ATI Physical Assessment of a Child
Posttest Questions and Answers | Latest
Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
What is the expected location to palpate the apical pulse in a child under 7 years old?
✔✔ At the fourth intercostal space, left midclavicular line
How does the respiratory rate of a newborn differ from that of a school-aged child?
✔✔ Newborns have a faster and more irregular respiratory rate
What is a normal finding when inspecting a toddler’s gait?
✔✔ Wide-based and slightly unsteady walking pattern
Why is it important to assess the anterior fontanel in an infant?
✔✔ To monitor for signs of dehydration or increased intracranial pressure
At what age does the posterior fontanel typically close?
✔✔ By 2 months of age
1
,What should a nurse observe when assessing a child’s skin turgor?
✔✔ The skin should return to normal quickly after being pinched
When auscultating breath sounds in a 3-year-old, what is a normal finding?
✔✔ Clear breath sounds with occasional irregular rhythm
How do pediatric heart rates generally compare to adult heart rates?
✔✔ Pediatric heart rates are faster than adults’ heart rates
What is an appropriate method to assess pain in a 4-year-old child?
✔✔ Use a faces pain rating scale with facial expressions
How should the nurse position a child when assessing the abdomen?
✔✔ In a supine position with knees slightly bent
What developmental milestone should a nurse expect to see in a 12-month-old?
✔✔ The child should be able to pull to a standing position
2
, Why does a nurse check for the presence of the Babinski reflex in infants?
✔✔ To evaluate neurological development
When assessing a child’s ears, why is it important to pull the pinna down and back?
✔✔ Because the ear canal in children is shorter and angled differently than in adults
What is the significance of observing retractions in a child’s chest during breathing?
✔✔ It may indicate respiratory distress
How can a nurse assess hydration status in a child?
✔✔ Check mucous membranes for dryness and skin turgor
What is the expected finding when inspecting a healthy child’s tonsils?
✔✔ Tonsils are visible but do not touch the uvula
Why should a nurse observe a child’s interaction with their caregiver during the assessment?
✔✔ To assess emotional and social development
3
Posttest Questions and Answers | Latest
Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
What is the expected location to palpate the apical pulse in a child under 7 years old?
✔✔ At the fourth intercostal space, left midclavicular line
How does the respiratory rate of a newborn differ from that of a school-aged child?
✔✔ Newborns have a faster and more irregular respiratory rate
What is a normal finding when inspecting a toddler’s gait?
✔✔ Wide-based and slightly unsteady walking pattern
Why is it important to assess the anterior fontanel in an infant?
✔✔ To monitor for signs of dehydration or increased intracranial pressure
At what age does the posterior fontanel typically close?
✔✔ By 2 months of age
1
,What should a nurse observe when assessing a child’s skin turgor?
✔✔ The skin should return to normal quickly after being pinched
When auscultating breath sounds in a 3-year-old, what is a normal finding?
✔✔ Clear breath sounds with occasional irregular rhythm
How do pediatric heart rates generally compare to adult heart rates?
✔✔ Pediatric heart rates are faster than adults’ heart rates
What is an appropriate method to assess pain in a 4-year-old child?
✔✔ Use a faces pain rating scale with facial expressions
How should the nurse position a child when assessing the abdomen?
✔✔ In a supine position with knees slightly bent
What developmental milestone should a nurse expect to see in a 12-month-old?
✔✔ The child should be able to pull to a standing position
2
, Why does a nurse check for the presence of the Babinski reflex in infants?
✔✔ To evaluate neurological development
When assessing a child’s ears, why is it important to pull the pinna down and back?
✔✔ Because the ear canal in children is shorter and angled differently than in adults
What is the significance of observing retractions in a child’s chest during breathing?
✔✔ It may indicate respiratory distress
How can a nurse assess hydration status in a child?
✔✔ Check mucous membranes for dryness and skin turgor
What is the expected finding when inspecting a healthy child’s tonsils?
✔✔ Tonsils are visible but do not touch the uvula
Why should a nurse observe a child’s interaction with their caregiver during the assessment?
✔✔ To assess emotional and social development
3
