ATI CARE OF CHILDREN RN COMPREHENSIVE EXAM–
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2026-2027
1. A nurse is assessing a 4-month-old infant during a routine well-child visit. Which of the
following developmental milestones should the nurse expect the infant to demonstrate?
A. Walking independently while holding a toy
B. Rolling from back to side
C. Pincer grasp using thumb and forefinger
D. Building a tower of two blocks
Answer: B
A 4-month-old infant typically demonstrates the ability to roll from their back to their side,
whereas walking and pincer grasps occur later around 12 to 9 months respectively.
2. A nurse is caring for a toddler who is hospitalized with acute laryngotracheobronchitis
(croup). Which of the following findings should the nurse monitor for as an indication of
airway obstruction?
A. Bradycardia
B. Nasal flaring and sternal retractions
C. Increased blood pressure and flushed skin
D. Deep, slow respiratory rate with prolonged exhalation
Answer: B
Nasal flaring, intercostal, and sternal retractions are classic signs of increased work of
breathing and impending respiratory obstruction in a toddler with croup.
3. A nurse is providing discharge instructions to the parents of a school-age child diagnosed
with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which of the following statements by the parents indicates an
understanding of sick-day management?
A. "We will stop insulin administration if our child refuses to eat regular meals."
B. "We will test our child's blood glucose levels every 3 hours during illness."
C. "We will encourage our child to restrict fluid intake to prevent frequent urination."
D. "We will call the provider only if ketones are completely absent from the urine."
Answer: B
,Blood glucose levels should be monitored frequently, every 3 hours, during illness because
stress hormones can cause significant glycemic fluctuations.
4. A nurse is admitting an 8-month-old infant with severe dehydration secondary to acute
gastroenteritis. Which of the following clinical manifestations is most indicative of
moderate to severe dehydration?
A. Bounding peripheral pulses
B. Sunken anterior fontanel
C. Flushed, warm skin
D. Moist oral mucous membranes
Answer: B
A sunken anterior fontanel is a hallmark physical finding of decreased extracellular fluid
volume and dehydration in an infant.
5. A nurse is teaching the parents of a newborn about safe sleep practices to reduce the risk
of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Which of the following instructions should the
nurse include?
A. Place the infant prone for all nap times to promote deeper sleep.
B. Position the infant supine on a firm mattress without loose bedding or toys.
C. Use a soft pillow to elevate the infant's head slightly during sleep.
D. Share a bed with the infant to monitor breathing patterns closely at night.
Answer: B
Placing the infant supine on a firm, flat mattress free of soft objects, pillows, and loose
bedding is the primary evidence-based recommendation for SIDS prevention.
6. A nurse is assessing a 2-year-old child during a routine health supervision visit. Which of
the following behaviors indicates potential developmental delay requiring further
evaluation?
A. Using two-word phrases to communicate simple needs
B. Inability to walk independently or stand unsupported
C. Feeding oneself using a spoon with minimal spilling
D. Identifying and pointing to simple body parts upon request
Answer: B
Most children achieve independent walking by 12 to 15 months of age; an inability to walk at
2 years represents a significant motor milestone delay.
,7. A nurse is caring for a school-age child with acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis
(APSGN). Which of the following lab abnormalities should the nurse anticipate?
A. Decreased blood urea nitrogen and creatinine
B. Elevated antistreptolysin O (ASO) titer
C. Decreased urine specific gravity
D. Elevated platelet count above normal limits
Answer: B
An elevated ASO titer confirms a recent group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection, which
triggers the immune-complex response characteristic of APSGN.
8. A nurse is administering digoxin to a 6-month-old infant with a congenital heart defect.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take prior to administration?
A. Measure the infant's blood pressure using a pediatric cuff.
B. Obtain an apical heart rate for a full minute and withhold the dose if less than 90 beats per
minute.
C. Check the infant's urine output for the past 12 hours.
D. Administer the medication immediately following a full feeding of formula.
Answer: B
Digoxin slows the heart rate; in infants, the dose is typically withheld if the apical heart rate is
below 90 beats per minute to prevent severe bradycardia and toxicity.
9. A nurse is assessing a preschooler who presents with a high fever, drooling, agitation,
and inspiratory stridor. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Inspect the oropharynx using a tongue depressor to visualize the tonsils.
