Spring Semester 2026 – ATI RN Pediatrics Practice Exam | 155+ NCLEX-
Style Questions with Verified Answers & Detailed Rationales | Growth &
Development, Pediatric Med-Surg, Medication Safety, Acute & Chronic
Conditions, Family-Centered Care & ATI Proctored Exam Prep
Question 1:
What is the most important nursing action when caring for an infant with suspected
dehydration?
• A) Offer oral rehydration solutions.
• B) Assess the infant's weight and signs of dehydration.
• C) Administer IV fluids immediately.
• D) Monitor the heart rate only.
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Assessing the infant's weight and signs of dehydration is crucial in
determining the severity of dehydration and the appropriate interventions. Early
identification of dehydration can inform effective treatment strategies.
Question 2:
A 6-year-old child is admitted with asthma exacerbation. What should the nurse
prioritize in this case?
• A) Administer bronchodilator as prescribed.
• B) Provide a high-carbohydrate diet.
• C) Encourage physical activity immediately.
• D) Limit parental presence to reduce anxiety.
Correct Option: A
Rationale: Administering a bronchodilator is crucial in managing an asthma
exacerbation by relaxing airway muscles and improving airflow. This intervention aligns
with the priority nursing actions in acute respiratory distress.
Question 3:
Which of the following is a common developmental milestone for a toddler (1-3 years)?
• A) Saying their first words
• B) Riding a bike without training wheels
• C) Walking unassisted
• D) Writing their name
,Correct Option: C
Rationale: Toddlers typically achieve the milestone of walking unassisted between 12
to 15 months. Recognizing developmental milestones helps in assessing growth and
identifying potential delays.
Question 4:
What is the priority assessment for a child with cystic fibrosis?
• A) Nutritional status
• B) Respiratory function
• C) Skin integrity
• D) Activity level
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Respiratory function is a priority assessment for children with cystic fibrosis,
as they are at high risk for respiratory infections and lung complications due to
thickened mucus in the airways. Monitoring respiratory status helps in early
intervention.
Question 5:
When educating parents about the MMR vaccine, which statement is important for the
nurse to include?
• A) The vaccine is not recommended for children with allergies.
• B) It is given once at 2 years of age.
• C) The vaccine can cause a mild rash.
• D) The vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.
Correct Option: D
Rationale: The MMR vaccine protects against three serious diseases: measles, mumps,
and rubella. This knowledge is essential for parents to understand the importance of
vaccination in preventing these diseases.
Question 6:
What is the primary purpose of using a pulse oximeter in pediatric patients?
• A) To measure blood glucose levels
• B) To assess blood pressure
• C) To monitor oxygen saturation levels.
, • D) To evaluate heart rate.
Correct Option: C
Rationale: A pulse oximeter measures oxygen saturation levels in the blood, which is
critical for assessing respiratory function, especially in children with respiratory
illnesses.
Question 7:
Which symptom is most indicative of meningitis in children?
• A) Cough and congestion
• B) Fever and neck stiffness.
• C) Diarrhea
• D) Rash only
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Fever and neck stiffness are classic symptoms of meningitis, indicating
inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
Identifying these symptoms promptly allows for timely intervention.
Question 8:
When teaching parents about the administration of oral medications to their child,
which instruction is essential?
• A) Only give medication when the child is asleep.
• B) Use a syringe to accurately measure the dose.
• C) Crush all medications before giving them.
• D) Administer medication only with food.
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Using a syringe ensures accurate dosing of oral medications, which is vital
for safe administration and effectiveness, especially in pediatric patients who may
require precise dosages.
Question 9:
In assessing a preschool-aged child’s growth, which measurement is considered most
significant?
• A) Height
, • B) Weight for age.
• C) Head circumference
• D) BMI
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Weight for age is a critical measurement that provides insights into the
child’s nutritional status and growth pattern. Monitoring weight regularly helps identify
potential growth concerns early on.
Question 10:
What is a typical psychosocial challenge for adolescents during growth and
development?
• A) Mastering communication skills
• B) Developing effective problem-solving skills
• C) Establishing independence from parents.
• D) Forming relationships with older adults.
Correct Option: C
Rationale: Adolescents often strive for independence from parents, a normal part of
development that can lead to conflicts. Supporting this transition is vital for healthy
psychosocial development.
Question 11:
Which immunization is critical before a child enters kindergarten?
• A) Varicella (chickenpox)
• B) DTaP
• C) HPV
• D) Influenza
Correct Option: B
Rationale: The DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis) vaccine is typically required
for school entry, protecting against potentially severe diseases. This is crucial for public
health and individual protection.
