ATI CAPSTONE NURSING CARE OF
CHILDREN ACTUAL EXAM 2026/2027
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SECTION 1: GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT (20%)
Q1: Developmental Milestones (Infants)
A nurse is assessing a 9-month-old infant during a well-child visit. Which of the following
developmental milestones should the infant have achieved?
A. Walks independently without support
B. Says "mama" or "dada" with meaning
C. Uses a pincer grasp to pick up small objects
D. Builds a tower of three blocks
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: By 9 months, infants typically develop a pincer grasp (thumb and forefinger) to pick
up small objects. [CORRECT] Option A is incorrect because walking independently usually
occurs around 12 months. Option B is incorrect because saying "mama" or "dada" with meaning
typically occurs around 10-12 months. Option D is incorrect because building a tower of three
blocks is a milestone for 18-24 months.
Q2: Erikson's Theory (Toddlers)
A parent asks the nurse about their 2-year-old child's behavior, stating, "My child is always
saying 'no' and wants to do everything independently." Which of the following responses by the
nurse is most appropriate?
A. "This behavior is abnormal and may indicate a developmental delay."
B. "Your child is demonstrating autonomy, which is a normal stage of development according to
Erikson."
C. "Your child is likely experiencing separation anxiety and needs more attention."
D. "This behavior suggests your child is ready for preschool."
Correct Answer: B
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Rationale: According to Erikson's theory, toddlers (1-3 years) are in the stage of "Autonomy vs.
Shame and Doubt." [CORRECT] Option A is incorrect because this behavior is normal for this
age. Option C is incorrect because separation anxiety is more common in infants. Option D is
incorrect because this behavior does not indicate readiness for preschool.
Q3: Growth Parameters (School-Age)
A nurse is evaluating the growth of a 7-year-old child. Which of the following findings would
indicate a potential growth concern?
A. Height increases by 2 inches (5 cm) per year
B. Weight increases by 4-6 pounds (2-3 kg) per year
C. BMI is at the 85th percentile for age and gender
D. The child's height and weight are both at the 5th percentile
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A child whose height and weight are both at the 5th percentile may indicate a growth
concern, especially if there is a sudden drop in percentiles. [CORRECT] Options A and B are
normal growth patterns for school-age children. Option C is incorrect because a BMI at the 85th
percentile is considered overweight, not necessarily a growth concern.
Q4: Piaget's Theory (Adolescents)
A nurse is teaching a group of adolescents about healthy decision-making. According to Piaget's
theory, which cognitive stage are adolescents in?
A. Sensorimotor
B. Preoperational
C. Concrete operational
D. Formal operational
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Adolescents are in the formal operational stage, where they develop abstract thinking
and hypothetical reasoning. [CORRECT] Option A is incorrect because the sensorimotor stage
occurs in infancy. Option B is incorrect because the preoperational stage occurs in early
childhood. Option C is incorrect because the concrete operational stage occurs in middle
childhood.
Q5: Developmental Delay (Preschoolers)
A nurse is assessing a 4-year-old child who is not yet speaking in full sentences. Which of the
following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Refer the child to a speech therapist immediately
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B. Assess the child's hearing ability
C. Document the finding and reassess in 6 months
D. Ask the parents if the child has any siblings
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Before referring the child to a specialist, the nurse should assess for potential hearing
issues, as hearing loss can delay speech development. [CORRECT] Option A is incorrect
because a referral should not be made without further assessment. Option C is incorrect because
delaying assessment could miss critical intervention time. Option D is incorrect because sibling
status is not directly relevant to speech development.
SECTION 2: PEDIATRIC HEALTH PROMOTION (10%)
Q6: Immunization Schedule (Infants)
A nurse is reviewing the immunization record of a 6-month-old infant. Which of the following
vaccines should the infant have received by this age? (Select all that apply)
A. Hepatitis B
B. Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
C. Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP)
D. Varicella
E. Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
Correct Answers: A, C, E
Rationale: By 6 months, infants should have received Hepatitis B, DTaP, and Hib vaccines.
[CORRECT] Option B is incorrect because the MMR vaccine is typically given at 12-15 months.
Option D is incorrect because the varicella vaccine is also given at 12-15 months.
Q7: Anticipatory Guidance (Toddlers)
A nurse is providing anticipatory guidance to the parents of a 2-year-old child. Which of the
following topics should the nurse include? (Select all that apply)
A. Toilet training
B. Stranger anxiety
C. Introduction of solid foods
D. Limit-setting and discipline
E. School readiness
Correct Answers: A, D
Rationale: Toilet training and limit-setting are key topics for parents of toddlers. [CORRECT]
Option B is incorrect because stranger anxiety is more common in infants. Option C is incorrect
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because solid foods are introduced earlier, around 6 months. Option E is incorrect because school
readiness is more relevant for preschoolers.
Q8: Dental Health (School-Age)
A nurse is educating a group of school-age children about dental health. Which of the following
instructions should the nurse include?
A. "Brush your teeth once a day."
B. "Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste."
C. "Floss your teeth once a week."
D. "Visit the dentist every 2 years."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Children should use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste to prevent cavities.
[CORRECT] Option A is incorrect because teeth should be brushed twice a day. Option C is
incorrect because flossing should be done daily. Option D is incorrect because dental visits
should occur every 6 months.
Q9: Nutrition (Adolescents)
A nurse is counseling an adolescent about healthy eating habits. Which of the following
statements by the adolescent indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I should eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily."
B. "I can skip breakfast if I'm not hungry."
C. "I should limit my intake of sugary drinks."
D. "I need to drink 8 glasses of water every day."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Skipping breakfast can lead to poor concentration and unhealthy snacking later in the
day. [CORRECT] Options A, C, and D are correct statements about healthy eating habits.
Q10: Sleep Hygiene (Preschoolers)
A parent asks the nurse how much sleep their 4-year-old child should get each night. Which of
the following responses by the nurse is correct?
A. "8 hours"
B. "10 hours"
C. "12 hours"
D. "14 hours"
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Preschoolers typically need 10-13 hours of sleep per night, with 12 hours being a