B. Obtain a throat swab for rapid strep and culture testing.
C. Leave the child undisturbed in a comfortable position and notify the provider immediately.
D. Place the child in a supine position and administer oral fluids.
Answer: C
These signs strongly indicate acute epiglottitis; inspecting the throat or agitating the child can
trigger sudden, fatal complete airway obstruction.
10. A nurse is creating a plan of care for an adolescent diagnosed with iron deficiency
anemia. Which of the following dietary recommendations should the nurse emphasize?
A. Consuming iron-fortified cereals with whole milk
B. Pairing iron-rich foods with sources of vitamin C
C. Taking oral iron supplements concurrently with antacids
, D. Restricting intake of red meats and leafy green vegetables
Answer: B
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) significantly enhances the gastrointestinal absorption of non-heme
iron when consumed together.
11. A nurse is caring for an infant with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis.
Which of the following interventions is the primary treatment priority?
A. Administering broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics
B. Providing supportive care with humidified oxygen and nasal suctioning
C. Administering high-dose systemic corticosteroid therapy
D. Placing the infant on strict fluid restriction
Answer: B
RSV is a viral infection; management is primarily supportive, focusing on maintaining
oxygenation through humidified oxygen and clearing airway secretions.
12. A nurse is evaluating the nutritional intake of an exclusively breastfed 3-month-old
infant. Which of the following nutritional supplements should the nurse verify the infant is
receiving?
A. Vitamin D supplementation
B. Iron drops daily
C. Fluoride supplementation
D. Vitamin B12 injections
Answer: A
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends daily vitamin D supplementation for all
exclusively breastfed infants starting shortly after birth to prevent rickets.
13. A nurse is caring for a school-age child admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
Which of the following intravenous solutions should the nurse anticipate initiating first
upon admission?
A. 0.9% sodium chloride solution
B. 5% dextrose in 0.45% sodium chloride
C. 0.225% sodium chloride solution
D. 10% dextrose in water
Answer: A
COMPLETE STUDY GUIDE | PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS-RATIONALES | EXAM PREP | DOWNLOAD
INSTANT PDF | GUARANTEED PASS || LATEST EXAM
2026-2027
1. A nurse is assessing a 4-month-old infant during a routine well-child visit. Which of the
following developmental milestones should the nurse expect the infant to demonstrate?
A. Walking independently while holding a toy
B. Rolling from back to side
C. Pincer grasp using thumb and forefinger
D. Building a tower of two blocks
Answer: B
A 4-month-old infant typically demonstrates the ability to roll from their back to their side,
whereas walking and pincer grasps occur later around 12 to 9 months respectively.
2. A nurse is caring for a toddler who is hospitalized with acute laryngotracheobronchitis
(croup). Which of the following findings should the nurse monitor for as an indication of
airway obstruction?
A. Bradycardia
B. Nasal flaring and sternal retractions
C. Increased blood pressure and flushed skin
D. Deep, slow respiratory rate with prolonged exhalation
Answer: B
Nasal flaring, intercostal, and sternal retractions are classic signs of increased work of
breathing and impending respiratory obstruction in a toddler with croup.
3. A nurse is providing discharge instructions to the parents of a school-age child diagnosed
with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which of the following statements by the parents indicates an
understanding of sick-day management?
A. "We will stop insulin administration if our child refuses to eat regular meals."
B. "We will test our child's blood glucose levels every 3 hours during illness."
C. "We will encourage our child to restrict fluid intake to prevent frequent urination."
D. "We will call the provider only if ketones are completely absent from the urine."
Answer: B
,Blood glucose levels should be monitored frequently, every 3 hours, during illness because
stress hormones can cause significant glycemic fluctuations.
4. A nurse is admitting an 8-month-old infant with severe dehydration secondary to acute
gastroenteritis. Which of the following clinical manifestations is most indicative of
moderate to severe dehydration?
A. Bounding peripheral pulses
B. Sunken anterior fontanel
C. Flushed, warm skin
D. Moist oral mucous membranes
Answer: B
A sunken anterior fontanel is a hallmark physical finding of decreased extracellular fluid
volume and dehydration in an infant.
