ATI RN Pediatrics Retake Exam (Fully Updated 2026) | 200+ Practice
Questions with Verified Answers & Detailed Rationales | Growth &
Development, Pediatric Medical-Surgical, Safety, Nutrition,
Pharmacology, Priority Nursing Care & ATI Proctored Exam Prep
Question 1
What is the primary nursing intervention for a child experiencing an asthma attack?
A) Administer oxygen
B) Encourage oral hydration
C) Provide a warm compress
D) Administer a corticosteroid
Correct Option: A) Administer oxygen
Rationale: Administering oxygen is the primary nursing intervention during an asthma
attack to ensure adequate oxygenation and relieve hypoxia. While corticosteroids may
be used later, immediate oxygen supplementation is critical for stabilizing the patient.
Question 2
Which of the following is a common side effect of the MMR vaccine?
A) Fever
B) Rash
C) Joint pain
D) All of the above
Correct Option: D) All of the above
Rationale: The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine can cause several mild side
effects, including fever, rash, and joint pain. Recognizing these can help reassure
parents about the nature of common post-vaccination reactions.
Question 3
In children, which vital sign is the most reliable indicator of early infection?
A) Blood pressure
B) Heart rate
C) Temperature
D) Respiratory rate
Correct Option: C) Temperature
,Rationale: An elevated temperature is often one of the first signs of infection in
children. Monitoring temperature can help in early identification of infections and timely
interventions.
Question 4
What is the expected growth pattern for a child between the ages of 1 to 3 years?
A) Gaining 5 pounds per year
B) Growing 2 to 4 inches per year
C) Losing weight
D) Tripling birth weight
Correct Option: B) Growing 2 to 4 inches per year
Rationale: During the toddler years (1 to 3 years), children typically grow about 2 to 4
inches annually. Understanding growth patterns is crucial for assessing developmental
milestones and ensuring healthy growth.
Question 5
During a well-child visit, which of the following immunizations should a 5-year-old
receive?
A) DTaP booster
B) IPV booster
C) MMR booster
D) All of the above
Correct Option: D) All of the above
Rationale: By age 5, children should receive booster doses of DTaP, IPV, and MMR in
accordance with immunization schedules to ensure continued immunity against these
diseases.
Question 6
Which stage of development according to Erikson's theory is characterized by the
challenge of "initiative vs. guilt"?
A) Trust vs. Mistrust
B) Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
C) Initiative vs. Guilt
D) Industry vs. Inferiority
Correct Option: C) Initiative vs. Guilt
Rationale: The stage of "initiative vs. guilt" occurs in preschool-aged children (3 to 5
years) and is marked by the child's ability to initiate activities and assert control over
their environment. Successful resolution leads to a sense of initiative.
,Question 7
What is the best approach for a nurse when communicating with a 6-year-old
child?
A) Use complex medical terminology
B) Speak in a calm tone and use simple language
C) Avoid eye contact to reduce intimidation
D) Use humor to distract from the procedure
Correct Option: B) Speak in a calm tone and use simple language
Rationale: Young children respond best to clear and simple language delivered in a
calm manner, which helps them understand the conversation and reduces anxiety.
Question 8
Which of the following is a typical sign of dehydration in infants?
A) Excessive saliva production
B) Decreased urine output
C) Increased appetite
D) Clear skin turgor
Correct Option: B) Decreased urine output
Rationale: Decreased urine output is a key indicator of dehydration in infants, as they
may not produce enough urine due to fluid loss or inadequate intake.
Question 9
What is a critical nursing action when administering a blood transfusion to a
pediatric patient?
A) Ensure the patient is awake and alert
B) Monitor vital signs every hour
C) Stay with the patient for the first 15 minutes
D) Administer medication to prevent reactions
Correct Option: C) Stay with the patient for the first 15 minutes
Rationale: Monitoring the patient closely during the first 15 minutes of a blood
transfusion is crucial, as this is when most allergic reactions or transfusion reactions
occur.
Question 10
, In pediatric patients, what is the primary purpose of the Apgar scoring system?
A) Assess growth development
B) Evaluate pain levels
C) Determine the need for immediate resuscitation
D) Measure IQ
Correct Option: C) Determine the need for immediate resuscitation
Rationale: The Apgar score, assessed at 1 and 5 minutes after birth, evaluates the
newborn's condition and determines if immediate resuscitative measures are needed.
Question 11
Which nutrient is most crucial for the growth and development of a preschool-aged
child?
A) Carbohydrates
B) Vitamin C
C) Protein
D) Fiber
Correct Option: C) Protein
Rationale: Protein is essential for growth and development, as it plays a critical role in
building and repairing tissues in young children.
Question 12
What is the primary goal of treatment for a child diagnosed with attention-
deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
A) To eliminate hyperactivity
B) To enhance the child’s concentration
C) To provide medication to sedate the child
D) To improve social interactions
Correct Option: B) To enhance the child’s concentration
Rationale: The primary goal of ADHD treatment is to enhance concentration and
improve the child’s functioning in daily activities, including school and social settings.
Question 13
When educating parents about the administration of liquid iron supplements to a
child, which instruction is most important?
