RN ATI PEDIATRIC NURSING PROCTORED
EXAM 2026-2027 (NGN) - REALISTIC
QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED RATIONALES
& PROVEN STRATEGIES TO GUARANTEE
YOUR SUCCESS
QUESTION 1
A nurse is assessing a 4-month-old infant during a well-child visit. Which of the
following findings should the nurse report to the provider as a potential
developmental delay?
A. The infant's eyes do not track a moving object
B. The infant does not roll from back to stomach
C. The infant's posterior fontanel is open
D. The infant's Doll's Eye Reflex is intact
Correct Answer: D. The infant's Doll's Eye Reflex is intact
Rationale: The Doll's eye reflex (also known as oculocutaneous reflex) should be
absent by 4 months of age. Its persistence could indicate neurological abnormalities
and warrants further evaluation by the provider. Tracking objects should be present by
4 months, rolling over typically occurs around 5-6 months, and the posterior fontanel
closes by 2-3 months.
QUESTION 2
What is the primary focus of Chapter 13 in ATI RN Mental Health?
A. Bipolar Disorder
B. Schizophrenia
C. Depression
D. Anxiety Disorders
Correct Answer: C. Depression
Explanation: Chapter 13 of ATI RN Mental Health specifically addresses Depression,
covering its clinical manifestations, risk factors, nursing interventions, and treatment
modalities.
QUESTION 3
Which chapter in ATI RN Mental Health is dedicated to Bipolar Disorder?
A. Chapter 14
B. Chapter 15
C. Chapter 12
,D. Chapter 13
Correct Answer: A. Chapter 14
Explanation: Bipolar Disorder is the topic of Chapter 14 in ATI RN Mental Health,
which discusses the manic and depressive phases, pharmacological management, and
nursing care for clients with bipolar spectrum disorders.
QUESTION 4
Which objective emphasizes the nurse's direct involvement in providing care for
clients with mood disorders?
A. Differentiate clinical presentation of mood disorders
B. Explore the role of the nurse caring for clients experiencing mood disorders
C. Explore epidemiological and etiological risk factors
D. Describe the impact of mood disorders on overall health
Correct Answer: B. Explore the role of the nurse caring for clients experiencing
mood disorders
Explanation: This objective focuses on the hands-on nursing responsibilities,
including assessment, safety monitoring, therapeutic communication, medication
administration, and patient education for clients with mood disorders.
QUESTION 5
What percentage of U.S. adults aged 18 or older were estimated to have depression in
2017?
A. 8.7%
B. 13.1%
C. 7.1%
D. 5.3%
Correct Answer: C. 7.1%
Explanation: According to epidemiological data from 2017, the prevalence of
depression in U.S. adults aged 18 or older was estimated at 7.1%, highlighting
depression as a common mental health condition affecting millions of Americans.
QUESTION 6
Among which age group was the prevalence of depression highest in 2017?
A. Aged 26-34
B. Aged 45-64
C. Aged 18 to 25
D. Aged 65+
Correct Answer: C. Aged 18 to 25
Explanation: Individuals aged 18 to 25 showed the highest prevalence of depression
at 13.1% in 2017. This higher rate among young adults may be attributed to
,transitional life stressors, academic pressures, social media influence, and
developmental challenges during this life stage.
QUESTION 7
Mood disorders can range from mild symptoms to severe. What typically necessitates
hospitalization for severe symptoms?
A. Family request
B. Protection of the client from self-harm
C. Lack of outpatient treatment options
D. Client discomfort
Correct Answer: B. Protection of the client from self-harm
Explanation: Hospitalization for severe mood disorders is primarily indicated when
there is imminent risk of harm to self or others, inability to meet basic self-care needs,
or when outpatient treatment has failed. Safety is the paramount concern driving
inpatient psychiatric admission.
QUESTION 8
Which disorder is characterized by extreme irritability, tantrums, and functional
trouble in children?
