ATI RN PEDIATRIC NURSING PROCTORED EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains:
1. Health Promotion and Maintenance
2. Psychosocial Integrity
3. Physiological Integrity
4. Growth and Development
5. Safe and Effective Care Environment
6. Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
7. Reduction of Risk Potential
8. Nursing Care of the Child with Acute and Chronic Illness
Introduction
This comprehensive examination is designed to assess the foundational knowledge
and clinical judgment required for safe and effective pediatric nursing practice. It
evaluates the candidate's ability to apply theoretical concepts to practical
scenarios, integrating principles of growth and development, family-centered care,
and pathophysiology. The exam utilizes a multiple-choice and scenario-based
format to measure critical thinking and decision-making skills essential for the RN.
Emphasis is placed on real-world application, encompassing health promotion,
acute and chronic illness management, and the identification of risk factors to
ensure optimal patient outcomes in a variety of healthcare settings.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1 - 100
1. A nurse is caring for a 4-year-old child who is postoperative following a
tonsillectomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the
provider?
,A. Frequent swallowing
B. Restlessness
C. Clearing the throat
D. A temperature of 37.8°C (100°F)
A. Frequent swallowing
RATIONALE: Frequent swallowing is a sign of continuous bleeding in the throat
after a tonsillectomy. The child is swallowing the blood, which is a significant
postoperative complication that requires immediate reporting to the provider.
Restlessness, clearing the throat, and a low-grade fever are also expected but are
less specific indicators of active hemorrhage.
2. A nurse is teaching a parent of a child with iron-deficiency anemia about
dietary management. Which of the following statements by the parent indicates
an understanding of the teaching?
A. "I will give my child iron-fortified cereal mixed with milk."
B. "I will ensure my child has a glass of orange juice with the iron supplement."
C. "I will limit my child's intake of red meat."
D. "I will give the iron supplement at bedtime with a full glass of water."
B. "I will ensure my child has a glass of orange juice with the iron
supplement."
RATIONALE: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) enhances the absorption of iron. Orange
juice is a good source of vitamin C and should be given with iron supplements to
maximize absorption. Iron is better absorbed on an empty stomach, and dairy
products (like milk) and tannins (in tea) inhibit absorption.
3. A school-age child is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus. What is a
priority nursing intervention during the initial hospitalization?
A. Assessing the child's knowledge of insulin administration
B. Evaluating the parents' ability to perform finger-stick blood glucose testing
C. Determining the family's dietary habits and preferences
D. Assisting the family in adjusting to the diagnosis and its management
, D. Assisting the family in adjusting to the diagnosis and its management
RATIONALE: The initial diagnosis of type 1 diabetes is a life-altering event for
the child and family. The priority is to provide emotional support and education to
help them cope and understand the lifelong implications of the disease. While the
other options are all important components of care, the psychological adjustment
and acceptance are critical initial steps to ensure engagement and adherence to
the treatment regimen.
4. A nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant during a well-child visit. Which of
the following findings indicates a need for further developmental evaluation?
A. The infant can sit with support.
B. The infant can roll from back to abdomen.
C. The infant is unable to grasp a rattle.
D. The infant has a closed posterior fontanel.
C. The infant is unable to grasp a rattle.
RATIONALE: By 6 months of age, a typical infant should have developed a
palmar grasp and be able to hold a rattle. The inability to do so may indicate a
gross motor delay requiring further assessment. Sitting with support, rolling over,
and having a closed posterior fontanel are all expected developmental milestones
for a 6-month-old.
5. The parent of a 2-year-old child asks the nurse for suggestions on how to
manage temper tantrums. Which is the most appropriate recommendation?
A. Spank the child to stop the behavior immediately.
B. Distract the child by offering a new, interesting toy.
C. Allow the child to have the tantrum in a safe area, ignoring the behavior.
D. Give the child a "time-out" for 5 minutes.
C. Allow the child to have the tantrum in a safe area, ignoring the behavior.
RATIONALE: Temper tantrums are a normal part of development for a 2-year-
old as they struggle for autonomy. The most effective management is to ignore
the tantrum while ensuring the child is safe. This removes the attention that often
, reinforces the behavior. The child should be monitored for safety but not engaged
during the episode.
6. A nurse is caring for a child with acute glomerulonephritis. Which of the
following interventions is most important to include in the plan of care?
A. Strict intake and output monitoring
B. High-protein diet to compensate for losses
C. Encouraging ambulation to prevent muscle wasting
D. Administration of diuretics as prescribed
A. Strict intake and output monitoring
RATIONALE: In acute glomerulonephritis, there is a risk of fluid volume excess
due to decreased glomerular filtration, leading to edema, hypertension, and
potentially heart failure. Strict monitoring of intake and output is essential to
assess fluid balance and guide treatment, such as fluid restriction and diuretic
therapy. A high-protein diet is contraindicated due to decreased renal function
and potential azotemia.
7. A school nurse is conducting a vision screening for a 9-year-old child. Which of
the following findings should the nurse identify as a potential sign of myopia?
A. Reports of diplopia
B. Squinting when looking at the board
C. Tilting the head to one side
D. Complaints of eye redness
B. Squinting when looking at the board
RATIONALE: Squinting is a common compensatory mechanism for children
with myopia (nearsightedness) to improve visual acuity by reducing light scatter.
This child is likely trying to bring the distant board into focus. Diplopia (double
vision), head tilting, and eye redness are associated with other conditions.
8. A nurse is preparing to administer a measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
vaccine to a 12-month-old infant. Which of the following contraindications is
most significant for this vaccine?
