ATI PN / RN Pediatrics Exam
Nursing Care of Children — Comprehensive Study Guide
Latest Update — 150 Verified Questions
150 Questions & Verified Answer Breakdowns
100% Correct | Grade A | NGN Test Plan Aligned
Aligned With:
ATI RN Nursing Care of Children Proctored Exam Content
ATI PN Pediatrics Comprehensive Content Standards
Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) Test Plan Standards
NCLEX-RN Pediatric Nursing Competencies
CDC 2026 Immunization Schedule
AAP Bright Futures Health Supervision Guidelines
Section Topic Questions
1 Growth and Development (Infancy–Adolescence) Q1 – Q25
2 Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Q26 – Q35
3 Pediatric Assessment and Physical Examination Q36 – Q45
4 Respiratory Disorders Q46 – Q60
5 Cardiovascular Disorders Q61 – Q70
6 Gastrointestinal Disorders Q71 – Q80
7 Neurological Disorders Q81 – Q88
8 Infectious and Communicable Diseases Q89 – Q96
9 Musculoskeletal Disorders Q97 – Q104
10 Hematologic and Oncologic Disorders Q105 – Q112
11 Renal and Genitourinary Disorders Q113 – Q119
Page 1 | ATI Pediatrics Proctored Exam Prep | Verified Grade A Content
,ATI PN/RN Nursing Care of Children — 2026/2027 Verified 150 Questions | NGN Aligned | Grade A
12 Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders Q120 – Q128
13 Mental Health and Psychosocial Disorders Q129 – Q136
14 Pediatric Pharmacology and Medication Administration Q137 – Q142
15 Integrated NGN-Style Clinical Case Scenarios Q143 – Q150
Cognitive Distribution: 25% Recall • 50% Application • 25% Analysis
Style: 70% Scenario-based • 15% Direct Recall • 15% NGN-Style Case Studies
Page 2 | ATI Pediatrics Proctored Exam Prep | Verified Grade A Content
,ATI PN/RN Nursing Care of Children — 2026/2027 Verified 150 Questions | NGN Aligned | Grade A
Examination Instructions & Scope
This comprehensive study guide prepares nursing students for the 2026/2027 ATI PN and RN Nursing Care of
Children proctored examination, with integrated Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) test plan standards. The
examination comprises 150 multiple-choice questions distributed across fifteen clinical sections, each calibrated to
the ATI Nursing Care of Children blueprint and NCLEX-RN pediatric nursing competencies. Questions emphasize
growth and development, health promotion, pediatric assessment, and the nursing care of children with respiratory,
cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neurologic, infectious, musculoskeletal, hematologic, oncologic, renal, endocrine,
and mental health disorders.
Questions reflect a cognitive mix of approximately 25% recall, 50% application, and 25% analysis, with 70%
scenario-based items, 15% direct recall, and 15% NGN-style clinical case studies. Each item provides four options
(A–D), one correct answer marked [CORRECT], the verified answer key, and a detailed rationale citing the relevant
pediatric nursing standard, developmental principle, pharmacologic consideration, or NGN clinical judgment
concept. Rationales also explain why each distractor is incorrect, addressing common ATI examination errors
including growth and development milestone misidentification, immunization schedule errors, respiratory disorder
symptom differentiation (croup vs. epiglottitis vs. asthma), congenital heart defect classification, and medication
dosage calculation.
Students should approach each scenario using the nursing process (assess, diagnose, plan, implement, evaluate),
apply developmental theory (Erikson, Piaget) to age-appropriate interventions, prioritize using ABC (Airway,
Breathing, Circulation) and Maslow’s hierarchy, integrate family-centered care principles, and apply safe medication
administration practices. Review both the correct response and the distractor analysis to build robust clinical
reasoning for the ATI proctored exam and subsequent pediatric clinical practice.
Section 1: Growth and Development (Infancy through Adolescence)
Erikson, Piaget, milestones, play, anticipatory guidance.
Q1. A mother brings her 6-month-old infant for a well-child visit. She asks when the baby’s birth weight
should double. Which response by the nurse is correct?
A. Birth weight doubles by 4 months.
B. Birth weight doubles by 6 months and triples by 12 months. [CORRECT]
C. Birth weight doubles by 12 months.
D. Birth weight doubles by 2 months.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Per pediatric growth standards, an infant’s birth weight typically doubles by 6 months and triples by 12 months. Height
increases by approximately 50% by 12 months. These milestones are used to assess adequate growth at well-child visits.
Doubling at 2 or 4 months is too early, and doubling at 12 months is too late.
Q2. During a well-child visit, the nurse palpates the fontanelles of a 4-month-old infant. Which finding is
expected?