A. Bipolar I disorder
B. Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
C. Mild depressive disorder
D. Cyclothymic disorder
Correct Answer: B. Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
Explanation: Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) is diagnosed in
children exhibiting severe, recurrent temper outbursts and chronic, persistent
irritability. This DSM-5 diagnosis was established to address concerns about
overdiagnosis of bipolar disorder in pediatric populations.
QUESTION 9
What is mild depressive disorder commonly called?
A. Cyclothymia
B. Anhedonia
C. Hypomania
D. Dysthymia
Correct Answer: D. Dysthymia
Explanation: Mild depressive disorder is also referred to as dysthymia, now
classified as persistent depressive disorder in DSM-5. It involves chronic, low-grade
depressive symptoms lasting at least two years in adults or one year in children and
adolescents.
, QUESTION 10
What condition is characterized by mild bipolar symptoms, alternating between
hypomania and depression for at least two years?
A. Dysthymia
B. Major depression
C. Postpartum depression
D. Cyclothymia
Correct Answer: D. Cyclothymia
Explanation: Cyclothymia is a mood disorder characterized by numerous periods of
hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms lasting for at least two years (one
year in children and adolescents), without meeting full criteria for hypomanic or
major depressive episodes.
QUESTION 11
Depression is recognized as a significant global health issue due to its high ranking
among the causes of what?
A. Chronic pain
B. Disability
C. Mortality
D. Infection
Correct Answer: B. Disability
Explanation: Depression is a major contributor to global disability, ranking as a
leading cause of years lived with disability (YLDs) worldwide according to the World
Health Organization (WHO). It significantly impacts functional status, quality of life,
and productivity across populations.
QUESTION 12
Clients with depression face an increased risk of suicide, particularly when they have
a personal or family history of what?
A. Personality disorders
B. Eating disorders
C. Suicide attempts
D. Substance use
Correct Answer: C. Suicide attempts
Explanation: A personal or family history of suicide attempts significantly increases
the risk of suicide in clients with depression. Previous suicidal behavior is one of the
strongest predictors of completed suicide, necessitating thorough suicide risk
assessment and safety planning.
EXAM 2026-2027 (NGN) - REALISTIC
QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED RATIONALES
& PROVEN STRATEGIES TO GUARANTEE
YOUR SUCCESS
QUESTION 1
A nurse is assessing a 4-month-old infant during a well-child visit. Which of the
following findings should the nurse report to the provider as a potential
developmental delay?
A. The infant's eyes do not track a moving object
B. The infant does not roll from back to stomach
C. The infant's posterior fontanel is open
D. The infant's Doll's Eye Reflex is intact
Correct Answer: D. The infant's Doll's Eye Reflex is intact
Rationale: The Doll's eye reflex (also known as oculocutaneous reflex) should be
absent by 4 months of age. Its persistence could indicate neurological abnormalities
and warrants further evaluation by the provider. Tracking objects should be present by
4 months, rolling over typically occurs around 5-6 months, and the posterior fontanel
closes by 2-3 months.
QUESTION 2
What is the primary focus of Chapter 13 in ATI RN Mental Health?
A. Bipolar Disorder
B. Schizophrenia
C. Depression
D. Anxiety Disorders
Correct Answer: C. Depression
Explanation: Chapter 13 of ATI RN Mental Health specifically addresses Depression,
covering its clinical manifestations, risk factors, nursing interventions, and treatment
modalities.
QUESTION 3
Which chapter in ATI RN Mental Health is dedicated to Bipolar Disorder?
A. Chapter 14
B. Chapter 15
C. Chapter 12
,D. Chapter 13
Correct Answer: A. Chapter 14
Explanation: Bipolar Disorder is the topic of Chapter 14 in ATI RN Mental Health,
which discusses the manic and depressive phases, pharmacological management, and
nursing care for clients with bipolar spectrum disorders.
QUESTION 4
Which objective emphasizes the nurse's direct involvement in providing care for
clients with mood disorders?
