2023/2026 [NGN] RN VATI NURSING CARE OF CHILDREN
ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD
PDF.
Core Domains
Growth and Development Across the Pediatric Lifespan
Pediatric Respiratory and Cardiac Disorders
Pediatric Neurological and Musculoskeletal Conditions
Pediatric Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary Disorders
Pediatric Hematologic and Oncologic Conditions
Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunizations
Pediatric Medication Administration and Safety
Family-Centered Care and Child Maltreatment
Introduction
The RN VATI Nursing Care of Children Assessment evaluates the
nursing student's mastery of pediatric nursing principles and clinical
judgment. This assessment measures competency in growth and
development, pediatric pathophysiology, medication administration,
family-centered care, and safety across the pediatric lifespan. The
examination employs Next Generation NCLEX-style multiple-choice
and scenario-based items requiring prioritization, clinical reasoning,
and evidence-based decision-making. Emphasis is placed on real-
world application, including recognition of normal versus abnormal
findings, age-specific interventions, and management of pediatric
,emergencies. Candidates must demonstrate synthesis of
foundational pediatric theory with practical clinical competence.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–75
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a 6-month-old infant who has been
diagnosed with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis.
Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the
provider immediately?
A. Respiratory rate of 68 breaths per minute
B. Intercostal retractions
C. Nasal congestion
D. Low-grade fever
🟢 Correct answer: A
🔴 RATIONALE: Normal respiratory rate for a 6-month-old is
approximately 30–40 breaths per minute. A rate of 68 indicates
severe respiratory distress and potential impending respiratory
failure requiring immediate intervention.
Question 2
A nurse is teaching the parents of a toddler diagnosed with acute
otitis media about the prescribed amoxicillin. Which of the
following statements by the parents indicates understanding of
the teaching?
A. "We will stop the antibiotic when the ear pain improves."
B. "We will give the full course of antibiotic even if the ear pain
improves."
C. "We will give the antibiotic only when the child has a fever."
D. "We will save leftover antibiotic for the next ear infection."
,🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Completing the full course of antibiotics is
essential to prevent recurrence, resistant organisms, and
complications such as mastoiditis or hearing loss.
Question 3
A nurse is assessing a 4-year-old child who has acute epiglottitis.
Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Drooling and tripod position
B. Barking cough and hoarseness
C. Inspiratory stridor and wheezing
D. Copious nasal discharge and sneezing
🟢 Correct answer: A
🔴 RATIONALE: Epiglottitis is a medical emergency characterized
by sudden onset of high fever, severe sore throat, drooling (to
avoid swallowing painful secretions), and tripod positioning to
maintain airway patency.
Question 4
A nurse is caring for a child who has sickle cell disease and is
experiencing a vaso-occlusive crisis. Which of the following
actions should the nurse take first?
A. Initiate IV fluids
B. Administer pain medication
C. Apply cold compresses to affected joints
D. Encourage bed rest
🟢 Correct answer: A
, 🔴 RATIONALE: The priority during vaso-occlusive crisis is
hydration to decrease blood viscosity, improve circulation, and
reduce further sickling of red blood cells.
Question 5
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to the parents of a child
who has been diagnosed with Kawasaki disease. Which of the
following instructions should the nurse include?
A. "Give aspirin as prescribed for at least 6–8 weeks."
B. "Discontinue aspirin once the fever resolves."
C. "Avoid all medications until the follow-up appointment."
D. "Give ibuprofen instead of aspirin for fever control."
🟢 Correct answer: A
🔴 RATIONALE: High-dose aspirin is used during the acute phase
for anti-inflammatory effects, followed by low-dose aspirin for
antiplatelet effects to prevent coronary artery thrombosis
(typically for 6–8 weeks or longer depending on echocardiogram
results).
Question 6
A nurse is assessing a 10-month-old infant during a well-child
visit. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to
the provider?
A. Anterior fontanel is closed
B. Two teeth are present
C. Infant can sit without support
D. Infant babbles with consonants
🟢 Correct answer: A
ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD
PDF.
