ATI Pediatrics CMS Practice Exam | 60 Questions and Answers
Graded A+ | Latest
QUESTION 1:
A nurse is caring for a 3-year-old child admitted with croup who is experiencing inspiratory
stridor and a barking cough. Which of the following nursing actions should the nurse take first?
A. Obtain a throat culture using a sterile swab
B. Administer a prescribed nebulized epinephrine treatment
C. Assess for the presence of retractions and oxygen saturation
D. Encourage the child to cough and deep breathe
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Assess for the presence of retractions and oxygen saturation
RATIONALE: Airway assessment is the top priority in a child with croup presenting with stridor,
as airway obstruction can develop rapidly. Assessing for retractions and checking oxygen
saturation allow for immediate recognition of deterioration. Obtaining a throat culture (A) could
trigger laryngospasm and worsen obstruction. Nebulized epinephrine (B) is appropriate once
airway status is assessed. Encouraging coughing (D) increases distress and can exacerbate
swelling.
QUESTION 2:
A nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching with the parents of a 6-month-old infant who has a
prescription for oral iron supplements for iron-deficiency anemia. Which statement by the
parent indicates understanding of the teaching?
A. “I will mix the iron with milk to help it taste better.”
B. “I will give the iron with orange juice to improve absorption.”
C. “I should give the iron on an empty stomach for better tolerance.”
D. “If my baby’s stools turn white, I’ll call the provider immediately.”
CORRECT ANSWER: B. I will give the iron with orange juice to improve absorption.
RATIONALE: Vitamin C enhances iron absorption, so providing the supplement with orange juice
is best practice. Milk (A) inhibits iron absorption because of calcium content. Administering iron
on an empty stomach (C) can cause gastrointestinal irritation. Black stools (not white) are
expected following iron therapy; pale stools may signify hepatic issues unrelated to the
supplement.
,QUESTION 3:
The nurse is planning care for a child newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which of
the following should be included in the teaching plan?
A. Always rotate insulin injection sites within one preferred anatomical area
B. Expect blood glucose levels to be consistent before meals
C. Shake insulin vigorously to ensure proper mixing
D. Administer insulin only when blood sugar levels exceed 200 mg/dL
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Always rotate insulin injection sites within one preferred
anatomical area
RATIONALE: Rotating injection sites within one anatomical area (e.g., thighs or abdomen)
maintains consistent absorption rates while preventing lipohypertrophy. Blood glucose naturally
fluctuates (B). Insulin suspensions like NPH should be rolled gently, not shaken (C). Insulin should
be administered per prescribed regimen, not solely when hyperglycemia occurs (D).
QUESTION 4:
A nurse provides dietary teaching to the parents of a child with cystic fibrosis. Which statement
demonstrates correct understanding?
A. “We should limit our child’s fat intake to prevent weight gain.”
B. “We will administer pancreatic enzymes before all meals and snacks.”
C. “We will restrict salt to reduce fluid retention.”
D. “We should avoid giving high-calorie foods between meals.”
CORRECT ANSWER: B. We will administer pancreatic enzymes before all meals and snacks.
RATIONALE: Children with cystic fibrosis require pancreatic enzymes before meals and snacks to
aid fat digestion and nutrient absorption. Dietary fat (A) should not be restricted; a high-calorie,
high-protein diet is essential. Sodium should not be restricted (C); in fact, supplementation may
be needed. High-calorie snacks (D) are encouraged to meet metabolic demands.
QUESTION 5:
A nurse is preparing to administer an immunization to a toddler. Which of the following actions
promotes atraumatic care?
A. Use the dorsal gluteal site for the injection
B. Instruct the parent to leave the room during injection
C. Apply a topical anesthetic to the site before administration
D. Restrain the child firmly to prevent any movement
, CORRECT ANSWER: C. Apply a topical anesthetic to the site before administration
RATIONALE: A topical anesthetic reduces pain and stress, supporting atraumatic care. The
ventrogluteal or vastus lateralis site, not dorsal gluteal (A), is appropriate for toddlers. Parental
presence (B) comforts the child and should be encouraged. Gentle, rather than forceful,
immobilization (D) ensures safety without heightening fear.
QUESTION 6:
The nurse is assessing a 4-year-old child with nephrotic syndrome. Which finding should the
nurse expect?
A. Weight loss due to protein depletion
B. Facial edema most prominent in the morning
C. Decreased serum lipid levels
D. Increased urine output and diluted urine
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Facial edema most prominent in the morning
RATIONALE: In nephrotic syndrome, hypoalbuminemia leads to fluid shifts, resulting in facial
(periorbital) edema that is worse after sleep. Weight gain (not loss) occurs due to fluid retention
(A). Hyperlipidemia (C) develops as the liver compensates for protein loss. Oliguria with
concentrated urine (D) is common.
QUESTION 7:
A nurse is caring for an adolescent who has major depressive disorder and is taking fluoxetine.
Which of the following findings requires immediate intervention?
A. Mild nausea after medication administration
B. Sleep pattern changes over several days
C. Emergence of suicidal thoughts
D. Decreased interest in eating breakfast
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Emergence of suicidal thoughts
RATIONALE: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine carry a black box
warning for increased suicidal ideation, especially in adolescents. The nurse must notify the
provider immediately. Nausea (A) and appetite changes (D) are common early side effects.
Altered sleep (B) often subsides as therapy stabilizes.
