Comprehensive ATI PEDS Proctored Exam
2026/2027 Practice Bank: 200 Verified
Questions with Correct Answers and
Detailed Rationales for Nursing Students
Preparing for the Pediatric Nursing
Certification Test
📝 Sample Questions & Rationales
Growth and Development
1. Question:
A nurse is assessing a 4-year-old child during a
well-child visit. Which developmental milestone
should the nurse expect the child to achieve?
A. Ties shoelaces independently
B. Copies a circle
C. Uses 2-word sentences
D. Reads simple sentences
,☑VERIFIED ANSWER & Rationale:
Correct ☑VERIFIED ANSWER: B) Copies a circle
Rationale: At 4 years of age, fine motor
development includes the ability to copy simple
geometric shapes such as a circle. Tying
shoelaces develops closer to age 5-6 years.
Two-word sentences are expected at 18-24
months, and reading occurs in school-age
children.
2. Question:
A nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant.
Which finding should the nurse report to the
provider?
A. Posterior fontanel closed
B. Birth weight doubled
C. Anterior fontanel open
D. Unable to sit unsupported
,☑VERIFIED ANSWER & Rationale:
Correct ☑VERIFIED ANSWER: B) Birth weight
doubled
Rationale: Birth weight should double by 6
months. The anterior fontanel closes by 12-18
months (open at 6 months is normal). Sitting
unsupported is an 8-month milestone. The
posterior fontanel usually closes by 2-3
months .
Pediatric Disorders & Conditions
3. Question:
A 2-year-old is hospitalized. The parent must
leave for work. The child screams "Don't go!"
and then becomes quiet and withdrawn. This
behavior indicates which phase of separation
anxiety?
A. Protest phase
B. Despair phase
, C. Detachment phase
D. Regression
☑VERIFIED ANSWER & Rationale:
Correct ☑VERIFIED ANSWER: B) Despair phase
Rationale: The despair phase is characterized
by the child becoming withdrawn, quiet, and
sad, with no more crying. The protest phase is
the initial screaming and clinging. The
detachment phase is when the child shows
superficial interest in new caregivers .
4. Question:
A nurse is caring for a toddler whose parent
states the child has a mass in his abdominal
area and his urine is a pink color. Which of the
following actions is the nurse's priority?
A. Palpate the abdomen to assess the mass
B. Prepare the child for an abdominal
ultrasound
2026/2027 Practice Bank: 200 Verified
Questions with Correct Answers and
Detailed Rationales for Nursing Students
Preparing for the Pediatric Nursing
Certification Test
📝 Sample Questions & Rationales
Growth and Development
1. Question:
A nurse is assessing a 4-year-old child during a
well-child visit. Which developmental milestone
should the nurse expect the child to achieve?
A. Ties shoelaces independently
B. Copies a circle
C. Uses 2-word sentences
D. Reads simple sentences
,☑VERIFIED ANSWER & Rationale:
Correct ☑VERIFIED ANSWER: B) Copies a circle
Rationale: At 4 years of age, fine motor
development includes the ability to copy simple
geometric shapes such as a circle. Tying
shoelaces develops closer to age 5-6 years.
Two-word sentences are expected at 18-24
months, and reading occurs in school-age
children.
2. Question:
A nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant.
Which finding should the nurse report to the
provider?
A. Posterior fontanel closed
B. Birth weight doubled
C. Anterior fontanel open
D. Unable to sit unsupported
,☑VERIFIED ANSWER & Rationale:
Correct ☑VERIFIED ANSWER: B) Birth weight
doubled
Rationale: Birth weight should double by 6
months. The anterior fontanel closes by 12-18
months (open at 6 months is normal). Sitting
unsupported is an 8-month milestone. The
posterior fontanel usually closes by 2-3
months .
Pediatric Disorders & Conditions
3. Question:
A 2-year-old is hospitalized. The parent must
leave for work. The child screams "Don't go!"
and then becomes quiet and withdrawn. This
behavior indicates which phase of separation
anxiety?
A. Protest phase
B. Despair phase
, C. Detachment phase
D. Regression
☑VERIFIED ANSWER & Rationale:
Correct ☑VERIFIED ANSWER: B) Despair phase
Rationale: The despair phase is characterized
by the child becoming withdrawn, quiet, and
sad, with no more crying. The protest phase is
the initial screaming and clinging. The
detachment phase is when the child shows
superficial interest in new caregivers .
4. Question:
A nurse is caring for a toddler whose parent
states the child has a mass in his abdominal
area and his urine is a pink color. Which of the
following actions is the nurse's priority?
A. Palpate the abdomen to assess the mass
B. Prepare the child for an abdominal
ultrasound