Core Domains
Growth and Development Across the Pediatric Lifespan
Pediatric Respiratory and Cardiac Disorders
Pediatric Neurological and Musculoskeletal Conditions
Pediatric Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary Disorders
Pediatric Hematologic and Oncologic Conditions
Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunizations
Pediatric Medication Administration and Safety
Family-Centered Care and Child Maltreatment
Introduction
The RN VATI Nursing Care of Children Assessment evaluates the
nursing student's mastery of pediatric nursing principles and clinical
judgment. This assessment measures competency in growth and
development, pediatric pathophysiology, medication administration,
family-centered care, and safety across the pediatric lifespan. The
examination employs Next Generation NCLEX-style multiple-choice
and scenario-based items requiring prioritization, clinical reasoning,
and evidence-based decision-making. Emphasis is placed on real-
world application, including recognition of normal versus abnormal
findings, age-specific interventions, and management of pediatric
,emergencies. Candidates must demonstrate synthesis of
foundational pediatric theory with practical clinical competence.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–75
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a 6-month-old infant who has been
diagnosed with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis.
Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the
provider immediately?
A. Respiratory rate of 68 breaths per minute
B. Intercostal retractions
C. Nasal congestion
D. Low-grade fever
🟢 Correct answer: A
🔴 RATIONALE: Normal respiratory rate for a 6-month-old is
approximately 30–40 breaths per minute. A rate of 68 indicates
severe respiratory distress and potential impending respiratory
failure requiring immediate intervention.
Question 2
A nurse is teaching the parents of a toddler diagnosed with acute
otitis media about the prescribed amoxicillin. Which of the
following statements by the parents indicates understanding of
the teaching?
A. "We will stop the antibiotic when the ear pain improves."
B. "We will give the full course of antibiotic even if the ear pain
improves."
C. "We will give the antibiotic only when the child has a fever."
D. "We will save leftover antibiotic for the next ear infection."
,🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Completing the full course of antibiotics is
essential to prevent recurrence, resistant organisms, and
complications such as mastoiditis or hearing loss.
Question 3
A nurse is assessing a 4-year-old child who has acute epiglottitis.
Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Drooling and tripod position
B. Barking cough and hoarseness
C. Inspiratory stridor and wheezing
D. Copious nasal discharge and sneezing
🟢 Correct answer: A
🔴 RATIONALE: Epiglottitis is a medical emergency characterized
by sudden onset of high fever, severe sore throat, drooling (to
avoid swallowing painful secretions), and tripod positioning to
maintain airway patency.
Question 4
A nurse is caring for a child who has sickle cell disease and is
experiencing a vaso-occlusive crisis. Which of the following
actions should the nurse take first?
A. Initiate IV fluids
B. Administer pain medication
C. Apply cold compresses to affected joints
D. Encourage bed rest
🟢 Correct answer: A
, 🔴 RATIONALE: The priority during vaso-occlusive crisis is
hydration to decrease blood viscosity, improve circulation, and
reduce further sickling of red blood cells.
Question 5
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to the parents of a child
who has been diagnosed with Kawasaki disease. Which of the
following instructions should the nurse include?
A. "Give aspirin as prescribed for at least 6–8 weeks."
B. "Discontinue aspirin once the fever resolves."
C. "Avoid all medications until the follow-up appointment."
D. "Give ibuprofen instead of aspirin for fever control."
🟢 Correct answer: A
🔴 RATIONALE: High-dose aspirin is used during the acute phase
for anti-inflammatory effects, followed by low-dose aspirin for
antiplatelet effects to prevent coronary artery thrombosis
(typically for 6–8 weeks or longer depending on echocardiogram
results).
Question 6
A nurse is assessing a 10-month-old infant during a well-child
visit. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to
the provider?
A. Anterior fontanel is closed
B. Two teeth are present
C. Infant can sit without support
D. Infant babbles with consonants
🟢 Correct answer: A