A. Differentiate clinical presentation of mood disorders
B. Explore the role of the nurse caring for clients experiencing mood disorders
C. Explore epidemiological and etiological risk factors
D. Describe the impact of mood disorders on overall health
Correct Answer: B. Explore the role of the nurse caring for clients experiencing
mood disorders
Explanation: This objective focuses on the hands-on nursing responsibilities,
including assessment, safety monitoring, therapeutic communication, medication
administration, and patient education for clients with mood disorders.
QUESTION 5
What percentage of U.S. adults aged 18 or older were estimated to have depression in
2017?
A. 8.7%
B. 13.1%
C. 7.1%
D. 5.3%
Correct Answer: C. 7.1%
Explanation: According to epidemiological data from 2017, the prevalence of
depression in U.S. adults aged 18 or older was estimated at 7.1%, highlighting
depression as a common mental health condition affecting millions of Americans.
QUESTION 6
Among which age group was the prevalence of depression highest in 2017?
A. Aged 26-34
B. Aged 45-64
C. Aged 18 to 25
D. Aged 65+
Correct Answer: C. Aged 18 to 25
Explanation: Individuals aged 18 to 25 showed the highest prevalence of depression
at 13.1% in 2017. This higher rate among young adults may be attributed to
,transitional life stressors, academic pressures, social media influence, and
developmental challenges during this life stage.
QUESTION 7
Mood disorders can range from mild symptoms to severe. What typically necessitates
hospitalization for severe symptoms?
A. Family request
B. Protection of the client from self-harm
C. Lack of outpatient treatment options
D. Client discomfort
Correct Answer: B. Protection of the client from self-harm
Explanation: Hospitalization for severe mood disorders is primarily indicated when
there is imminent risk of harm to self or others, inability to meet basic self-care needs,
or when outpatient treatment has failed. Safety is the paramount concern driving
inpatient psychiatric admission.
QUESTION 8
Which disorder is characterized by extreme irritability, tantrums, and functional
trouble in children?
A. Bipolar I disorder
B. Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
C. Mild depressive disorder
D. Cyclothymic disorder
Correct Answer: B. Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
Explanation: Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) is diagnosed in
children exhibiting severe, recurrent temper outbursts and chronic, persistent
irritability. This DSM-5 diagnosis was established to address concerns about
overdiagnosis of bipolar disorder in pediatric populations.
QUESTION 9
What is mild depressive disorder commonly called?
A. Cyclothymia
B. Anhedonia
C. Hypomania
D. Dysthymia
Correct Answer: D. Dysthymia
Explanation: Mild depressive disorder is also referred to as dysthymia, now
classified as persistent depressive disorder in DSM-5. It involves chronic, low-grade
depressive symptoms lasting at least two years in adults or one year in children and
adolescents.
, QUESTION 10
What condition is characterized by mild bipolar symptoms, alternating between
hypomania and depression for at least two years?
A. Dysthymia
B. Major depression
C. Postpartum depression
D. Cyclothymia
Correct Answer: D. Cyclothymia
Explanation: Cyclothymia is a mood disorder characterized by numerous periods of
hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms lasting for at least two years (one
year in children and adolescents), without meeting full criteria for hypomanic or
major depressive episodes.
QUESTION 11
Depression is recognized as a significant global health issue due to its high ranking
among the causes of what?
A. Chronic pain
B. Disability
C. Mortality
D. Infection
Correct Answer: B. Disability
Explanation: Depression is a major contributor to global disability, ranking as a
leading cause of years lived with disability (YLDs) worldwide according to the World
Health Organization (WHO). It significantly impacts functional status, quality of life,
and productivity across populations.
QUESTION 12
Clients with depression face an increased risk of suicide, particularly when they have
a personal or family history of what?
A. Personality disorders
B. Eating disorders
C. Suicide attempts
D. Substance use
Correct Answer: C. Suicide attempts
Explanation: A personal or family history of suicide attempts significantly increases
the risk of suicide in clients with depression. Previous suicidal behavior is one of the
strongest predictors of completed suicide, necessitating thorough suicide risk
assessment and safety planning.
