2026 ATI Pediatrics Proctored Exam Comprehensive
Study Guide | Growth & Development, Pediatric
Nursing Care, Common Childhood Disorders,
Pharmacology, Safety & Family-Centered Care,
NCLEX-Style Practice Questions & High-Yield Exam
Preparation for Nursing Students
Question 1:
A nurse is assessing a 4-year-old child with a history of asthma. Which finding
would the nurse expect during the assessment?
A. Stridor
B. Wheezing
C. Clubbing of fingers
D. Clear lung sounds
Correct Answer: B. Wheezing
Rationale:
Wheezing is a common finding in children with asthma due to the narrowing of airways
from inflammation and bronchospasm. Stridor typically indicates upper airway
obstruction, while clubbing of fingers is associated with chronic hypoxia typically seen
in conditions such as cystic fibrosis. Clear lung sounds would suggest no respiratory
distress or obstruction, which is not expected in asthmatic children during an
exacerbation.
Question 2:
When providing education to parents about immunizations, which statement by the
nurse is correct regarding the varicella vaccine?
A. It is administered at 2 months and 4 months of age.
B. It provides lifelong immunity after two doses.
C. The child should be isolated for a month post-vaccination.
D. The vaccine should not be given if the child has a mild fever.
Correct Answer: B. It provides lifelong immunity after two doses.
Rationale:
The varicella vaccine is typically administered in two doses, with the second dose given
between ages 4 and 6. It generally provides lifelong immunity. There is no need for
isolation post-vaccination, and a mild fever is not a contraindication for vaccination, as
vaccines can often be given even if a child has a low-grade fever or mild illness.
Question 3:
,The nurse is evaluating a child's growth and development. Which finding would be
concerning in a 12-month-old child?
A. Pulls up to stand
B. Says “mama” and “dada”
C. Walks independently
D. Has not yet patted a ball
Correct Answer: C. Walks independently
Rationale:
By 12 months of age, most children can pull up to stand and may use "mama" and
"dada", but they typically do not walk independently until around 12-15 months. While
some may walk early, a child that has not yet begun to walk could represent a
developmental delay that warrants further evaluation. Patting a ball is a more advanced
motor skill that can develop slightly later.
Question 4:
A nurse is caring for a child with cystic fibrosis. Which dietary modification should
be included to help manage this condition?
A. Low-sodium diet
B. High-fat diet
C. Low-calcium diet
D. Gluten-free diet
Correct Answer: B. High-fat diet
Rationale:
Children with cystic fibrosis often have difficulties with nutrient absorption due to
pancreatic insufficiency. A high-fat, high-calorie diet is recommended to support growth
and meet increased energy needs. They do not typically require a low-sodium diet; in
fact, they may need more salt due to higher losses in sweat. There is no specific need
for a low-calcium or gluten-free diet unless other issues arise.
Question 5:
The school nurse is presenting a workshop on the importance of mental health in
children. Which statement should the nurse emphasize as essential for preventing
mental health issues?
A. Early intervention only matters in older children.
B. A supportive home environment is crucial.
C. Medication is the only solution for mental health issues.
D. Mental health issues are only genetic.
,Correct Answer: B. A supportive home environment is crucial.
Rationale:
A supportive home environment plays a vital role in a child’s emotional and mental well-
being. Early intervention is beneficial across all age groups, not just older children.
While medication can be part of treatment, it is not the sole solution for addressing
mental health issues. Additionally, while genetics can play a role, environmental factors
are also critically important in the development of mental health issues.
Question 6:
A nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant. Which developmental milestone should
the nurse expect?
A. Sits without support
B. Transfers objects between hands
C. Rolls from back to stomach
D. Says "baba"
Correct Answer: C. Rolls from back to stomach
Rationale:
By 6 months, infants typically develop the ability to roll over, specifically from back to
stomach. Sitting without support usually occurs around 8 months of age, transferring
objects is expected by 7-8 months, and babbling ("baba") generally begins between 6 to
9 months but isn't a direct milestone expected at 6 months.
