place your baby on the back for sleep."
Rationale: The "Back to Sleep" campaign recommends supine positioning to
reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Soft objects and
blankets should be kept out of the crib. Solid foods are not introduced until 4-6
months. Sitting independently occurs around 8 months .
3. A parent of a 2-year-old expresses concern about temper tantrums. What is
the nurse's best response?
• A) "Punish the child immediately after each tantrum."
• B) "Ignore the tantrum if the child is not in danger."
• C) "Give the child whatever they want to stop the tantrum."
• D) "This behavior is abnormal and requires evaluation."
Correct Answer: B – "Ignore the tantrum if the child is not in danger."
Rationale: Tantrums are normal for toddlers (Erikson's Autonomy vs. Shame). The
best intervention is extinction (ignoring attention-seeking behaviors). Punishment
escalates behavior, and giving in reinforces it .
4. A nurse is assessing a 3-year-old child. Which finding indicates a fine motor
developmental delay?
• A) Copies a circle
• B) Builds a tower of 9 blocks
• C) Uses scissors to cut paper
• D) Unable to hold a crayon with fingers
Correct Answer: D – Unable to hold a crayon with fingers
Rationale: By age 3, a child should use a digital pronate grasp (fingers) to hold a
crayon. Inability to do so suggests delay. Copying a circle and building a tower of
9 blocks are expected at 3 years .
5. A nurse is collecting data from a 10-month-old infant. Which finding should
the nurse report to the provider?
• A) Pulls self to standing position
• B) Moves by creeping on hands and knees
, • C) Takes intentional steps when standing
• D) Sits with support by leaning on hands
Correct Answer: D – Sits with support by leaning on hands
Rationale: By 10 months, infants should be able to sit independently without
support. Sitting "with support" indicates a delay in gross motor development.
Intentional steps are expected around 12 months, but creeping and pulling to stand
are appropriate for 10 months .
6. A nurse is teaching a group of parents about adolescent development.
Which statement by a parent indicates an understanding of teaching?
• A) "My son should be screened for scoliosis."
• B) "Peer relationships become less important."
• C) "Concrete thinking develops during this stage."
• D) "Physical growth completes by age 13."
Correct Answer: A – "My son should be screened for scoliosis."
Rationale: Adolescence is a peak time for the diagnosis of idiopathic scoliosis;
screenings are recommended. Peer relationships become more important, abstract
thinking develops (Piaget's Formal Operations), and physical growth continues
until about age 18-20 .
Section 2: Respiratory Disorders
7. A child with asthma is receiving albuterol via nebulizer. Which finding
indicates the medication is effective?
• A) Increased wheezing
• B) Decreased respiratory rate and improved breath sounds
• C) Decreased oxygen saturation
• D) Increased coughing
Correct Answer: B – Decreased respiratory rate and improved breath sounds
Rationale: Albuterol is a bronchodilator. Effectiveness is shown by decreased work
of breathing (rate) and improved air exchange (breath sounds). Increased wheezing
indicates bronchospasm is worsening .
With Questions And Answers With
Rationales/Graded A+/2026
Update/100% Correct
Section 1: Growth and Development Milestones
1. A nurse is assessing a 12-month-old infant during a well-child visit. Which
finding requires further evaluation?
• A) Birth weight has tripled
• B) Anterior fontanel is still open
• C) Pulls to a standing position
• D) Demonstrates separation anxiety
Correct Answer: B – Anterior fontanel is still open
Rationale: The anterior fontanel typically closes between 12 and 18 months of age.
While it can close as late as 18 months, an open fontanel at 12 months is generally
within normal limits, BUT if it is widely open or bulging/depressed it requires
eval. However, standard ATI review texts emphasize that by 12 months, the
anterior fontanel should be nearly closed or significantly reduced in size. Tripling
of birth weight is expected by 12 months. Pulling to stand is a gross motor
milestone for 12 months. Separation anxiety peaks at 10-18 months .
2. A nurse is providing anticipatory guidance to parents of a 2-month-old
infant. Which statement should the nurse include?
• A) "Your baby can sleep with a soft blanket now."
• B) "Place your baby on the back for sleep."
• C) "Begin introducing rice cereal at bedtime."
, • D) "Your baby should be sitting independently."
Correct Answer: B – "Place your baby on the back for sleep."
Rationale: The "Back to Sleep" campaign recommends supine positioning to
reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Soft objects and
blankets should be kept out of the crib. Solid foods are not introduced until 4-6
months. Sitting independently occurs around 8 months .
3. A parent of a 2-year-old expresses concern about temper tantrums. What is
the nurse's best response?
• A) "Punish the child immediately after each tantrum."
• B) "Ignore the tantrum if the child is not in danger."
• C) "Give the child whatever they want to stop the tantrum."
• D) "This behavior is abnormal and requires evaluation."
Correct Answer: B – "Ignore the tantrum if the child is not in danger."
Rationale: Tantrums are normal for toddlers (Erikson's Autonomy vs. Shame). The
best intervention is extinction (ignoring attention-seeking behaviors). Punishment
escalates behavior, and giving in reinforces it .
4. A nurse is assessing a 3-year-old child. Which finding indicates a fine motor
developmental delay?
• A) Copies a circle
• B) Builds a tower of 9 blocks
• C) Uses scissors to cut paper
• D) Unable to hold a crayon with fingers
Correct Answer: D – Unable to hold a crayon with fingers
Rationale: By age 3, a child should use a digital pronate grasp (fingers) to hold a
crayon. Inability to do so suggests delay. Copying a circle and building a tower of
9 blocks are expected at 3 years .
5. A nurse is collecting data from a 10-month-old infant. Which finding should
the nurse report to the provider?
• A) Pulls self to standing position
• B) Moves by creeping on hands and knees
, • C) Takes intentional steps when standing
• D) Sits with support by leaning on hands
Correct Answer: D – Sits with support by leaning on hands
Rationale: By 10 months, infants should be able to sit independently without
support. Sitting "with support" indicates a delay in gross motor development.
Intentional steps are expected around 12 months, but creeping and pulling to stand
are appropriate for 10 months .
6. A nurse is teaching a group of parents about adolescent development.
Which statement by a parent indicates an understanding of teaching?
• A) "My son should be screened for scoliosis."
• B) "Peer relationships become less important."
• C) "Concrete thinking develops during this stage."
• D) "Physical growth completes by age 13."
Correct Answer: A – "My son should be screened for scoliosis."
Rationale: Adolescence is a peak time for the diagnosis of idiopathic scoliosis;
screenings are recommended. Peer relationships become more important, abstract
thinking develops (Piaget's Formal Operations), and physical growth continues
until about age 18-20 .
Section 2: Respiratory Disorders
7. A child with asthma is receiving albuterol via nebulizer. Which finding
indicates the medication is effective?
• A) Increased wheezing
• B) Decreased respiratory rate and improved breath sounds
• C) Decreased oxygen saturation
• D) Increased coughing
Correct Answer: B – Decreased respiratory rate and improved breath sounds
Rationale: Albuterol is a bronchodilator. Effectiveness is shown by decreased work
of breathing (rate) and improved air exchange (breath sounds). Increased wheezing
indicates bronchospasm is worsening .
