ATI Pediatrics Nursing Exam 2026/2027 | Exam Questions and Verified Answers with Detailed Rationales

ATI Pediatrics Nursing Exam 2026/2027 |
Exam Questions and Verified Answers
with Detailed Rationales

ATI PEDIATRICS NURSING EXAM 2026/2027
Exam Questions and Verified Answers with Detailed Rationales



DOCUMENT OVERVIEW:

• This study material contains 200 comprehensive multiple-choice questions
designed to help you master critical concepts in pediatric nursing across all major
clinical areas and developmental stages

• Use this as a final review tool—study by topic area, take timed practice tests, and
focus on rationales to understand not just the "what" but the "why" behind each
correct answer



QUESTION 1: GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

A 6-month-old infant is brought to the clinic. The nurse is assessing
developmental milestones. Which of the following developmental
achievements is expected at this age?

A) The infant sits without support for prolonged periods

B) The infant transfers objects from one hand to the other

C) The infant says "mama" and "dada" with meaning

D) The infant pulls to standing position independently

E) The infant walks with a wide-based gait

Correct Answer: B) The infant transfers objects from one hand to the other ✓

Rationale: At 6 months of age, the expected developmental milestone is the ability
to transfer objects from one hand to the other. This indicates developing fine motor
skills and bilateral coordination. Sitting without support typically occurs around 8

,months. Meaningful use of "mama" and "dada" occurs around 9-12 months. Pulling
to standing occurs around 9-10 months, and walking develops around 12-15
months.



QUESTION 2: VITAL SIGNS IN CHILDREN

A nurse is obtaining vital signs on a 3-year-old child. Which of the following
vital sign values indicates a normal heart rate for this age group?

A) 80 beats per minute

B) 100 beats per minute

C) 130 beats per minute

D) 150 beats per minute

E) 170 beats per minute

Correct Answer: B) 100 beats per minute ✓

Rationale: The normal heart rate for a 3-year-old child ranges from 80-130 beats
per minute, with 100 being within the normal range. A heart rate of 80 bpm is on
the lower end but acceptable. A rate of 130 bpm is at the upper limit of normal.
Heart rates of 150 and 170 would be considered tachycardia in this age group.
Heart rates vary inversely with age; younger children have faster heart rates.



QUESTION 3: FEVER MANAGEMENT

A 4-year-old child has a rectal temperature of 39.5°C (103.1°F). The parent asks
the nurse about giving antipyretics. Which statement by the nurse is most
appropriate?

A) "Fever above 103°F is dangerous and requires aggressive treatment"

B) "We should use tepid sponging as the only treatment for this fever"

C) "Antipyretics can be given if the child is uncomfortable, regardless of fever
height"

,D) "Fever itself is harmful and we must bring the temperature down immediately"

E) "We should alternate ibuprofen and acetaminophen every 2 hours"

Correct Answer: C) Antipyretics can be given if the child is uncomfortable,
regardless of fever height ✓

Rationale: Current guidelines recommend treating fever based on the child's
comfort level rather than the fever height itself. Fever is a protective mechanism
and does not cause brain damage unless extremely high (>42°C). Tepid sponging is
no longer recommended as it causes discomfort and shivering. Alternating
antipyretics increases the risk of overdose and toxicity. Treatment should focus on
comfort and determining the underlying cause of fever.



QUESTION 4: PEDIATRIC DOSAGE CALCULATION

A child weighs 20 kg. The prescribed medication dose is 15 mg/kg/day divided
into three equal doses. How many milligrams should the child receive per
dose?

A) 75 mg per dose

B) 100 mg per dose

C) 150 mg per dose

D) 200 mg per dose

E) 300 mg per dose

Correct Answer: B) 100 mg per dose ✓

Rationale: First, calculate the total daily dose: 15 mg/kg × 20 kg = 300 mg/day. Then
divide by the number of doses: 300 mg ÷ 3 doses = 100 mg per dose. Accurate
pediatric dosing is critical because children cannot tolerate adult doses and
overdoses can cause serious complications.



QUESTION 5: INFANT NUTRITION

, A nurse is educating a parent about introducing solid foods to their 6-month-
old infant. Which recommendation is most appropriate?

A) Introduce all fruits and vegetables at once to save time

B) Start with iron-fortified infant cereal and introduce one new food every 3-5 days

C) Begin with honey to provide quick energy

D) Mix solid foods with formula in a bottle to ensure intake

E) Introduce foods in this order: fruits, vegetables, then cereals

Correct Answer: B) Start with iron-fortified infant cereal and introduce one
new food every 3-5 days ✓

Rationale: Iron-fortified infant cereal is the recommended first food due to its iron
content and low allergenic potential. Introducing one new food every 3-5 days
allows for identification of potential allergic reactions. Honey should never be given
before 12 months due to botulism risk. Foods should not be mixed with formula in
bottles as this bypasses the normal oral developmental process. The order of
introduction (fruits vs. vegetables) is less important than spacing and avoiding
allergens.



QUESTION 6: DEHYDRATION IN CHILDREN

A 2-year-old child presents with diarrhea for 3 days. Assessment findings
include: dry mucous membranes, decreased skin turgor, and no tears when
crying. The urine output is significantly reduced. Which classification of
dehydration is this child experiencing?

A) Mild dehydration (3-5% fluid loss)

B) Moderate dehydration (6-9% fluid loss)

C) Severe dehydration (≥10% fluid loss)

D) Hypertonic dehydration

E) Hypotonic dehydration