ATI PEDIATRIC PROCTORED EXAM – PRACTICE
QUESTIONS 2026/2027 ACADEMIC YEAR
Growth & Development
1. A nurse is assessing a 4monthold infant. Which finding should the nurse
report to the provider?
A) Unable to roll over
B) Birth weight doubled
C) Anterior fontanel open
D) Moro reflex present
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The Moro reflex should disappear by 3–4 months of age.
Persistence at 4 months may indicate neurologic impairment.
2. A 2yearold is hospitalized. The parent must leave for work. The child
screams "Don't go!" and then becomes quiet and withdrawn. This behavior
indicates which phase of separation anxiety?
A) Protest phase
B) Despair phase
,C) Detachment phase
D) Regression
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The despair phase is characterized by the child becoming
withdrawn, quiet, and sad, no longer crying. This follows the protest phase of
separation anxiety.
3. A nurse is teaching a parent of a 12monthold child about development
during the toddler years. Which statement should the nurse include?
A) "Your child should be referring to himself using the appropriate pronoun
by 18 months of age."
B) "A toddler's interest in looking at pictures occurs at 20 months of age."
C) "A toddler should have daytime control of bowel and bladder by 24
months of age."
D) "Your child should be able to scribble spontaneously using a crayon at the
age of 15 months."
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: By 15 months of age, a toddler should be able to scribble
spontaneously using a crayon. Toilet training readiness varies, and
bowel/bladder control is typically achieved later.
,4. A nurse in a pediatric clinic is assessing a toddler at a wellchild visit. Which
action should the nurse take?
A) Perform the assessment in a headtotoe sequence
B) Minimize physical contact with the child initially
C) Explain procedures using medical terminology
D) Stop the assessment if the child becomes uncooperative
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse should minimize physical contact initially to allow the
toddler to become comfortable. Toddlers often fear strangers and may
become distressed with invasive approaches.
5. A nurse is assessing a 6monthold infant. Which developmental milestone
should the nurse expect the infant to have achieved?
A) Sits without support
B) Rolls from back to front
C) Walks with assistance
D) Pincer grasp
Correct Answer: B
, Rationale: By 6 months, infants typically roll from back to front and front to
back. Sitting without support occurs around 8 months, and pincer grasp
develops around 9–10 months.
6. A nurse is providing anticipatory guidance to the parents of a 10monthold
infant. Which safety instruction should the nurse prioritize?
A) Installing car seats rear facing
B) Keeping small objects out of reach
C) Using a forwardfacing car seat
D) Allowing the infant to sleep with soft toys
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: At 10 months, infants are mobile and explore by putting objects in
their mouths. Keeping small objects out of reach prevents choking and
aspiration, which are significant risks at this age.
7. A nurse is assessing a preschooler for developmental milestones. Which
finding indicates normal development for a 4yearold?
A) Ties shoelaces independently
B) Draws a circle
C) Uses scissors to cut out shapes
D) Writes their first name
QUESTIONS 2026/2027 ACADEMIC YEAR
Growth & Development
1. A nurse is assessing a 4monthold infant. Which finding should the nurse
report to the provider?
A) Unable to roll over
B) Birth weight doubled
C) Anterior fontanel open
D) Moro reflex present
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The Moro reflex should disappear by 3–4 months of age.
Persistence at 4 months may indicate neurologic impairment.
2. A 2yearold is hospitalized. The parent must leave for work. The child
screams "Don't go!" and then becomes quiet and withdrawn. This behavior
indicates which phase of separation anxiety?
A) Protest phase
B) Despair phase
,C) Detachment phase
D) Regression
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The despair phase is characterized by the child becoming
withdrawn, quiet, and sad, no longer crying. This follows the protest phase of
separation anxiety.
3. A nurse is teaching a parent of a 12monthold child about development
during the toddler years. Which statement should the nurse include?
A) "Your child should be referring to himself using the appropriate pronoun
by 18 months of age."
B) "A toddler's interest in looking at pictures occurs at 20 months of age."
C) "A toddler should have daytime control of bowel and bladder by 24
months of age."
D) "Your child should be able to scribble spontaneously using a crayon at the
age of 15 months."
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: By 15 months of age, a toddler should be able to scribble
spontaneously using a crayon. Toilet training readiness varies, and
bowel/bladder control is typically achieved later.
,4. A nurse in a pediatric clinic is assessing a toddler at a wellchild visit. Which
action should the nurse take?
A) Perform the assessment in a headtotoe sequence
B) Minimize physical contact with the child initially
C) Explain procedures using medical terminology
D) Stop the assessment if the child becomes uncooperative
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse should minimize physical contact initially to allow the
toddler to become comfortable. Toddlers often fear strangers and may
become distressed with invasive approaches.
5. A nurse is assessing a 6monthold infant. Which developmental milestone
should the nurse expect the infant to have achieved?
A) Sits without support
B) Rolls from back to front
C) Walks with assistance
D) Pincer grasp
Correct Answer: B
, Rationale: By 6 months, infants typically roll from back to front and front to
back. Sitting without support occurs around 8 months, and pincer grasp
develops around 9–10 months.
6. A nurse is providing anticipatory guidance to the parents of a 10monthold
infant. Which safety instruction should the nurse prioritize?
A) Installing car seats rear facing
B) Keeping small objects out of reach
C) Using a forwardfacing car seat
D) Allowing the infant to sleep with soft toys
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: At 10 months, infants are mobile and explore by putting objects in
their mouths. Keeping small objects out of reach prevents choking and
aspiration, which are significant risks at this age.
7. A nurse is assessing a preschooler for developmental milestones. Which
finding indicates normal development for a 4yearold?
A) Ties shoelaces independently
B) Draws a circle
C) Uses scissors to cut out shapes
D) Writes their first name