Question 12:
What is a common sign of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in infants?
Style Questions with Verified Answers & Detailed Rationales | Growth &
Development, Pediatric Med-Surg, Medication Safety, Acute & Chronic
Conditions, Family-Centered Care & ATI Proctored Exam Prep
Question 1:
What is the most important nursing action when caring for an infant with suspected
dehydration?
• A) Offer oral rehydration solutions.
• B) Assess the infant's weight and signs of dehydration.
• C) Administer IV fluids immediately.
• D) Monitor the heart rate only.
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Assessing the infant's weight and signs of dehydration is crucial in
determining the severity of dehydration and the appropriate interventions. Early
identification of dehydration can inform effective treatment strategies.
Question 2:
A 6-year-old child is admitted with asthma exacerbation. What should the nurse
prioritize in this case?
• A) Administer bronchodilator as prescribed.
• B) Provide a high-carbohydrate diet.
• C) Encourage physical activity immediately.
• D) Limit parental presence to reduce anxiety.
Correct Option: A
Rationale: Administering a bronchodilator is crucial in managing an asthma
exacerbation by relaxing airway muscles and improving airflow. This intervention aligns
with the priority nursing actions in acute respiratory distress.
Question 3:
Which of the following is a common developmental milestone for a toddler (1-3 years)?
• A) Saying their first words
• B) Riding a bike without training wheels
• C) Walking unassisted
• D) Writing their name
,Correct Option: C
Rationale: Toddlers typically achieve the milestone of walking unassisted between 12
to 15 months. Recognizing developmental milestones helps in assessing growth and
identifying potential delays.
Question 4:
What is the priority assessment for a child with cystic fibrosis?
• A) Nutritional status
• B) Respiratory function
• C) Skin integrity
• D) Activity level
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Respiratory function is a priority assessment for children with cystic fibrosis,
as they are at high risk for respiratory infections and lung complications due to
thickened mucus in the airways. Monitoring respiratory status helps in early
intervention.
Question 5:
When educating parents about the MMR vaccine, which statement is important for the
nurse to include?
• A) The vaccine is not recommended for children with allergies.
• B) It is given once at 2 years of age.
• C) The vaccine can cause a mild rash.
• D) The vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.
Correct Option: D
Rationale: The MMR vaccine protects against three serious diseases: measles, mumps,
and rubella. This knowledge is essential for parents to understand the importance of
vaccination in preventing these diseases.
Question 6:
What is the primary purpose of using a pulse oximeter in pediatric patients?
• A) To measure blood glucose levels
• B) To assess blood pressure
• C) To monitor oxygen saturation levels.
, • D) To evaluate heart rate.
Correct Option: C
Rationale: A pulse oximeter measures oxygen saturation levels in the blood, which is
critical for assessing respiratory function, especially in children with respiratory
illnesses.
Question 7:
Which symptom is most indicative of meningitis in children?
• A) Cough and congestion
• B) Fever and neck stiffness.
• C) Diarrhea
• D) Rash only
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Fever and neck stiffness are classic symptoms of meningitis, indicating
inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
Identifying these symptoms promptly allows for timely intervention.
Question 8:
When teaching parents about the administration of oral medications to their child,
which instruction is essential?
• A) Only give medication when the child is asleep.
• B) Use a syringe to accurately measure the dose.
• C) Crush all medications before giving them.
• D) Administer medication only with food.
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Using a syringe ensures accurate dosing of oral medications, which is vital
for safe administration and effectiveness, especially in pediatric patients who may
require precise dosages.
Question 9:
In assessing a preschool-aged child’s growth, which measurement is considered most
significant?
• A) Height
, • B) Weight for age.
• C) Head circumference
• D) BMI
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Weight for age is a critical measurement that provides insights into the
child’s nutritional status and growth pattern. Monitoring weight regularly helps identify
potential growth concerns early on.
Question 10:
What is a typical psychosocial challenge for adolescents during growth and
development?
• A) Mastering communication skills
• B) Developing effective problem-solving skills
• C) Establishing independence from parents.
• D) Forming relationships with older adults.
Correct Option: C
Rationale: Adolescents often strive for independence from parents, a normal part of
development that can lead to conflicts. Supporting this transition is vital for healthy
psychosocial development.
Question 11:
Which immunization is critical before a child enters kindergarten?
• A) Varicella (chickenpox)
• B) DTaP
• C) HPV
• D) Influenza
Correct Option: B
Rationale: The DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis) vaccine is typically required
for school entry, protecting against potentially severe diseases. This is crucial for public
health and individual protection.
Question 12:
What is a common sign of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in infants?
