ATI RN PEDIATRIC NURSING PROCTORED
EXAM – ATI NURSING EDUCATION –
2026/2027 ACADEMIC YEAR QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES | INSTANT
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Core Domains:
1. Health Promotion and Maintenance
2. Psychosocial Integrity
3. Physiological Integrity
4. Growth and Development
5. Safe and Effective Care Environment
6. Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
7. Reduction of Risk Potential
8. Nursing Care of the Child with Acute and Chronic Illness
9. Family-Centered Care and Communication
10. Legal and Ethical Issues in Pediatric Nursing
Introduction
This comprehensive examination is designed to assess the nursing student's
competency in providing safe, effective, and developmentally appropriate care
to pediatric patients across the lifespan. It evaluates the integration of
theoretical knowledge, clinical judgment, and critical thinking skills required
for the NCLEX-RN and ATI Pediatric Nursing Proctored Exam. The exam
utilizes a multiple-choice format with scenario-based questions, Next
Generation NCLEX (NGN) style items, bow-tie questions, and select-all-that-
apply (SATA) items that reflect real-world clinical situations. Emphasis is
placed on the application of the nursing process, growth and development
principles, family-centered care, medication administration, and the
,identification of risk factors to ensure optimal patient outcomes. This
assessment serves as a predictor of success on the ATI Proctored Exam and
helps identify areas for focused review.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1 - 70
1. A nurse is providing anticipatory guidance to the parents of a 12-
month-old infant. Which of the following statements by the parent
indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. "I will transition my child from a crib to a toddler bed now that he is 12
months old."
B. "I will keep the car seat rear-facing until my child is at least 2 years old or
reaches the maximum height and weight limit for the seat."
C. "I will start feeding my child whole grapes and hot dogs now that he has
teeth."
D. "I will put my child in a forward-facing car seat now that he is 12 months
old."
B. "I will keep the car seat rear-facing until my child is at least 2 years old
or reaches the maximum height and weight limit for the seat."
RATIONALE: Rear-facing car seats provide the best protection for infants
and toddlers. The AAP recommends keeping children rear-facing until they
reach the maximum height and weight limit of the seat, which is typically at
least 2 years of age. Transitioning to a toddler bed too early can lead to safety
concerns (falls). Whole grapes and hot dogs are choking hazards for children
under 4 years old.
2. A nurse is assessing a 6-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 can sit with support.
B. The infant can roll from back to abdomen.
,C. The infant is unable to grasp a rattle.
D. The infant has a closed posterior fontanel.
C. The infant is unable to grasp a rattle.
RATIONALE: By 6 months, an infant should have developed a palmar
grasp and be able to hold a rattle. The inability to do so may indicate a gross
motor delay requiring further assessment. Sitting with support, rolling over,
and having a closed posterior fontanel are all expected developmental
milestones for a 6-month-old.
3. A nurse is caring for a 4-year-old child who is postoperative following
a tonsillectomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse
identify as a priority and report to the provider?
A. The child reports a sore throat.
B. The child has a temperature of 37.8°C (100°F).
C. The child is swallowing frequently.
D. The child is restless.
C. The child is swallowing frequently.
RATIONALE: Frequent swallowing is a sign of continuous bleeding in the
throat after a tonsillectomy. The child is swallowing the blood, which is a
significant postoperative complication that requires immediate reporting to
the provider. Sore throat, low-grade fever, and restlessness are expected
findings in the postoperative period.
4. (SATA) A nurse is providing teaching to the parent of a child with a
new diagnosis of cystic fibrosis. Which of the following statements by
the parent indicates an understanding of the teaching? (Select all that
apply.)
1. "I will give my child pancreatic enzymes with every meal and snack."
2. "We will perform chest physiotherapy every day to help clear the lungs."
, 3. "It is important to keep my child away from other children with
respiratory infections."
4. "We should give our child a salt-free diet to reduce the risk of
dehydration."
5. "I will make sure my child drinks plenty of fluids."
1, 2, 3, 5 (Correct)
4 (Incorrect)
RATIONALE: Children with cystic fibrosis have increased salt loss
through sweat and are at a higher risk for hyponatremic dehydration,
especially in hot weather. They require a high-salt diet and supplementation
in hot weather, not a salt-free diet. Pancreatic enzymes are needed with every
meal and snack to aid digestion. Chest physiotherapy is essential daily to clear
mucus. Respiratory infections should be avoided. Adequate hydration is
important to prevent dehydration and thin secretions.
5. A nurse is assessing a 12-month-old infant. The nurse should expect
the infant to be able to perform which of the following gross motor
skills?
A. Stands independently
B. Walks without support
C. Pulls to a standing position
D. Walks backward
C. Pulls to a standing position
RATIONALE: At 12 months, infants typically can pull to a standing
position and may take a few steps with assistance. Independent standing and
walking usually occur around 12-15 months. Walking backward is a more
advanced skill that develops later.
6. A nurse is caring for a child with a diagnosis of acute
glomerulonephritis. Which of the following interventions should the
nurse include in the plan of care?
