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ATI Pediatric Growth and Development Practice
Exam Preparation With Complete Questions And
Correct Answers With Rationales Already Graded
A+ Brand New Version!!
1. By what age should an infant typically double their birth weight?
A. 6 months
B. 3 months
C. 12 months
D. 18 months
Answer: A
Rationale: Infants generally double their birth weight by 5 to 6 months
of age and triple it by 12 months. This pattern of rapid growth reflects
the high metabolic demands and nutritional needs during the first year
of life. Failure to achieve this milestone may indicate inadequate
nutrition or an underlying health condition requiring further evaluation.
2. The nurse is assessing a 2-month-old infant. Which fontanel should
the nurse expect to find closed?
A. Anterior fontanel
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B. Sagittal fontanel
C. Posterior fontanel
D. Mastoid fontanel
Answer: C
Rationale: The posterior fontanel typically closes by 6 to 8 weeks of age,
whereas the anterior fontanel remains open until 12 to 18 months.
Closure of the posterior fontanel is an expected developmental finding
at the 2-month assessment. Delayed or premature closure may
necessitate further neurologic evaluation.
3. A mother is concerned that her 9-month-old infant cannot yet sit
without support. How should the nurse respond?
A. Schedule a developmental screening as infants sit by 8 months
B. This is a normal finding for a 9-month-old
C. Infants usually sit unsupported by 12 months
D. Encourage more tummy time to strengthen the core
Answer: A
Rationale: Infants are expected to sit unsupported by 8 months of age.
A 9-month-old who cannot do so requires further developmental
evaluation. While tummy time is beneficial for core strengthening, the
inability to sit independently at this age represents a gross motor delay
that warrants prompt assessment.
4. Which developmental milestone is expected of a 12-month-old
infant?
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A. Building a tower of six blocks
B. Turning several pages in a book
C. Using a spoon effectively
D. Walking without help
Answer: D
Rationale: By 12 months, infants typically walk with one hand held or
may take their first independent steps. More advanced fine motor skills
such as building block towers and effective spoon usage develop later in
the toddler period. Walking independently by 12 months is a significant
gross motor milestone.
5. According to Erikson, which task is primary for the infant stage?
A. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
B. Trust vs. Mistrust
C. Initiative vs. Guilt
D. Industry vs. Inferiority
Answer: B
Rationale: The primary psychosocial task of infancy, from birth to
approximately 1 year, is developing a sense of trust when caregivers
provide reliable, consistent care and affection. When this need is met,
the infant develops a foundational sense of security that influences
future psychosocial development.
6. The nurse is teaching about car seat safety. At what age can a child
usually transition to a forward-facing car seat?
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A. 6 months
B. 2 years
C. 12 months
D. 5 years
Answer: B
Rationale: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that
children remain in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the age of 2
years or the maximum height and weight limits for the seat. This
recommendation is based on evidence that rear-facing seats provide
superior protection for the developing spine and head in the event of a
collision.
7. A nurse is assessing a 4-month-old infant. Which milestone should
the nurse expect to observe?
A. Rolls from back to side
B. Sits independently without support
C. Transfers objects from hand to hand
D. Crawls on hands and knees
Answer: A
Rationale: By 4 months of age, most infants can roll from back to side.
Sitting independently typically emerges around 6 to 7 months, hand-to-
hand transfer of objects at approximately 7 months, and crawling on
hands and knees between 8 and 10 months. The 4-month assessment
should focus on early rolling and head control.
ATI Pediatric Growth and Development Practice
Exam Preparation With Complete Questions And
Correct Answers With Rationales Already Graded
A+ Brand New Version!!
1. By what age should an infant typically double their birth weight?
A. 6 months
B. 3 months
C. 12 months
D. 18 months
Answer: A
Rationale: Infants generally double their birth weight by 5 to 6 months
of age and triple it by 12 months. This pattern of rapid growth reflects
the high metabolic demands and nutritional needs during the first year
of life. Failure to achieve this milestone may indicate inadequate
nutrition or an underlying health condition requiring further evaluation.
2. The nurse is assessing a 2-month-old infant. Which fontanel should
the nurse expect to find closed?
A. Anterior fontanel
,2|Page
B. Sagittal fontanel
C. Posterior fontanel
D. Mastoid fontanel
Answer: C
Rationale: The posterior fontanel typically closes by 6 to 8 weeks of age,
whereas the anterior fontanel remains open until 12 to 18 months.
Closure of the posterior fontanel is an expected developmental finding
at the 2-month assessment. Delayed or premature closure may
necessitate further neurologic evaluation.
3. A mother is concerned that her 9-month-old infant cannot yet sit
without support. How should the nurse respond?
A. Schedule a developmental screening as infants sit by 8 months
B. This is a normal finding for a 9-month-old
C. Infants usually sit unsupported by 12 months
D. Encourage more tummy time to strengthen the core
Answer: A
Rationale: Infants are expected to sit unsupported by 8 months of age.
A 9-month-old who cannot do so requires further developmental
evaluation. While tummy time is beneficial for core strengthening, the
inability to sit independently at this age represents a gross motor delay
that warrants prompt assessment.
4. Which developmental milestone is expected of a 12-month-old
infant?
,3|Page
A. Building a tower of six blocks
B. Turning several pages in a book
C. Using a spoon effectively
D. Walking without help
Answer: D
Rationale: By 12 months, infants typically walk with one hand held or
may take their first independent steps. More advanced fine motor skills
such as building block towers and effective spoon usage develop later in
the toddler period. Walking independently by 12 months is a significant
gross motor milestone.
5. According to Erikson, which task is primary for the infant stage?
A. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
B. Trust vs. Mistrust
C. Initiative vs. Guilt
D. Industry vs. Inferiority
Answer: B
Rationale: The primary psychosocial task of infancy, from birth to
approximately 1 year, is developing a sense of trust when caregivers
provide reliable, consistent care and affection. When this need is met,
the infant develops a foundational sense of security that influences
future psychosocial development.
6. The nurse is teaching about car seat safety. At what age can a child
usually transition to a forward-facing car seat?
, 4|Page
A. 6 months
B. 2 years
C. 12 months
D. 5 years
Answer: B
Rationale: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that
children remain in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the age of 2
years or the maximum height and weight limits for the seat. This
recommendation is based on evidence that rear-facing seats provide
superior protection for the developing spine and head in the event of a
collision.
7. A nurse is assessing a 4-month-old infant. Which milestone should
the nurse expect to observe?
A. Rolls from back to side
B. Sits independently without support
C. Transfers objects from hand to hand
D. Crawls on hands and knees
Answer: A
Rationale: By 4 months of age, most infants can roll from back to side.
Sitting independently typically emerges around 6 to 7 months, hand-to-
hand transfer of objects at approximately 7 months, and crawling on
hands and knees between 8 and 10 months. The 4-month assessment
should focus on early rolling and head control.
