ATI RN Pediatrics Proctored Exam
2026/2027 – Practice Questions,
Answers & Rationales | ATI Pediatric
Nursing Study Guide Guaranteed Pass
(GRADED A+)
1. A nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant. Which finding
should the nurse report to the provider?
A. Sits with support
B. Transfers objects from one hand to the other
C. Rolls from abdomen to back
D. Has a persistent Moro reflex
Answer: _D. Has a persistent Moro reflex_
Rationale: The Moro reflex normally disappears by
approximately 4 to 6 months of age. Persistence beyond this
period can indicate a neurologic abnormality and should be
evaluated.
2. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to the parents of a
child prescribed amoxicillin for otitis media. Which instruction
should the nurse include?
A. Stop the medication when the child's pain resolves.
B. Administer the medication only when the child has a fever.
,C. Complete the entire prescribed course of medication.
D. Mix the medication with a full bottle of formula.
Answer: _C. Complete the entire prescribed course of
medication._
Rationale: Completing the prescribed antibiotic course helps
eradicate the infection and reduces the risk of treatment failure
and antimicrobial resistance.
3. A nurse is caring for a child with suspected epiglottitis.
Which action should the nurse take?
A. Inspect the throat with a tongue blade.
B. Obtain a throat culture immediately.
C. Keep the child calm and prepare for airway management.
D. Encourage the child to lie flat.
Answer: _C. Keep the child calm and prepare for airway
management._
Rationale: Epiglottitis can cause rapid airway obstruction.
Agitating the child or examining the throat unnecessarily can
worsen airway compromise. Maintaining a calm environment
and preparing for emergency airway management are priorities.
4. A nurse is teaching the parents of a child with type 1 diabetes
mellitus about hypoglycemia. Which manifestation should the
nurse identify as a possible sign of hypoglycemia?
,A. Fruity breath
B. Deep, rapid respirations
C. Tremors and diaphoresis
D. Increased thirst
Answer: _C. Tremors and diaphoresis_
Rationale: Hypoglycemia commonly causes sympathetic nervous
system manifestations such as sweating, tremors, hunger,
palpitations, and irritability.
5. A nurse is assessing a toddler who has gastroenteritis. Which
finding is the priority?
A. Decreased appetite
B. Two episodes of vomiting
C. Capillary refill of 4 seconds
D. Mild abdominal cramping
Answer: _C. Capillary refill of 4 seconds_
Rationale: Delayed capillary refill can indicate decreased
peripheral perfusion associated with dehydration and
hypovolemia. This finding requires prompt intervention.
6. A nurse is caring for a child with asthma who is experiencing
acute wheezing and respiratory distress. Which medication
should the nurse expect to administer for rapid bronchodilation?
, A. Albuterol
B. Montelukast
C. Fluticasone
D. Cromolyn
Answer: _A. Albuterol_
Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist
that produces rapid bronchodilation and is commonly used as a
rescue medication during an acute asthma exacerbation.
7. A nurse is assessing a child with suspected bacterial
meningitis. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Photophobia
B. Nuchal rigidity
C. Decreased level of consciousness
D. Headache
Answer: _C. Decreased level of consciousness_
Rationale: A decreased level of consciousness can indicate
increased intracranial pressure or worsening neurologic
involvement and requires immediate attention.
8. A nurse is teaching parents about preventing lead poisoning in
their child. Which instruction should the nurse include?
A. Allow the child to play near peeling paint.
B. Wash the child's hands before meals.
2026/2027 – Practice Questions,
Answers & Rationales | ATI Pediatric
Nursing Study Guide Guaranteed Pass
(GRADED A+)
1. A nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant. Which finding
should the nurse report to the provider?
A. Sits with support
B. Transfers objects from one hand to the other
C. Rolls from abdomen to back
D. Has a persistent Moro reflex
Answer: _D. Has a persistent Moro reflex_
Rationale: The Moro reflex normally disappears by
approximately 4 to 6 months of age. Persistence beyond this
period can indicate a neurologic abnormality and should be
evaluated.
2. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to the parents of a
child prescribed amoxicillin for otitis media. Which instruction
should the nurse include?
A. Stop the medication when the child's pain resolves.
B. Administer the medication only when the child has a fever.
,C. Complete the entire prescribed course of medication.
D. Mix the medication with a full bottle of formula.
Answer: _C. Complete the entire prescribed course of
medication._
Rationale: Completing the prescribed antibiotic course helps
eradicate the infection and reduces the risk of treatment failure
and antimicrobial resistance.
3. A nurse is caring for a child with suspected epiglottitis.
Which action should the nurse take?
A. Inspect the throat with a tongue blade.
B. Obtain a throat culture immediately.
C. Keep the child calm and prepare for airway management.
D. Encourage the child to lie flat.
Answer: _C. Keep the child calm and prepare for airway
management._
Rationale: Epiglottitis can cause rapid airway obstruction.
Agitating the child or examining the throat unnecessarily can
worsen airway compromise. Maintaining a calm environment
and preparing for emergency airway management are priorities.
4. A nurse is teaching the parents of a child with type 1 diabetes
mellitus about hypoglycemia. Which manifestation should the
nurse identify as a possible sign of hypoglycemia?
,A. Fruity breath
B. Deep, rapid respirations
C. Tremors and diaphoresis
D. Increased thirst
Answer: _C. Tremors and diaphoresis_
Rationale: Hypoglycemia commonly causes sympathetic nervous
system manifestations such as sweating, tremors, hunger,
palpitations, and irritability.
5. A nurse is assessing a toddler who has gastroenteritis. Which
finding is the priority?
A. Decreased appetite
B. Two episodes of vomiting
C. Capillary refill of 4 seconds
D. Mild abdominal cramping
Answer: _C. Capillary refill of 4 seconds_
Rationale: Delayed capillary refill can indicate decreased
peripheral perfusion associated with dehydration and
hypovolemia. This finding requires prompt intervention.
6. A nurse is caring for a child with asthma who is experiencing
acute wheezing and respiratory distress. Which medication
should the nurse expect to administer for rapid bronchodilation?
, A. Albuterol
B. Montelukast
C. Fluticasone
D. Cromolyn
Answer: _A. Albuterol_
Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist
that produces rapid bronchodilation and is commonly used as a
rescue medication during an acute asthma exacerbation.
7. A nurse is assessing a child with suspected bacterial
meningitis. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Photophobia
B. Nuchal rigidity
C. Decreased level of consciousness
D. Headache
Answer: _C. Decreased level of consciousness_
Rationale: A decreased level of consciousness can indicate
increased intracranial pressure or worsening neurologic
involvement and requires immediate attention.
8. A nurse is teaching parents about preventing lead poisoning in
their child. Which instruction should the nurse include?
A. Allow the child to play near peeling paint.
B. Wash the child's hands before meals.
