ATI PEDIATRICS EXAM 2026/2027
RETAKE COMPREHENSIVE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A nurse is assessing an 8-month-old infant for developmental milestones. Which of the
following findings should the nurse identify as a potential developmental delay?
A. Inability to sit steadily without support
B. Failure to use a pincer grasp to pick up small objects
C. Inability to say at least three recognizable words
D. Absence of the ability to walk while holding onto furniture
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: By 8 months of age, an infant should be able to sit steadily
without support. Failure to do so is a red flag. Pincer grasp usually develops by 9-10
months, words by 12 months, and cruising by 10-11 months.
2. A nurse is caring for a child who has Tetralogy of Fallot and is experiencing a hypercyanotic
(‘tet’) spell. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Administer 100% oxygen via face mask
B. Administer morphine sulfate intravenously
,C. Place the child in a knee-chest position
D. Prepare for immediate administration of IV fluids
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The knee-chest position increases systemic vascular resistance,
which helps reduce the right-to-left shunt and improves oxygenation. This is the priority
nursing action.
3. A nurse is teaching the parents of a school-age child who has type 1 diabetes mellitus
about managing hypoglycemia. Which of the following statements by the parents indicates
an understanding of the teaching?
A. I will give my child 4 ounces of orange juice if his blood glucose is 60 mg/dL.
B. I will give my child 8 ounces of diet soda if he feels shaky.
C. I will give my child a high-protein snack if his blood glucose is low.
D. I will wait 30 minutes to recheck his blood sugar after giving him a snack.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Hypoglycemia (blood glucose < 70 mg/dL) is treated with 15g of
simple carbohydrates, such as 4 oz of fruit juice. Diet soda does not contain sugar. Protein
should follow the simple carb, and blood sugar should be rechecked in 15 minutes.
, 4. A child is admitted with suspected Epiglottitis. Which of the following nursing interventions
is contraindicated?
A. Preparing for emergency intubation
B. Monitoring oxygen saturation levels
C. Administering IV humidified oxygen
D. Visualizing the throat with a tongue depressor
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Examining the throat of a child with suspected epiglottitis can
cause a laryngospasm and complete airway obstruction. This should only be done in a
controlled setting where an airway can be secured.
5. A nurse is caring for an infant who has pyloric stenosis. Which of the following clinical
manifestations should the nurse expect?
A. Projectile vomiting after feedings
B. Currant jelly-like stools
C. Biliary-stained emesis
D. Ribbon-like stools
Answer: A
RETAKE COMPREHENSIVE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A nurse is assessing an 8-month-old infant for developmental milestones. Which of the
following findings should the nurse identify as a potential developmental delay?
A. Inability to sit steadily without support
B. Failure to use a pincer grasp to pick up small objects
C. Inability to say at least three recognizable words
D. Absence of the ability to walk while holding onto furniture
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: By 8 months of age, an infant should be able to sit steadily
without support. Failure to do so is a red flag. Pincer grasp usually develops by 9-10
months, words by 12 months, and cruising by 10-11 months.
2. A nurse is caring for a child who has Tetralogy of Fallot and is experiencing a hypercyanotic
(‘tet’) spell. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Administer 100% oxygen via face mask
B. Administer morphine sulfate intravenously
,C. Place the child in a knee-chest position
D. Prepare for immediate administration of IV fluids
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The knee-chest position increases systemic vascular resistance,
which helps reduce the right-to-left shunt and improves oxygenation. This is the priority
nursing action.
3. A nurse is teaching the parents of a school-age child who has type 1 diabetes mellitus
about managing hypoglycemia. Which of the following statements by the parents indicates
an understanding of the teaching?
A. I will give my child 4 ounces of orange juice if his blood glucose is 60 mg/dL.
B. I will give my child 8 ounces of diet soda if he feels shaky.
C. I will give my child a high-protein snack if his blood glucose is low.
D. I will wait 30 minutes to recheck his blood sugar after giving him a snack.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Hypoglycemia (blood glucose < 70 mg/dL) is treated with 15g of
simple carbohydrates, such as 4 oz of fruit juice. Diet soda does not contain sugar. Protein
should follow the simple carb, and blood sugar should be rechecked in 15 minutes.
, 4. A child is admitted with suspected Epiglottitis. Which of the following nursing interventions
is contraindicated?
A. Preparing for emergency intubation
B. Monitoring oxygen saturation levels
C. Administering IV humidified oxygen
D. Visualizing the throat with a tongue depressor
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Examining the throat of a child with suspected epiglottitis can
cause a laryngospasm and complete airway obstruction. This should only be done in a
controlled setting where an airway can be secured.
5. A nurse is caring for an infant who has pyloric stenosis. Which of the following clinical
manifestations should the nurse expect?
A. Projectile vomiting after feedings
B. Currant jelly-like stools
C. Biliary-stained emesis
D. Ribbon-like stools
Answer: A