5. A nurse is teaching the parents of a newborn about safe sleep practices to reduce the risk
of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Which of the following instructions should the
nurse include?
A. Place the infant prone for all nap times to promote deeper sleep.
B. Position the infant supine on a firm mattress without loose bedding or toys.
C. Use a soft pillow to elevate the infant's head slightly during sleep.
D. Share a bed with the infant to monitor breathing patterns closely at night.
Answer: B
Placing the infant supine on a firm, flat mattress free of soft objects, pillows, and loose
bedding is the primary evidence-based recommendation for SIDS prevention.
6. A nurse is assessing a 2-year-old child during a routine health supervision visit. Which of
the following behaviors indicates potential developmental delay requiring further
evaluation?
A. Using two-word phrases to communicate simple needs
B. Inability to walk independently or stand unsupported
C. Feeding oneself using a spoon with minimal spilling
D. Identifying and pointing to simple body parts upon request
Answer: B
Most children achieve independent walking by 12 to 15 months of age; an inability to walk at
2 years represents a significant motor milestone delay.
,7. A nurse is caring for a school-age child with acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis
(APSGN). Which of the following lab abnormalities should the nurse anticipate?
A. Decreased blood urea nitrogen and creatinine
B. Elevated antistreptolysin O (ASO) titer
C. Decreased urine specific gravity
D. Elevated platelet count above normal limits
Answer: B
An elevated ASO titer confirms a recent group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection, which
triggers the immune-complex response characteristic of APSGN.
8. A nurse is administering digoxin to a 6-month-old infant with a congenital heart defect.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take prior to administration?
A. Measure the infant's blood pressure using a pediatric cuff.
B. Obtain an apical heart rate for a full minute and withhold the dose if less than 90 beats per
minute.
C. Check the infant's urine output for the past 12 hours.
D. Administer the medication immediately following a full feeding of formula.
Answer: B
Digoxin slows the heart rate; in infants, the dose is typically withheld if the apical heart rate is
below 90 beats per minute to prevent severe bradycardia and toxicity.
9. A nurse is assessing a preschooler who presents with a high fever, drooling, agitation,
and inspiratory stridor. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Inspect the oropharynx using a tongue depressor to visualize the tonsils.
B. Obtain a throat swab for rapid strep and culture testing.
C. Leave the child undisturbed in a comfortable position and notify the provider immediately.
D. Place the child in a supine position and administer oral fluids.
Answer: C
These signs strongly indicate acute epiglottitis; inspecting the throat or agitating the child can
trigger sudden, fatal complete airway obstruction.
10. A nurse is creating a plan of care for an adolescent diagnosed with iron deficiency
anemia. Which of the following dietary recommendations should the nurse emphasize?
A. Consuming iron-fortified cereals with whole milk
B. Pairing iron-rich foods with sources of vitamin C
C. Taking oral iron supplements concurrently with antacids
, D. Restricting intake of red meats and leafy green vegetables
Answer: B
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) significantly enhances the gastrointestinal absorption of non-heme
iron when consumed together.
11. A nurse is caring for an infant with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis.
Which of the following interventions is the primary treatment priority?
A. Administering broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics
B. Providing supportive care with humidified oxygen and nasal suctioning
C. Administering high-dose systemic corticosteroid therapy
D. Placing the infant on strict fluid restriction
Answer: B
RSV is a viral infection; management is primarily supportive, focusing on maintaining
oxygenation through humidified oxygen and clearing airway secretions.
12. A nurse is evaluating the nutritional intake of an exclusively breastfed 3-month-old
infant. Which of the following nutritional supplements should the nurse verify the infant is
receiving?
A. Vitamin D supplementation
B. Iron drops daily
C. Fluoride supplementation
D. Vitamin B12 injections
Answer: A
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends daily vitamin D supplementation for all
exclusively breastfed infants starting shortly after birth to prevent rickets.
13. A nurse is caring for a school-age child admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
Which of the following intravenous solutions should the nurse anticipate initiating first
upon admission?
A. 0.9% sodium chloride solution
B. 5% dextrose in 0.45% sodium chloride
C. 0.225% sodium chloride solution
D. 10% dextrose in water
Answer: A
