ATI RN PEDIATRIC NURSING
2026 NGN-STYLE PRACTICE EXAM
70 Questions + Detailed Answers & Rationales
QUESTIONS 1–10: GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT & FAMILY-CENTERED CARE
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a 2-month-old infant. Which finding should the nurse expect?
A. Sitting without support
B. Smiling responsively
C. Walking independently
D. Using two-word phrases
Answer: B. Smiling responsively
Rationale: Around 2 months, infants commonly begin social smiling. Sitting independently and
walking occur later, while two-word phrases are expected during toddler development.
Question 2
Which developmental milestone should the nurse expect from a 6-month-old infant?
A. Walking independently
,B. Rolling from abdomen to back
C. Riding a tricycle
D. Using scissors
Answer: B. Rolling from abdomen to back
Rationale: Rolling is an expected infant motor milestone. Independent walking occurs later,
generally around the end of the first year or afterward.
Question 3
A nurse is assessing a 12-month-old child. Which finding is expected?
A. Uses approximately 1–3 words
B. Writes their name
C. Skips on one foot
D. Uses complete sentences
Answer: A. Uses approximately 1–3 words
Rationale: Around 12 months, many children have a small vocabulary and use simple words
such as “mama” or “dada.”
Question 4
Which activity is most appropriate for a hospitalized toddler?
,A. Complex board game
B. Large-piece blocks
C. Crossword puzzle
D. Competitive card game
Answer: B. Large-piece blocks
Rationale: Toddlers benefit from simple activities involving manipulation and gross/fine motor
skills. Large blocks are developmentally appropriate.
Question 5
A preschooler is hospitalized. Which intervention is most appropriate?
A. Provide opportunities for imaginative play
B. Restrict all play
C. Provide only adult reading materials
D. Expect the child to understand abstract explanations
Answer: A. Provide opportunities for imaginative play
Rationale: Preschoolers commonly engage in imaginative and pretend play. Therapeutic play can
reduce anxiety associated with hospitalization.
Question 6
Which activity is most appropriate for a school-age child?
, A. Rattle
B. Peek-a-boo
C. Board game with rules
D. Parallel play only
Answer: C. Board game with rules
Rationale: School-age children develop logical thinking and can understand rules and
competition.
Question 7
Which approach is appropriate when communicating with an adolescent?
A. Direct all questions to the parent
B. Avoid discussing confidentiality
C. Provide an opportunity to speak privately
D. Use only concrete language
Answer: C. Provide an opportunity to speak privately
Rationale: Adolescents should receive developmentally appropriate privacy and opportunities
to discuss sensitive issues confidentially within applicable legal and safety limits.
Question 8
2026 NGN-STYLE PRACTICE EXAM
70 Questions + Detailed Answers & Rationales
QUESTIONS 1–10: GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT & FAMILY-CENTERED CARE
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a 2-month-old infant. Which finding should the nurse expect?
A. Sitting without support
B. Smiling responsively
C. Walking independently
D. Using two-word phrases
Answer: B. Smiling responsively
Rationale: Around 2 months, infants commonly begin social smiling. Sitting independently and
walking occur later, while two-word phrases are expected during toddler development.
Question 2
Which developmental milestone should the nurse expect from a 6-month-old infant?
A. Walking independently
,B. Rolling from abdomen to back
C. Riding a tricycle
D. Using scissors
Answer: B. Rolling from abdomen to back
Rationale: Rolling is an expected infant motor milestone. Independent walking occurs later,
generally around the end of the first year or afterward.
Question 3
A nurse is assessing a 12-month-old child. Which finding is expected?
A. Uses approximately 1–3 words
B. Writes their name
C. Skips on one foot
D. Uses complete sentences
Answer: A. Uses approximately 1–3 words
Rationale: Around 12 months, many children have a small vocabulary and use simple words
such as “mama” or “dada.”
Question 4
Which activity is most appropriate for a hospitalized toddler?
,A. Complex board game
B. Large-piece blocks
C. Crossword puzzle
D. Competitive card game
Answer: B. Large-piece blocks
Rationale: Toddlers benefit from simple activities involving manipulation and gross/fine motor
skills. Large blocks are developmentally appropriate.
Question 5
A preschooler is hospitalized. Which intervention is most appropriate?
A. Provide opportunities for imaginative play
B. Restrict all play
C. Provide only adult reading materials
D. Expect the child to understand abstract explanations
Answer: A. Provide opportunities for imaginative play
Rationale: Preschoolers commonly engage in imaginative and pretend play. Therapeutic play can
reduce anxiety associated with hospitalization.
Question 6
Which activity is most appropriate for a school-age child?
, A. Rattle
B. Peek-a-boo
C. Board game with rules
D. Parallel play only
Answer: C. Board game with rules
Rationale: School-age children develop logical thinking and can understand rules and
competition.
Question 7
Which approach is appropriate when communicating with an adolescent?
A. Direct all questions to the parent
B. Avoid discussing confidentiality
C. Provide an opportunity to speak privately
D. Use only concrete language
Answer: C. Provide an opportunity to speak privately
Rationale: Adolescents should receive developmentally appropriate privacy and opportunities
to discuss sensitive issues confidentially within applicable legal and safety limits.
Question 8
