❖ ATI Pediatrics Proctored Examination Preparation
(2026 Edition) — Pediatric Nursing, Growth &
Development, Common Pediatric Illnesses,
Pharmacology, Safety, Nutrition, Family-Centered
Care & Evidence-Based Practice with Verified
Practice Questions
Question 1:
A 2-year-old child is brought to the clinic with a high fever and a rash. The nurse
suspects the child has measles. Which of the following symptoms would best support
this diagnosis?
• A) Cough
• B) Diarrhea
• C) Koplik spots
• D) Joint pain
CORRECT OPTION: C) Koplik spots
Rationale: Koplik spots are small, white lesions that appear in the mouth and are
pathognomonic for measles. Along with the characteristic rash and fever, their presence
strongly indicates a measles diagnosis.
Question 2:
A nurse is caring for a 6-month-old infant. Which of the following findings would be a
concern for possible developmental delay?
• A) Rolling over
• B) Not responding to own name
• C) Sitting with support
• D) Reaching for toys
CORRECT OPTION: B) Not responding to own name
Rationale: By 6 months, infants typically begin to respond to their own name as a sign
of social engagement and auditory processing. Lack of response could indicate a
developmental concern that should be further evaluated.
Question 3:
A mother is concerned that her 4-year-old child is not eating vegetables. What advice
should the nurse provide?
, • A) Force the child to eat vegetables at every meal.
• B) Offer vegetables at each meal without pressure.
• C) Eliminate vegetables from the diet.
• D) Provide only fruit as a substitute.
CORRECT OPTION: B) Offer vegetables at each meal without pressure.
Rationale: Encouraging children to eat vegetables without pressure fosters a positive
relationship with food. Repeated exposure to various vegetables can help children
develop a taste for them.
Question 4:
A child with asthma is experiencing an exacerbation. Which of the following
medications should the nurse anticipate administering?
• A) Albuterol
• B) Prednisone
• C) Diphenhydramine
• D) Ceftriaxone
CORRECT OPTION: A) Albuterol
Rationale: Albuterol is a bronchodilator that provides quick relief of asthma symptoms
by relaxing the muscles of the airways, making it the first-line treatment during an
asthma exacerbation.
Question 5:
In which age group is the incidence of iron deficiency anemia considered highest?
• A) Infants 0-6 months
• B) Toddlers 1-3 years
• C) School-aged children 6-12 years
• D) Adolescents 13-18 years
CORRECT OPTION: B) Toddlers 1-3 years
Rationale: Toddlers are at high risk for iron deficiency anemia due to increased growth
needs, dietary patterns that may lack iron-rich foods, and increased consumption of
cow's milk, which can inhibit iron absorption.
Question 6:
,A nurse is assessing a 2-year-old child for signs of dehydration. Which finding would be
the most concerning?
• A) Decreased appetite
• B) Sunken fontanelle
• C) Dry mucous membranes
• D) Increased thirst
CORRECT OPTION: B) Sunken fontanelle
Rationale: A sunken fontanelle is a serious sign of dehydration in infants and young
children, indicating significant fluid loss that may require medical intervention.
Question 7:
A 10-year-old child presents with abdominal pain and has been diagnosed with
appendicitis. What is the priority nursing intervention?
• A) Prepare the child for surgery.
• B) Administer pain medication.
• C) Encourage oral fluids.
• D) Provide emotional support.
CORRECT OPTION: A) Prepare the child for surgery.
Rationale: The most critical intervention for a child with appendicitis is to prepare for
surgery, as a ruptured appendix can lead to severe complications like peritonitis.
Question 8:
A nurse is teaching parents about the symptoms of bacterial versus viral conjunctivitis.
Which statement by the parent indicates a need for further teaching?
• A) "Bacterial conjunctivitis typically has thicker discharge."
• B) "Viral conjunctivitis often accompanies a cold."
• C) Viral conjunctivitis requires antibiotic treatment.
• D) Both types can cause redness and itching.
CORRECT OPTION: C) Viral conjunctivitis requires antibiotic treatment.
Rationale: Viral conjunctivitis typically does not require antibiotics, as it is self-limiting,
whereas bacterial conjunctivitis may require them for treatment.
, Question 9:
Which of the following is a common side effect of the MMR vaccine?
• A) Fever
• B) Rash
• C) Cough
• D) Nausea
CORRECT OPTION: B) Rash
Rationale: A mild rash can occur 7 to 10 days after receiving the MMR vaccine, as it is a
common and benign side effect associated with live attenuated vaccines.
Question 10:
A child with cystic fibrosis is being discharged. Which dietary recommendation should
the nurse provide?
• A) Low-fat diet
• B) High-calorie, high-protein diet
• C) Gluten-free diet
• D) Low-sodium diet
CORRECT OPTION: B) High-calorie, high-protein diet
Rationale: Children with cystic fibrosis often have difficulty absorbing nutrients due to
pancreatic insufficiency. A high-calorie, high-protein diet is essential to support growth
and overall health.
Question 11:
A 1-year-old is brought to the clinic for a well-child visit. The nurse expects which
immunizations to have been given by this age?