EXAM – ATI NURSING EDUCATION –
2026/2027 ACADEMIC YEAR QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains:
1. Health Promotion and Maintenance
2. Psychosocial Integrity
3. Physiological Integrity
4. Growth and Development
5. Safe and Effective Care Environment
6. Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
7. Reduction of Risk Potential
8. Nursing Care of the Child with Acute and Chronic Illness
9. Family-Centered Care and Communication
10. Legal and Ethical Issues in Pediatric Nursing
Introduction
This comprehensive examination is designed to assess the nursing student's
competency in providing safe, effective, and developmentally appropriate care
to pediatric patients across the lifespan. It evaluates the integration of
theoretical knowledge, clinical judgment, and critical thinking skills required
for the NCLEX-RN and ATI Pediatric Nursing Proctored Exam. The exam
utilizes a multiple-choice format with scenario-based questions, Next
Generation NCLEX (NGN) style items, bow-tie questions, and select-all-that-
apply (SATA) items that reflect real-world clinical situations. Emphasis is
placed on the application of the nursing process, growth and development
principles, family-centered care, medication administration, and the
,identification of risk factors to ensure optimal patient outcomes. This
assessment serves as a predictor of success on the ATI Proctored Exam and
helps identify areas for focused review.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1 - 70
1. A nurse is providing anticipatory guidance to the parents of a 12-
month-old infant. Which of the following statements by the parent
indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. "I will transition my child from a crib to a toddler bed now that he is 12
months old."
B. "I will keep the car seat rear-facing until my child is at least 2 years old or
reaches the maximum height and weight limit for the seat."
C. "I will start feeding my child whole grapes and hot dogs now that he has
teeth."
D. "I will put my child in a forward-facing car seat now that he is 12 months
old."
B. "I will keep the car seat rear-facing until my child is at least 2 years old
or reaches the maximum height and weight limit for the seat."
RATIONALE: Rear-facing car seats provide the best protection for infants
and toddlers. The AAP recommends keeping children rear-facing until they
reach the maximum height and weight limit of the seat, which is typically at
least 2 years of age. Transitioning to a toddler bed too early can lead to safety
concerns (falls). Whole grapes and hot dogs are choking hazards for children
under 4 years old.
2. A nurse is assessing a 6-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 can sit with support.
B. The infant can roll from back to abdomen.
,C. The infant is unable to grasp a rattle.
D. The infant has a closed posterior fontanel.
C. The infant is unable to grasp a rattle.
RATIONALE: By 6 months, an infant should have developed a palmar
grasp and be able to hold a rattle. The inability to do so may indicate a gross
motor delay requiring further assessment. Sitting with support, rolling over,
and having a closed posterior fontanel are all expected developmental
milestones for a 6-month-old.
3. A nurse is caring for a 4-year-old child who is postoperative following
a tonsillectomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse
identify as a priority and report to the provider?
A. The child reports a sore throat.
B. The child has a temperature of 37.8°C (100°F).
C. The child is swallowing frequently.
D. The child is restless.
C. The child is swallowing frequently.
RATIONALE: Frequent swallowing is a sign of continuous bleeding in the
throat after a tonsillectomy. The child is swallowing the blood, which is a
significant postoperative complication that requires immediate reporting to
the provider. Sore throat, low-grade fever, and restlessness are expected
findings in the postoperative period.
4. (SATA) A nurse is providing teaching to the parent of a child with a
new diagnosis of cystic fibrosis. Which of the following statements by
the parent indicates an understanding of the teaching? (Select all that
apply.)
1. "I will give my child pancreatic enzymes with every meal and snack."
2. "We will perform chest physiotherapy every day to help clear the lungs."
, 3. "It is important to keep my child away from other children with
respiratory infections."
4. "We should give our child a salt-free diet to reduce the risk of
dehydration."
5. "I will make sure my child drinks plenty of fluids."
1, 2, 3, 5 (Correct)
4 (Incorrect)
RATIONALE: Children with cystic fibrosis have increased salt loss
through sweat and are at a higher risk for hyponatremic dehydration,
especially in hot weather. They require a high-salt diet and supplementation
in hot weather, not a salt-free diet. Pancreatic enzymes are needed with every
meal and snack to aid digestion. Chest physiotherapy is essential daily to clear
mucus. Respiratory infections should be avoided. Adequate hydration is
important to prevent dehydration and thin secretions.
5. A nurse is assessing a 12-month-old infant. The nurse should expect
the infant to be able to perform which of the following gross motor
skills?
A. Stands independently
B. Walks without support
C. Pulls to a standing position
D. Walks backward
C. Pulls to a standing position
RATIONALE: At 12 months, infants typically can pull to a standing
position and may take a few steps with assistance. Independent standing and
walking usually occur around 12-15 months. Walking backward is a more
advanced skill that develops later.
6. A nurse is caring for a child with a diagnosis of acute
glomerulonephritis. Which of the following interventions should the
nurse include in the plan of care?