Page 3 | ATI Pediatrics Proctored Exam Prep | Verified Grade A Content
, ATI PN/RN Nursing Care of Children — 2026/2027 Verified 150 Questions | NGN Aligned | Grade A
A. Both anterior and posterior fontanelles are closed.
B. The posterior fontanelle is closed; the anterior fontanelle remains open (closes by 12–18 months). [CORRECT]
C. The anterior fontanelle is closed; the posterior remains open.
D. Both fontanelles are bulging and tense.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The posterior fontanelle typically closes by 2–3 months of age, while the anterior fontanelle closes later, between 12 and 18
months. At 4 months, the posterior should be closed and the anterior still palpable. Bulging fontanelles suggest increased
intracranial pressure; sunken fontanelles suggest dehydration. Closure of the anterior fontanelle before 6 months is
premature and warrants evaluation.
Q3. A parent asks when their infant will likely achieve head control. Based on normal gross motor milestones,
the nurse should respond:
A. At 1 month.
B. At 3 months. [CORRECT]
C. At 6 months.
D. At 9 months.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Infants typically achieve head control by approximately 3 months of age. Other gross motor milestones include rolling over at
5–6 months, sitting without support at 8 months, crawling at 9 months, and walking with assistance at 12 months. Delayed
head control beyond 4 months warrants developmental evaluation.
Q4. A 10-month-old infant is observed picking up small cereal pieces between the thumb and index finger.
The nurse documents this as which developmental milestone?
A. Palmar grasp.
B. Pincer grasp. [CORRECT]
C. Hand-to-hand transfer.
D. Ulnar grasp.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The pincer grasp (using the thumb and index finger to pick up small objects) typically develops at 9–10 months. The palmar
grasp emerges at 3–4 months, hand-to-hand transfer at 7 months, and the pincer grasp is a fine motor milestone that signals
readiness for self-feeding with small finger foods.
Q5. A parent reports that their 9-month-old infant cries every time a stranger approaches, even grandparents
who visit infrequently. The nurse explains that this behavior is:
A. A sign of autism spectrum disorder.
B. Normal stranger anxiety, which typically begins at 6–8 months. [CORRECT]
C. Indicative of an insecure attachment.
D. A sign of developmental delay.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Page 4 | ATI Pediatrics Proctored Exam Prep | Verified Grade A Content
Nursing Care of Children — Comprehensive Study Guide
Latest Update — 150 Verified Questions
150 Questions & Verified Answer Breakdowns
100% Correct | Grade A | NGN Test Plan Aligned
Aligned With:
ATI RN Nursing Care of Children Proctored Exam Content
ATI PN Pediatrics Comprehensive Content Standards
Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) Test Plan Standards
NCLEX-RN Pediatric Nursing Competencies
CDC 2026 Immunization Schedule
AAP Bright Futures Health Supervision Guidelines
Section Topic Questions
1 Growth and Development (Infancy–Adolescence) Q1 – Q25
2 Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Q26 – Q35
3 Pediatric Assessment and Physical Examination Q36 – Q45
4 Respiratory Disorders Q46 – Q60
5 Cardiovascular Disorders Q61 – Q70
6 Gastrointestinal Disorders Q71 – Q80
7 Neurological Disorders Q81 – Q88
8 Infectious and Communicable Diseases Q89 – Q96
9 Musculoskeletal Disorders Q97 – Q104
10 Hematologic and Oncologic Disorders Q105 – Q112
11 Renal and Genitourinary Disorders Q113 – Q119
Page 1 | ATI Pediatrics Proctored Exam Prep | Verified Grade A Content
,ATI PN/RN Nursing Care of Children — 2026/2027 Verified 150 Questions | NGN Aligned | Grade A
12 Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders Q120 – Q128
13 Mental Health and Psychosocial Disorders Q129 – Q136
14 Pediatric Pharmacology and Medication Administration Q137 – Q142
15 Integrated NGN-Style Clinical Case Scenarios Q143 – Q150
Cognitive Distribution: 25% Recall • 50% Application • 25% Analysis
Style: 70% Scenario-based • 15% Direct Recall • 15% NGN-Style Case Studies
Page 2 | ATI Pediatrics Proctored Exam Prep | Verified Grade A Content
,ATI PN/RN Nursing Care of Children — 2026/2027 Verified 150 Questions | NGN Aligned | Grade A
Examination Instructions & Scope
This comprehensive study guide prepares nursing students for the 2026/2027 ATI PN and RN Nursing Care of
Children proctored examination, with integrated Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) test plan standards. The
examination comprises 150 multiple-choice questions distributed across fifteen clinical sections, each calibrated to
the ATI Nursing Care of Children blueprint and NCLEX-RN pediatric nursing competencies. Questions emphasize
growth and development, health promotion, pediatric assessment, and the nursing care of children with respiratory,
cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neurologic, infectious, musculoskeletal, hematologic, oncologic, renal, endocrine,
and mental health disorders.