• A) DTaP only
• B) DTaP, Hib, IPV, MMR, Varicella
• C) DTaP and Hib only
• D) DTaP, Hib, IPV only
CORRECT OPTION: B) DTaP, Hib, IPV, MMR, Varicella
(2026 Edition) — Pediatric Nursing, Growth &
Development, Common Pediatric Illnesses,
Pharmacology, Safety, Nutrition, Family-Centered
Care & Evidence-Based Practice with Verified
Practice Questions
Question 1:
A 2-year-old child is brought to the clinic with a high fever and a rash. The nurse
suspects the child has measles. Which of the following symptoms would best support
this diagnosis?
• A) Cough
• B) Diarrhea
• C) Koplik spots
• D) Joint pain
CORRECT OPTION: C) Koplik spots
Rationale: Koplik spots are small, white lesions that appear in the mouth and are
pathognomonic for measles. Along with the characteristic rash and fever, their presence
strongly indicates a measles diagnosis.
Question 2:
A nurse is caring for a 6-month-old infant. Which of the following findings would be a
concern for possible developmental delay?
• A) Rolling over
• B) Not responding to own name
• C) Sitting with support
• D) Reaching for toys
CORRECT OPTION: B) Not responding to own name
Rationale: By 6 months, infants typically begin to respond to their own name as a sign
of social engagement and auditory processing. Lack of response could indicate a
developmental concern that should be further evaluated.
Question 3:
A mother is concerned that her 4-year-old child is not eating vegetables. What advice
should the nurse provide?
, • A) Force the child to eat vegetables at every meal.
• B) Offer vegetables at each meal without pressure.
• C) Eliminate vegetables from the diet.
• D) Provide only fruit as a substitute.
CORRECT OPTION: B) Offer vegetables at each meal without pressure.
Rationale: Encouraging children to eat vegetables without pressure fosters a positive
relationship with food. Repeated exposure to various vegetables can help children
develop a taste for them.
Question 4:
A child with asthma is experiencing an exacerbation. Which of the following
medications should the nurse anticipate administering?
• A) Albuterol
• B) Prednisone
• C) Diphenhydramine
• D) Ceftriaxone
CORRECT OPTION: A) Albuterol
Rationale: Albuterol is a bronchodilator that provides quick relief of asthma symptoms
by relaxing the muscles of the airways, making it the first-line treatment during an
asthma exacerbation.
Question 5:
In which age group is the incidence of iron deficiency anemia considered highest?
• A) Infants 0-6 months
• B) Toddlers 1-3 years
• C) School-aged children 6-12 years
• D) Adolescents 13-18 years
CORRECT OPTION: B) Toddlers 1-3 years
Rationale: Toddlers are at high risk for iron deficiency anemia due to increased growth
needs, dietary patterns that may lack iron-rich foods, and increased consumption of
cow's milk, which can inhibit iron absorption.
Question 6:
,A nurse is assessing a 2-year-old child for signs of dehydration. Which finding would be
the most concerning?
• A) Decreased appetite
• B) Sunken fontanelle
• C) Dry mucous membranes
• D) Increased thirst
CORRECT OPTION: B) Sunken fontanelle
Rationale: A sunken fontanelle is a serious sign of dehydration in infants and young
children, indicating significant fluid loss that may require medical intervention.
Question 7:
A 10-year-old child presents with abdominal pain and has been diagnosed with
appendicitis. What is the priority nursing intervention?
• A) Prepare the child for surgery.
• B) Administer pain medication.
• C) Encourage oral fluids.
• D) Provide emotional support.
CORRECT OPTION: A) Prepare the child for surgery.
Rationale: The most critical intervention for a child with appendicitis is to prepare for
surgery, as a ruptured appendix can lead to severe complications like peritonitis.
Question 8:
A nurse is teaching parents about the symptoms of bacterial versus viral conjunctivitis.
Which statement by the parent indicates a need for further teaching?
• A) "Bacterial conjunctivitis typically has thicker discharge."
• B) "Viral conjunctivitis often accompanies a cold."
• C) Viral conjunctivitis requires antibiotic treatment.
• D) Both types can cause redness and itching.
CORRECT OPTION: C) Viral conjunctivitis requires antibiotic treatment.
Rationale: Viral conjunctivitis typically does not require antibiotics, as it is self-limiting,
whereas bacterial conjunctivitis may require them for treatment.
, Question 9:
Which of the following is a common side effect of the MMR vaccine?
• A) Fever
• B) Rash
• C) Cough
• D) Nausea
CORRECT OPTION: B) Rash
Rationale: A mild rash can occur 7 to 10 days after receiving the MMR vaccine, as it is a
common and benign side effect associated with live attenuated vaccines.
Question 10:
A child with cystic fibrosis is being discharged. Which dietary recommendation should
the nurse provide?
• A) Low-fat diet
• B) High-calorie, high-protein diet
• C) Gluten-free diet
• D) Low-sodium diet
CORRECT OPTION: B) High-calorie, high-protein diet
Rationale: Children with cystic fibrosis often have difficulty absorbing nutrients due to
pancreatic insufficiency. A high-calorie, high-protein diet is essential to support growth
and overall health.
Question 11:
A 1-year-old is brought to the clinic for a well-child visit. The nurse expects which
immunizations to have been given by this age?
• A) DTaP only
• B) DTaP, Hib, IPV, MMR, Varicella
• C) DTaP and Hib only
• D) DTaP, Hib, IPV only
CORRECT OPTION: B) DTaP, Hib, IPV, MMR, Varicella