Question 7:
A 2-year-old child is brought to the clinic with a fever and croup. Which treatment
should the nurse anticipate as the priority?
A. Antibiotic therapy
B. Corticosteroids
C. Antihistamines
D. Oral rehydration therapy
Correct Answer: B. Corticosteroids
Rationale:
Croup, characterized by a barking cough and stridor, is often treated with
corticosteroids to reduce airway inflammation. Antibiotics are not effective for viral
infections like croup unless a bacterial infection is suspected. Antihistamines are not
indicated, and while hydration is important, the immediate priority in severe croup is to
decrease inflammation.
Question 8:
, The nurse is discussing safety measures for toddlers. Which injury prevention
measure should be emphasized?
A. Use a high chair without a safety strap
B. Keep small objects out of reach
C. Allow toddlers to jump from furniture
D. Use adult-sized furniture
Correct Answer: B. Keep small objects out of reach
Rationale:
Toddlers are at high risk for choking, so keeping small objects out of reach is crucial for
safety. Using a high chair with a strap is recommended for safety, while allowing
jumping from furniture can lead to injuries. Adult-sized furniture can be dangerous as
toddlers may not be able to navigate it safely.
Question 9:
In teaching parents about signs of dehydration in infants, which symptom should
the nurse include?
A. Increased urination
B. Moist mucous membranes
C. Absence of tears
D. Weight gain
Correct Answer: C. Absence of tears
Rationale:
A hallmark sign of dehydration in infants is the absence of tears, even during crying.
Increased urination typically indicates adequate hydration, while moist mucous
membranes are a sign of hydration. Weight gain is not associated with dehydration and
would generally indicate health.
Question 10:
A nurse is explaining the role of family therapy in managing a child with autism
spectrum disorder. What is an essential component of this therapy?
A. Restriction of family interactions
B. Regular testing for learning disabilities
C. Enhancement of communication skills
D. Use of medication for all family members
Correct Answer: C. Enhancement of communication skills
Study Guide | Growth & Development, Pediatric
Nursing Care, Common Childhood Disorders,
Pharmacology, Safety & Family-Centered Care,
NCLEX-Style Practice Questions & High-Yield Exam
Preparation for Nursing Students
Question 1:
A nurse is assessing a 4-year-old child with a history of asthma. Which finding
would the nurse expect during the assessment?
A. Stridor
B. Wheezing
C. Clubbing of fingers
D. Clear lung sounds
Correct Answer: B. Wheezing
Rationale:
Wheezing is a common finding in children with asthma due to the narrowing of airways
from inflammation and bronchospasm. Stridor typically indicates upper airway
obstruction, while clubbing of fingers is associated with chronic hypoxia typically seen
in conditions such as cystic fibrosis. Clear lung sounds would suggest no respiratory
distress or obstruction, which is not expected in asthmatic children during an
exacerbation.
Question 2:
When providing education to parents about immunizations, which statement by the
nurse is correct regarding the varicella vaccine?
A. It is administered at 2 months and 4 months of age.
B. It provides lifelong immunity after two doses.
C. The child should be isolated for a month post-vaccination.
D. The vaccine should not be given if the child has a mild fever.
Correct Answer: B. It provides lifelong immunity after two doses.
Rationale:
The varicella vaccine is typically administered in two doses, with the second dose given
between ages 4 and 6. It generally provides lifelong immunity. There is no need for
isolation post-vaccination, and a mild fever is not a contraindication for vaccination, as
vaccines can often be given even if a child has a low-grade fever or mild illness.
Question 3:
,The nurse is evaluating a child's growth and development. Which finding would be
concerning in a 12-month-old child?
A. Pulls up to stand
B. Says “mama” and “dada”
C. Walks independently
D. Has not yet patted a ball
Correct Answer: C. Walks independently
Rationale:
By 12 months of age, most children can pull up to stand and may use "mama" and
"dada", but they typically do not walk independently until around 12-15 months. While
some may walk early, a child that has not yet begun to walk could represent a
developmental delay that warrants further evaluation. Patting a ball is a more advanced
motor skill that can develop slightly later.