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains:
1. Health Promotion and Maintenance
2. Psychosocial Integrity
3. Physiological Integrity
4. Growth and Development
5. Safe and Effective Care Environment
6. Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
7. Reduction of Risk Potential
8. Nursing Care of the Child with Acute and Chronic Illness
Introduction
This comprehensive examination is designed to assess the foundational knowledge
and clinical judgment required for safe and effective pediatric nursing practice. It
evaluates the candidate's ability to apply theoretical concepts to practical
scenarios, integrating principles of growth and development, family-centered care,
and pathophysiology. The exam utilizes a multiple-choice and scenario-based
format to measure critical thinking and decision-making skills essential for the RN.
Emphasis is placed on real-world application, encompassing health promotion,
acute and chronic illness management, and the identification of risk factors to
ensure optimal patient outcomes in a variety of healthcare settings.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1 - 100
1. A nurse is caring for a 4-year-old child who is postoperative following a
tonsillectomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the
provider?
,A. Frequent swallowing
B. Restlessness
C. Clearing the throat
D. A temperature of 37.8°C (100°F)
A. Frequent swallowing
RATIONALE: Frequent swallowing is a sign of continuous bleeding in the throat
after a tonsillectomy. The child is swallowing the blood, which is a significant
postoperative complication that requires immediate reporting to the provider.
Restlessness, clearing the throat, and a low-grade fever are also expected but are
less specific indicators of active hemorrhage.
2. A nurse is teaching a parent of a child with iron-deficiency anemia about
dietary management. Which of the following statements by the parent indicates
an understanding of the teaching?
A. "I will give my child iron-fortified cereal mixed with milk."
B. "I will ensure my child has a glass of orange juice with the iron supplement."
C. "I will limit my child's intake of red meat."
D. "I will give the iron supplement at bedtime with a full glass of water."
B. "I will ensure my child has a glass of orange juice with the iron
supplement."
RATIONALE: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) enhances the absorption of iron. Orange
juice is a good source of vitamin C and should be given with iron supplements to
maximize absorption. Iron is better absorbed on an empty stomach, and dairy
products (like milk) and tannins (in tea) inhibit absorption.
3. A school-age child is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus. What is a
priority nursing intervention during the initial hospitalization?
A. Assessing the child's knowledge of insulin administration
B. Evaluating the parents' ability to perform finger-stick blood glucose testing
C. Determining the family's dietary habits and preferences
D. Assisting the family in adjusting to the diagnosis and its management
, D. Assisting the family in adjusting to the diagnosis and its management
RATIONALE: The initial diagnosis of type 1 diabetes is a life-altering event for
the child and family. The priority is to provide emotional support and education to
help them cope and understand the lifelong implications of the disease. While the
other options are all important components of care, the psychological adjustment
and acceptance are critical initial steps to ensure engagement and adherence to
the treatment regimen.
4. A nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant during a well-child visit. Which of
the following findings indicates a need for further developmental evaluation?
A. The infant can sit with support.
B. The infant can roll from back to abdomen.
C. The infant is unable to grasp a rattle.
D. The infant has a closed posterior fontanel.
C. The infant is unable to grasp a rattle.
RATIONALE: By 6 months of age, a typical infant should have developed a
palmar grasp and be able to hold a rattle. The inability to do so may indicate a
gross motor delay requiring further assessment. Sitting with support, rolling over,
and having a closed posterior fontanel are all expected developmental milestones
for a 6-month-old.
5. The parent of a 2-year-old child asks the nurse for suggestions on how to
manage temper tantrums. Which is the most appropriate recommendation?
A. Spank the child to stop the behavior immediately.
B. Distract the child by offering a new, interesting toy.
C. Allow the child to have the tantrum in a safe area, ignoring the behavior.
D. Give the child a "time-out" for 5 minutes.
C. Allow the child to have the tantrum in a safe area, ignoring the behavior.
RATIONALE: Temper tantrums are a normal part of development for a 2-year-
old as they struggle for autonomy. The most effective management is to ignore
the tantrum while ensuring the child is safe. This removes the attention that often
, reinforces the behavior. The child should be monitored for safety but not engaged
during the episode.
6. A nurse is caring for a child with acute glomerulonephritis. Which of the
following interventions is most important to include in the plan of care?
A. Strict intake and output monitoring
B. High-protein diet to compensate for losses
C. Encouraging ambulation to prevent muscle wasting
D. Administration of diuretics as prescribed
A. Strict intake and output monitoring
RATIONALE: In acute glomerulonephritis, there is a risk of fluid volume excess
due to decreased glomerular filtration, leading to edema, hypertension, and
potentially heart failure. Strict monitoring of intake and output is essential to
assess fluid balance and guide treatment, such as fluid restriction and diuretic
therapy. A high-protein diet is contraindicated due to decreased renal function
and potential azotemia.
7. A school nurse is conducting a vision screening for a 9-year-old child. Which of
the following findings should the nurse identify as a potential sign of myopia?
A. Reports of diplopia
B. Squinting when looking at the board
C. Tilting the head to one side
D. Complaints of eye redness
B. Squinting when looking at the board
RATIONALE: Squinting is a common compensatory mechanism for children
with myopia (nearsightedness) to improve visual acuity by reducing light scatter.
This child is likely trying to bring the distant board into focus. Diplopia (double
vision), head tilting, and eye redness are associated with other conditions.
8. A nurse is preparing to administer a measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
vaccine to a 12-month-old infant. Which of the following contraindications is
most significant for this vaccine?