A) Mix the supplement with milk
B) Administer it with a straw
Questions with Verified Answers & Detailed Rationales | Growth &
Development, Pediatric Medical-Surgical, Safety, Nutrition,
Pharmacology, Priority Nursing Care & ATI Proctored Exam Prep
Question 1
What is the primary nursing intervention for a child experiencing an asthma attack?
A) Administer oxygen
B) Encourage oral hydration
C) Provide a warm compress
D) Administer a corticosteroid
Correct Option: A) Administer oxygen
Rationale: Administering oxygen is the primary nursing intervention during an asthma
attack to ensure adequate oxygenation and relieve hypoxia. While corticosteroids may
be used later, immediate oxygen supplementation is critical for stabilizing the patient.
Question 2
Which of the following is a common side effect of the MMR vaccine?
A) Fever
B) Rash
C) Joint pain
D) All of the above
Correct Option: D) All of the above
Rationale: The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine can cause several mild side
effects, including fever, rash, and joint pain. Recognizing these can help reassure
parents about the nature of common post-vaccination reactions.
Question 3
In children, which vital sign is the most reliable indicator of early infection?
A) Blood pressure
B) Heart rate
C) Temperature
D) Respiratory rate
Correct Option: C) Temperature
,Rationale: An elevated temperature is often one of the first signs of infection in
children. Monitoring temperature can help in early identification of infections and timely
interventions.
Question 4
What is the expected growth pattern for a child between the ages of 1 to 3 years?
A) Gaining 5 pounds per year
B) Growing 2 to 4 inches per year
C) Losing weight
D) Tripling birth weight
Correct Option: B) Growing 2 to 4 inches per year
Rationale: During the toddler years (1 to 3 years), children typically grow about 2 to 4
inches annually. Understanding growth patterns is crucial for assessing developmental
milestones and ensuring healthy growth.
Question 5
During a well-child visit, which of the following immunizations should a 5-year-old
receive?
A) DTaP booster
B) IPV booster
C) MMR booster
D) All of the above
Correct Option: D) All of the above
Rationale: By age 5, children should receive booster doses of DTaP, IPV, and MMR in
accordance with immunization schedules to ensure continued immunity against these
diseases.
Question 6
Which stage of development according to Erikson's theory is characterized by the
challenge of "initiative vs. guilt"?
A) Trust vs. Mistrust
B) Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
C) Initiative vs. Guilt
D) Industry vs. Inferiority
Correct Option: C) Initiative vs. Guilt
Rationale: The stage of "initiative vs. guilt" occurs in preschool-aged children (3 to 5
years) and is marked by the child's ability to initiate activities and assert control over
their environment. Successful resolution leads to a sense of initiative.
,Question 7
What is the best approach for a nurse when communicating with a 6-year-old
child?
A) Use complex medical terminology
B) Speak in a calm tone and use simple language
C) Avoid eye contact to reduce intimidation
D) Use humor to distract from the procedure
Correct Option: B) Speak in a calm tone and use simple language
Rationale: Young children respond best to clear and simple language delivered in a
calm manner, which helps them understand the conversation and reduces anxiety.
Question 8
Which of the following is a typical sign of dehydration in infants?
A) Excessive saliva production
B) Decreased urine output
C) Increased appetite
D) Clear skin turgor
Correct Option: B) Decreased urine output
Rationale: Decreased urine output is a key indicator of dehydration in infants, as they
may not produce enough urine due to fluid loss or inadequate intake.
Question 9
What is a critical nursing action when administering a blood transfusion to a
pediatric patient?
A) Ensure the patient is awake and alert
B) Monitor vital signs every hour
C) Stay with the patient for the first 15 minutes
D) Administer medication to prevent reactions
Correct Option: C) Stay with the patient for the first 15 minutes
Rationale: Monitoring the patient closely during the first 15 minutes of a blood
transfusion is crucial, as this is when most allergic reactions or transfusion reactions
occur.
Question 10
, In pediatric patients, what is the primary purpose of the Apgar scoring system?
A) Assess growth development
B) Evaluate pain levels
C) Determine the need for immediate resuscitation
D) Measure IQ
Correct Option: C) Determine the need for immediate resuscitation
Rationale: The Apgar score, assessed at 1 and 5 minutes after birth, evaluates the
newborn's condition and determines if immediate resuscitative measures are needed.
Question 11
Which nutrient is most crucial for the growth and development of a preschool-aged
child?
A) Carbohydrates
B) Vitamin C
C) Protein
D) Fiber
Correct Option: C) Protein
Rationale: Protein is essential for growth and development, as it plays a critical role in
building and repairing tissues in young children.
Question 12
What is the primary goal of treatment for a child diagnosed with attention-
deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
A) To eliminate hyperactivity
B) To enhance the child’s concentration
C) To provide medication to sedate the child
D) To improve social interactions
Correct Option: B) To enhance the child’s concentration
Rationale: The primary goal of ADHD treatment is to enhance concentration and
improve the child’s functioning in daily activities, including school and social settings.
Question 13
When educating parents about the administration of liquid iron supplements to a
child, which instruction is most important?
A) Mix the supplement with milk
B) Administer it with a straw