Questions reflect a cognitive mix of approximately 25% recall, 50% application, and 25% analysis, with 70%
scenario-based items, 15% direct recall, and 15% NGN-style clinical case studies. Each item provides four options
(A–D), one correct answer marked [CORRECT], the verified answer key, and a detailed rationale citing the relevant
pediatric nursing standard, developmental principle, pharmacologic consideration, or NGN clinical judgment
concept. Rationales also explain why each distractor is incorrect, addressing common ATI examination errors
including growth and development milestone misidentification, immunization schedule errors, respiratory disorder
symptom differentiation (croup vs. epiglottitis vs. asthma), congenital heart defect classification, and medication
dosage calculation.
Students should approach each scenario using the nursing process (assess, diagnose, plan, implement, evaluate),
apply developmental theory (Erikson, Piaget) to age-appropriate interventions, prioritize using ABC (Airway,
Breathing, Circulation) and Maslow’s hierarchy, integrate family-centered care principles, and apply safe medication
administration practices. Review both the correct response and the distractor analysis to build robust clinical
reasoning for the ATI proctored exam and subsequent pediatric clinical practice.
Section 1: Growth and Development (Infancy through Adolescence)
Erikson, Piaget, milestones, play, anticipatory guidance.
Q1. A mother brings her 6-month-old infant for a well-child visit. She asks when the baby’s birth weight
should double. Which response by the nurse is correct?
A. Birth weight doubles by 4 months.
B. Birth weight doubles by 6 months and triples by 12 months. [CORRECT]
C. Birth weight doubles by 12 months.
D. Birth weight doubles by 2 months.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Per pediatric growth standards, an infant’s birth weight typically doubles by 6 months and triples by 12 months. Height
increases by approximately 50% by 12 months. These milestones are used to assess adequate growth at well-child visits.
Doubling at 2 or 4 months is too early, and doubling at 12 months is too late.
Q2. During a well-child visit, the nurse palpates the fontanelles of a 4-month-old infant. Which finding is
expected?
Page 3 | ATI Pediatrics Proctored Exam Prep | Verified Grade A Content
, ATI PN/RN Nursing Care of Children — 2026/2027 Verified 150 Questions | NGN Aligned | Grade A
A. Both anterior and posterior fontanelles are closed.
B. The posterior fontanelle is closed; the anterior fontanelle remains open (closes by 12–18 months). [CORRECT]
C. The anterior fontanelle is closed; the posterior remains open.
D. Both fontanelles are bulging and tense.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The posterior fontanelle typically closes by 2–3 months of age, while the anterior fontanelle closes later, between 12 and 18
months. At 4 months, the posterior should be closed and the anterior still palpable. Bulging fontanelles suggest increased
intracranial pressure; sunken fontanelles suggest dehydration. Closure of the anterior fontanelle before 6 months is
premature and warrants evaluation.
Q3. A parent asks when their infant will likely achieve head control. Based on normal gross motor milestones,
the nurse should respond:
A. At 1 month.
B. At 3 months. [CORRECT]
C. At 6 months.
D. At 9 months.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Infants typically achieve head control by approximately 3 months of age. Other gross motor milestones include rolling over at
5–6 months, sitting without support at 8 months, crawling at 9 months, and walking with assistance at 12 months. Delayed
head control beyond 4 months warrants developmental evaluation.
Q4. A 10-month-old infant is observed picking up small cereal pieces between the thumb and index finger.
The nurse documents this as which developmental milestone?
A. Palmar grasp.
B. Pincer grasp. [CORRECT]
C. Hand-to-hand transfer.
D. Ulnar grasp.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The pincer grasp (using the thumb and index finger to pick up small objects) typically develops at 9–10 months. The palmar
grasp emerges at 3–4 months, hand-to-hand transfer at 7 months, and the pincer grasp is a fine motor milestone that signals
readiness for self-feeding with small finger foods.
Q5. A parent reports that their 9-month-old infant cries every time a stranger approaches, even grandparents
who visit infrequently. The nurse explains that this behavior is:
A. A sign of autism spectrum disorder.
B. Normal stranger anxiety, which typically begins at 6–8 months. [CORRECT]
C. Indicative of an insecure attachment.
D. A sign of developmental delay.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Page 4 | ATI Pediatrics Proctored Exam Prep | Verified Grade A Content
