ATI RN PEDIATRICS
Proctored Exam Study Guide 2026
100 High-Yield Questions & NGN Case Scenarios
Verified Answers & Detailed Rationales for Level 2/3 Mastery
Nursing Excellence Series | 2026/2027 Edition
Core Pediatric Nursing Principles
Question 1
A nurse is caring for an infant who has tetralogy of Fallot and is experiencing a
hypercyanotic spell (Tet spell). Which of the following actions should the nurse take
first?
• A) Administer 100% oxygen via face mask.
• B) Place the infant in a knee-chest position.
• C) Administer morphine sulfate.
• D) Provide a quiet, calm environment.
Answer
B) Place the infant in a knee-chest position.
Rationale
Placing the infant in the knee-chest position is the priority action. This maneuver
increases systemic vascular resistance, which decreases the right-to-left shunt and
increases pulmonary blood flow.
Level 2/3 Achievement Guide | NGN Case Scenarios & Rationales
,ATI RN Pediatrics Proctored Exam Prep 2026
Question 2
A nurse is assessing a child with epiglottitis. Which of the following findings should
the nurse expect?
• A) Loud, brassy cough.
• B) Drooling and agitation.
• C) Expiratory wheezing.
• D) Low-grade fever.
Answer
B) Drooling and agitation.
Rationale
The '4 Ds' of epiglottitis are Drooling, Dysphagia, Dysphonia, and Distressed
inspiratory efforts. A brassy cough is more indicative of croup
(Laryngotracheobronchitis).
Question 3
A nurse is caring for an infant who has tetralogy of Fallot and is experiencing a
hypercyanotic spell (Tet spell). Which of the following actions should the nurse take
first?
• A) Administer 100% oxygen via face mask.
• B) Place the infant in a knee-chest position.
• C) Administer morphine sulfate.
• D) Provide a quiet, calm environment.
Answer
B) Place the infant in a knee-chest position.
Rationale
Placing the infant in the knee-chest position is the priority action. This maneuver
increases systemic vascular resistance, which decreases the right-to-left shunt and
increases pulmonary blood flow.
Level 2/3 Achievement Guide | NGN Case Scenarios & Rationales
,ATI RN Pediatrics Proctored Exam Prep 2026
Question 4
A nurse is assessing a child with epiglottitis. Which of the following findings should
the nurse expect?
• A) Loud, brassy cough.
• B) Drooling and agitation.
• C) Expiratory wheezing.
• D) Low-grade fever.
Answer
B) Drooling and agitation.
Rationale
The '4 Ds' of epiglottitis are Drooling, Dysphagia, Dysphonia, and Distressed
inspiratory efforts. A brassy cough is more indicative of croup
(Laryngotracheobronchitis).
Question 5
A nurse is caring for an infant who has tetralogy of Fallot and is experiencing a
hypercyanotic spell (Tet spell). Which of the following actions should the nurse take
first?
• A) Administer 100% oxygen via face mask.
• B) Place the infant in a knee-chest position.
• C) Administer morphine sulfate.
• D) Provide a quiet, calm environment.
Answer
B) Place the infant in a knee-chest position.
Rationale
Placing the infant in the knee-chest position is the priority action. This maneuver
increases systemic vascular resistance, which decreases the right-to-left shunt and
increases pulmonary blood flow.
Level 2/3 Achievement Guide | NGN Case Scenarios & Rationales
, ATI RN Pediatrics Proctored Exam Prep 2026
Question 6
A nurse is assessing a child with epiglottitis. Which of the following findings should
the nurse expect?
• A) Loud, brassy cough.
• B) Drooling and agitation.
• C) Expiratory wheezing.
• D) Low-grade fever.
Answer
B) Drooling and agitation.
Rationale
The '4 Ds' of epiglottitis are Drooling, Dysphagia, Dysphonia, and Distressed
inspiratory efforts. A brassy cough is more indicative of croup
(Laryngotracheobronchitis).
Question 7
A nurse is caring for an infant who has tetralogy of Fallot and is experiencing a
hypercyanotic spell (Tet spell). Which of the following actions should the nurse take
first?
• A) Administer 100% oxygen via face mask.
• B) Place the infant in a knee-chest position.
• C) Administer morphine sulfate.
• D) Provide a quiet, calm environment.
Answer
B) Place the infant in a knee-chest position.
Rationale
Placing the infant in the knee-chest position is the priority action. This maneuver
increases systemic vascular resistance, which decreases the right-to-left shunt and
increases pulmonary blood flow.
Level 2/3 Achievement Guide | NGN Case Scenarios & Rationales