ATI PEDIATRICS PROCTORED EXAM 2026/2027 |
VERIFIED PRACTICE QUESTIONS, ANSWERS & DETAILED
RATIONALES | GRADE A PREP
1. A nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant. Which finding should the nurse expect?
A. Uses a pincer grasp
B. Sits with support
C. Walks independently
D. Uses two-word phrases
Correct Answer: B. Sits with support
Rationale:
At approximately 6 months, infants commonly develop improved trunk control and can sit with
support. More advanced milestones such as a pincer grasp, independent walking, and two-word
phrases occur later.
2. A nurse is providing teaching to the parent of a toddler about preventing accidental
poisoning. Which instruction is most appropriate?
A. Store medications in an unlocked cabinet
B. Keep cleaning products under the kitchen sink
C. Store medications and household chemicals in locked cabinets
D. Teach the toddler to identify medications by color
,Correct Answer: C. Store medications and household chemicals in locked cabinets
Rationale:
Toddlers are naturally curious and frequently explore their environment orally. Locked storage
significantly reduces access to potentially toxic substances.
3. A nurse is caring for a child with suspected epiglottitis. Which action should the nurse take?
A. Inspect the throat with a tongue depressor
B. Obtain a throat culture immediately
C. Keep the child calm and prepare for airway management
D. Encourage the child to lie flat
Correct Answer: C. Keep the child calm and prepare for airway management
Rationale:
Epiglottitis can cause rapid airway obstruction. Agitation and unnecessary throat manipulation
can worsen airway compromise. Maintaining a calm environment and preparing for emergency
airway management are priorities.
4. A nurse is assessing a child with dehydration. Which finding indicates severe dehydration?
A. Moist mucous membranes
B. Bounding pulse
C. Delayed capillary refill and lethargy
D. Increased urine output
,Correct Answer: C. Delayed capillary refill and lethargy
Rationale:
Delayed capillary refill and altered level of consciousness can indicate significant fluid loss and
poor tissue perfusion.
5. A nurse is teaching the parent of an infant about safe sleep practices. Which statement
should the nurse include?
A. Place the infant prone for sleep
B. Place the infant supine on a firm sleep surface
C. Use loose blankets around the infant
D. Place stuffed animals in the crib
Correct Answer: B. Place the infant supine on a firm sleep surface
Rationale:
Infants should be placed on their backs on a firm, flat sleep surface without loose bedding or
soft objects to reduce the risk of sleep-related infant death.
6. A nurse is caring for a child experiencing an asthma exacerbation. Which finding requires
immediate attention?
A. Mild expiratory wheezing
B. Productive cough
C. Severe respiratory distress with diminished breath sounds
, D. Respiratory rate slightly above the expected range
Correct Answer: C. Severe respiratory distress with diminished breath sounds
Rationale:
Diminished breath sounds in a child with severe respiratory distress can indicate markedly
reduced airflow and impending respiratory failure.
7. A nurse is administering an oral medication to a young child. Which approach is appropriate?
A. Mix the medication into a full bottle of formula
B. Use an oral syringe to administer the prescribed dose
C. Tell the child the medication is candy
D. Force the medication into the child's mouth while the child is crying
Correct Answer: B. Use an oral syringe to administer the prescribed dose
Rationale:
An oral syringe allows accurate measurement and controlled administration of liquid medication
to young children.
8. A nurse is assessing a child with bacterial meningitis. Which finding is most concerning?
A. Mild headache
B. Neck stiffness with altered level of consciousness
C. Decreased appetite
D. Mild fatigue
VERIFIED PRACTICE QUESTIONS, ANSWERS & DETAILED
RATIONALES | GRADE A PREP
1. A nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant. Which finding should the nurse expect?
A. Uses a pincer grasp
B. Sits with support
C. Walks independently
D. Uses two-word phrases
Correct Answer: B. Sits with support
Rationale:
At approximately 6 months, infants commonly develop improved trunk control and can sit with
support. More advanced milestones such as a pincer grasp, independent walking, and two-word
phrases occur later.
2. A nurse is providing teaching to the parent of a toddler about preventing accidental
poisoning. Which instruction is most appropriate?
A. Store medications in an unlocked cabinet
B. Keep cleaning products under the kitchen sink
C. Store medications and household chemicals in locked cabinets
D. Teach the toddler to identify medications by color
,Correct Answer: C. Store medications and household chemicals in locked cabinets
Rationale:
Toddlers are naturally curious and frequently explore their environment orally. Locked storage
significantly reduces access to potentially toxic substances.
3. A nurse is caring for a child with suspected epiglottitis. Which action should the nurse take?
A. Inspect the throat with a tongue depressor
B. Obtain a throat culture immediately
C. Keep the child calm and prepare for airway management
D. Encourage the child to lie flat
Correct Answer: C. Keep the child calm and prepare for airway management
Rationale:
Epiglottitis can cause rapid airway obstruction. Agitation and unnecessary throat manipulation
can worsen airway compromise. Maintaining a calm environment and preparing for emergency
airway management are priorities.
4. A nurse is assessing a child with dehydration. Which finding indicates severe dehydration?
A. Moist mucous membranes
B. Bounding pulse
C. Delayed capillary refill and lethargy
D. Increased urine output
,Correct Answer: C. Delayed capillary refill and lethargy
Rationale:
Delayed capillary refill and altered level of consciousness can indicate significant fluid loss and
poor tissue perfusion.
5. A nurse is teaching the parent of an infant about safe sleep practices. Which statement
should the nurse include?
A. Place the infant prone for sleep
B. Place the infant supine on a firm sleep surface
C. Use loose blankets around the infant
D. Place stuffed animals in the crib
Correct Answer: B. Place the infant supine on a firm sleep surface
Rationale:
Infants should be placed on their backs on a firm, flat sleep surface without loose bedding or
soft objects to reduce the risk of sleep-related infant death.
6. A nurse is caring for a child experiencing an asthma exacerbation. Which finding requires
immediate attention?
A. Mild expiratory wheezing
B. Productive cough
C. Severe respiratory distress with diminished breath sounds
, D. Respiratory rate slightly above the expected range
Correct Answer: C. Severe respiratory distress with diminished breath sounds
Rationale:
Diminished breath sounds in a child with severe respiratory distress can indicate markedly
reduced airflow and impending respiratory failure.
7. A nurse is administering an oral medication to a young child. Which approach is appropriate?
A. Mix the medication into a full bottle of formula
B. Use an oral syringe to administer the prescribed dose
C. Tell the child the medication is candy
D. Force the medication into the child's mouth while the child is crying
Correct Answer: B. Use an oral syringe to administer the prescribed dose
Rationale:
An oral syringe allows accurate measurement and controlled administration of liquid medication
to young children.
8. A nurse is assessing a child with bacterial meningitis. Which finding is most concerning?
A. Mild headache
B. Neck stiffness with altered level of consciousness
C. Decreased appetite
D. Mild fatigue
