ATI Pediatrics: Growth & Development Milestones Master Pack
(Infant-Adolescent) 2026 |Questions |Answers |Rationales
1. A nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant. Which of the following growth
findings should the nurse expect compared to the birth weight?
A. The birth weight has tripled.
B. The birth weight has quadrupled.
C. The birth weight has increased by 50%.
D. The birth weight has doubled.
Answer: D
Rationale: Typically, an infant’s birth weight doubles by the age of 5 to 6 months and
triples by 12 months.
2. By what age should a nurse expect the posterior fontanel to be closed?
A. 12 to 18 months
B. 6 to 8 weeks
C. 4 to 6 months
D. 9 to 10 months
Answer: B
Rationale: The posterior fontanel usually closes by 6 to 8 weeks of age, while the anterior
fontanel closes between 12 and 18 months.
,3. An infant should be able to sit unsupported by which month of age?
A. 4 months
B. 8 months
C. 6 months
D. 10 months
Answer: B
Rationale: Infants typically sit unsupported by 8 months. At 6 months, they may sit with
support or by leaning forward on their hands (tripod sit).
4. Which developmental stage according to Erikson describes an infant from
birth to 1 year?
A. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
B. Initiative vs. Guilt
C. Trust vs. Mistrust
D. Industry vs. Inferiority
Answer: C
Rationale: Erikson’s stage for infancy (birth to 1 year) is Trust vs. Mistrust, focusing on the
consistency of caregivers meeting the infant’s needs.
5. At what age should a child typically be able to use a neat pincer grasp to pick
up small objects?
A. 5 months
B. 11 months
C. 7 months
D. 15 months
Answer: B
Rationale: A neat pincer grasp (using the thumb and index finger) is typically developed
by 11 months of age.
, 6. A nurse is teaching parents about introducing solid foods. Which food is
generally recommended as the first solid food?
A. Mashed bananas
B. Puréed chicken
C. Strained carrots
D. Iron-fortified rice cereal
Answer: D
Rationale: Iron-fortified cereal is usually the first solid food introduced because of its high
iron content and low allergenic potential.
7. A toddler’s parallel play is characterized by which of the following behaviors?
A. Playing with other children in a highly organized game.
B. Playing independently near other children with similar toys.
C. Sharing toys and following rules together.
D. Watching other children play without participating.
Answer: B
Rationale: Parallel play, common in toddlers, involves playing alongside but not directly
with other children.
8. Which of the following is a sign of toilet training readiness in a toddler?
A. Frequent nighttime wetting.
B. The ability to run and jump.
C. Staying dry for at least 2 hours during the day.
D. Inability to follow simple instructions.
Answer: C
Rationale: Physical signs of readiness include staying dry for 2 hours, waking up dry from
naps, and the ability to communicate the need to go.
(Infant-Adolescent) 2026 |Questions |Answers |Rationales
1. A nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant. Which of the following growth
findings should the nurse expect compared to the birth weight?
A. The birth weight has tripled.
B. The birth weight has quadrupled.
C. The birth weight has increased by 50%.
D. The birth weight has doubled.
Answer: D
Rationale: Typically, an infant’s birth weight doubles by the age of 5 to 6 months and
triples by 12 months.
2. By what age should a nurse expect the posterior fontanel to be closed?
A. 12 to 18 months
B. 6 to 8 weeks
C. 4 to 6 months
D. 9 to 10 months
Answer: B
Rationale: The posterior fontanel usually closes by 6 to 8 weeks of age, while the anterior
fontanel closes between 12 and 18 months.
,3. An infant should be able to sit unsupported by which month of age?
A. 4 months
B. 8 months
C. 6 months
D. 10 months
Answer: B
Rationale: Infants typically sit unsupported by 8 months. At 6 months, they may sit with
support or by leaning forward on their hands (tripod sit).
4. Which developmental stage according to Erikson describes an infant from
birth to 1 year?
A. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
B. Initiative vs. Guilt
C. Trust vs. Mistrust
D. Industry vs. Inferiority
Answer: C
Rationale: Erikson’s stage for infancy (birth to 1 year) is Trust vs. Mistrust, focusing on the
consistency of caregivers meeting the infant’s needs.
5. At what age should a child typically be able to use a neat pincer grasp to pick
up small objects?
A. 5 months
B. 11 months
C. 7 months
D. 15 months
Answer: B
Rationale: A neat pincer grasp (using the thumb and index finger) is typically developed
by 11 months of age.
, 6. A nurse is teaching parents about introducing solid foods. Which food is
generally recommended as the first solid food?
A. Mashed bananas
B. Puréed chicken
C. Strained carrots
D. Iron-fortified rice cereal
Answer: D
Rationale: Iron-fortified cereal is usually the first solid food introduced because of its high
iron content and low allergenic potential.
7. A toddler’s parallel play is characterized by which of the following behaviors?
A. Playing with other children in a highly organized game.
B. Playing independently near other children with similar toys.
C. Sharing toys and following rules together.
D. Watching other children play without participating.
Answer: B
Rationale: Parallel play, common in toddlers, involves playing alongside but not directly
with other children.
8. Which of the following is a sign of toilet training readiness in a toddler?
A. Frequent nighttime wetting.
B. The ability to run and jump.
C. Staying dry for at least 2 hours during the day.
D. Inability to follow simple instructions.
Answer: C
Rationale: Physical signs of readiness include staying dry for 2 hours, waking up dry from
naps, and the ability to communicate the need to go.