QUESTION 8:
A nurse is reinforcing teaching for the parents of a child who will undergo cardiac
Graded A+ | Latest
QUESTION 1:
A nurse is caring for a 3-year-old child admitted with croup who is experiencing inspiratory
stridor and a barking cough. Which of the following nursing actions should the nurse take first?
A. Obtain a throat culture using a sterile swab
B. Administer a prescribed nebulized epinephrine treatment
C. Assess for the presence of retractions and oxygen saturation
D. Encourage the child to cough and deep breathe
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Assess for the presence of retractions and oxygen saturation
RATIONALE: Airway assessment is the top priority in a child with croup presenting with stridor,
as airway obstruction can develop rapidly. Assessing for retractions and checking oxygen
saturation allow for immediate recognition of deterioration. Obtaining a throat culture (A) could
trigger laryngospasm and worsen obstruction. Nebulized epinephrine (B) is appropriate once
airway status is assessed. Encouraging coughing (D) increases distress and can exacerbate
swelling.
QUESTION 2:
A nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching with the parents of a 6-month-old infant who has a
prescription for oral iron supplements for iron-deficiency anemia. Which statement by the
parent indicates understanding of the teaching?
A. “I will mix the iron with milk to help it taste better.”
B. “I will give the iron with orange juice to improve absorption.”
C. “I should give the iron on an empty stomach for better tolerance.”
D. “If my baby’s stools turn white, I’ll call the provider immediately.”
CORRECT ANSWER: B. I will give the iron with orange juice to improve absorption.
RATIONALE: Vitamin C enhances iron absorption, so providing the supplement with orange juice
is best practice. Milk (A) inhibits iron absorption because of calcium content. Administering iron
on an empty stomach (C) can cause gastrointestinal irritation. Black stools (not white) are
expected following iron therapy; pale stools may signify hepatic issues unrelated to the
supplement.
,QUESTION 3:
The nurse is planning care for a child newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which of
the following should be included in the teaching plan?
A. Always rotate insulin injection sites within one preferred anatomical area
B. Expect blood glucose levels to be consistent before meals
C. Shake insulin vigorously to ensure proper mixing
D. Administer insulin only when blood sugar levels exceed 200 mg/dL
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Always rotate insulin injection sites within one preferred
anatomical area
RATIONALE: Rotating injection sites within one anatomical area (e.g., thighs or abdomen)
maintains consistent absorption rates while preventing lipohypertrophy. Blood glucose naturally
fluctuates (B). Insulin suspensions like NPH should be rolled gently, not shaken (C). Insulin should
be administered per prescribed regimen, not solely when hyperglycemia occurs (D).
QUESTION 4:
A nurse provides dietary teaching to the parents of a child with cystic fibrosis. Which statement
demonstrates correct understanding?
A. “We should limit our child’s fat intake to prevent weight gain.”
B. “We will administer pancreatic enzymes before all meals and snacks.”
C. “We will restrict salt to reduce fluid retention.”
D. “We should avoid giving high-calorie foods between meals.”
CORRECT ANSWER: B. We will administer pancreatic enzymes before all meals and snacks.
RATIONALE: Children with cystic fibrosis require pancreatic enzymes before meals and snacks to
aid fat digestion and nutrient absorption. Dietary fat (A) should not be restricted; a high-calorie,
high-protein diet is essential. Sodium should not be restricted (C); in fact, supplementation may
be needed. High-calorie snacks (D) are encouraged to meet metabolic demands.
QUESTION 5:
A nurse is preparing to administer an immunization to a toddler. Which of the following actions
promotes atraumatic care?
A. Use the dorsal gluteal site for the injection
B. Instruct the parent to leave the room during injection
C. Apply a topical anesthetic to the site before administration
D. Restrain the child firmly to prevent any movement
, CORRECT ANSWER: C. Apply a topical anesthetic to the site before administration
RATIONALE: A topical anesthetic reduces pain and stress, supporting atraumatic care. The
ventrogluteal or vastus lateralis site, not dorsal gluteal (A), is appropriate for toddlers. Parental
presence (B) comforts the child and should be encouraged. Gentle, rather than forceful,
immobilization (D) ensures safety without heightening fear.
QUESTION 6:
The nurse is assessing a 4-year-old child with nephrotic syndrome. Which finding should the
nurse expect?
A. Weight loss due to protein depletion
B. Facial edema most prominent in the morning
C. Decreased serum lipid levels
D. Increased urine output and diluted urine
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Facial edema most prominent in the morning
RATIONALE: In nephrotic syndrome, hypoalbuminemia leads to fluid shifts, resulting in facial
(periorbital) edema that is worse after sleep. Weight gain (not loss) occurs due to fluid retention
(A). Hyperlipidemia (C) develops as the liver compensates for protein loss. Oliguria with
concentrated urine (D) is common.
QUESTION 7:
A nurse is caring for an adolescent who has major depressive disorder and is taking fluoxetine.
Which of the following findings requires immediate intervention?
A. Mild nausea after medication administration
B. Sleep pattern changes over several days
C. Emergence of suicidal thoughts
D. Decreased interest in eating breakfast
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Emergence of suicidal thoughts
RATIONALE: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine carry a black box
warning for increased suicidal ideation, especially in adolescents. The nurse must notify the
provider immediately. Nausea (A) and appetite changes (D) are common early side effects.
Altered sleep (B) often subsides as therapy stabilizes.
QUESTION 8:
A nurse is reinforcing teaching for the parents of a child who will undergo cardiac