Question 4:
A nurse is caring for a child with cystic fibrosis. Which dietary modification should
be included to help manage this condition?
A. Low-sodium diet
B. High-fat diet
C. Low-calcium diet
D. Gluten-free diet
Correct Answer: B. High-fat diet
Rationale:
Children with cystic fibrosis often have difficulties with nutrient absorption due to
pancreatic insufficiency. A high-fat, high-calorie diet is recommended to support growth
and meet increased energy needs. They do not typically require a low-sodium diet; in
fact, they may need more salt due to higher losses in sweat. There is no specific need
for a low-calcium or gluten-free diet unless other issues arise.
Question 5:
The school nurse is presenting a workshop on the importance of mental health in
children. Which statement should the nurse emphasize as essential for preventing
mental health issues?
A. Early intervention only matters in older children.
B. A supportive home environment is crucial.
C. Medication is the only solution for mental health issues.
D. Mental health issues are only genetic.
,Correct Answer: B. A supportive home environment is crucial.
Rationale:
A supportive home environment plays a vital role in a child’s emotional and mental well-
being. Early intervention is beneficial across all age groups, not just older children.
While medication can be part of treatment, it is not the sole solution for addressing
mental health issues. Additionally, while genetics can play a role, environmental factors
are also critically important in the development of mental health issues.
Question 6:
A nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant. Which developmental milestone should
the nurse expect?
A. Sits without support
B. Transfers objects between hands
C. Rolls from back to stomach
D. Says "baba"
Correct Answer: C. Rolls from back to stomach
Rationale:
By 6 months, infants typically develop the ability to roll over, specifically from back to
stomach. Sitting without support usually occurs around 8 months of age, transferring
objects is expected by 7-8 months, and babbling ("baba") generally begins between 6 to
9 months but isn't a direct milestone expected at 6 months.
Question 7:
A 2-year-old child is brought to the clinic with a fever and croup. Which treatment
should the nurse anticipate as the priority?
A. Antibiotic therapy
B. Corticosteroids
C. Antihistamines
D. Oral rehydration therapy
Correct Answer: B. Corticosteroids
Rationale:
Croup, characterized by a barking cough and stridor, is often treated with
corticosteroids to reduce airway inflammation. Antibiotics are not effective for viral
infections like croup unless a bacterial infection is suspected. Antihistamines are not
indicated, and while hydration is important, the immediate priority in severe croup is to
decrease inflammation.
Question 8:
, The nurse is discussing safety measures for toddlers. Which injury prevention
measure should be emphasized?
A. Use a high chair without a safety strap
B. Keep small objects out of reach
C. Allow toddlers to jump from furniture
D. Use adult-sized furniture
Correct Answer: B. Keep small objects out of reach
Rationale:
Toddlers are at high risk for choking, so keeping small objects out of reach is crucial for
safety. Using a high chair with a strap is recommended for safety, while allowing
jumping from furniture can lead to injuries. Adult-sized furniture can be dangerous as
toddlers may not be able to navigate it safely.
Question 9:
In teaching parents about signs of dehydration in infants, which symptom should
the nurse include?
A. Increased urination
B. Moist mucous membranes
C. Absence of tears
D. Weight gain
Correct Answer: C. Absence of tears
Rationale:
A hallmark sign of dehydration in infants is the absence of tears, even during crying.
Increased urination typically indicates adequate hydration, while moist mucous
membranes are a sign of hydration. Weight gain is not associated with dehydration and
would generally indicate health.
Question 10:
A nurse is explaining the role of family therapy in managing a child with autism
spectrum disorder. What is an essential component of this therapy?
A. Restriction of family interactions
B. Regular testing for learning disabilities
C. Enhancement of communication skills
D. Use of medication for all family members
Correct Answer: C. Enhancement of communication skills
