LATEST ATI PEDIATRICS PROCTORED EXAM / TESTED EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS/ FULLY COVERED FOR 2025-2026/ LATEST
VERSION/ ALL COMPLETE/GRADED A+
1. A 6-month-old infant presents with persistent vomiting. Which is the priority assessment?
A) Hydration status
B) Sleep patterns
C) Head circumference
D) Reflexes
Answer: A) Hydration status
Rationale: Infants are highly susceptible to dehydration due to rapid fluid turnover.
Assessing hydration through weight, urine output, mucous membranes, and skin turgor
allows early intervention to prevent hypovolemic shock and electrolyte imbalances.
2. Which milestone is expected at 12 months?
A) Walking independently
B) Speaking in full sentences
C) Riding a tricycle
D) Counting to ten
Answer: A) Walking independently
Rationale: Gross motor development typically allows walking without support around 12
months. This milestone indicates normal neuromuscular and balance development.
Delays may warrant further evaluation.
3. A 2-year-old is prescribed amoxicillin for otitis media. Which teaching point is essential?
A) Complete the full course as prescribed
B) Stop medication when symptoms improve
C) Give only when fever is present
D) Double the dose if symptoms worsen
, Answer: A) Complete the full course as prescribed
Rationale: Completing antibiotics ensures eradication of infection and prevents bacterial
resistance. Stopping early or adjusting doses can lead to recurrence and complications.
4. A parent asks why their 18-month-old frequently throws tantrums. Which is the best
response?
A) “Temper tantrums are a normal part of development.”
B) “You should punish each tantrum.”
C) “Ignore the child completely.”
D) “They indicate severe behavioral problems.”
Answer: A) “Temper tantrums are a normal part of development.”
Rationale: Toddlers are learning autonomy and emotional regulation. Tantrums peak
around ages 2–3. Parental education helps manage frustration and promotes consistent
discipline strategies.
5. Which of the following is a normal heart rate for a 5-year-old?
A) 70–120 bpm
B) 50–70 bpm
C) 120–160 bpm
D) 160–200 bpm
Answer: A) 70–120 bpm
Rationale: Age-specific vital signs are essential for identifying abnormalities.
Tachycardia or bradycardia may indicate cardiac, respiratory, or metabolic issues. Trends
are more clinically significant than single readings.
6. A 4-year-old with asthma is using a metered-dose inhaler. Which instruction is correct?
A) Inhale slowly and hold the breath for a few seconds
B) Exhale immediately after inhaling
C) Shake the inhaler once per week
D) Use without a spacer
Answer: A) Inhale slowly and hold the breath for a few seconds
Rationale: Proper technique ensures medication reaches the lower airways, improving
efficacy and reducing side effects. Demonstration and caregiver teaching enhance
adherence and disease control.
,7. A 3-month-old is due for DTaP vaccination. Which statement indicates understanding?
A) “It protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.”
B) “It treats these infections if already present.”
C) “It is given only once in childhood.”
D) “It can be given orally.”
Answer: A) “It protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.”
Rationale: DTaP is a preventive vaccine. Following the immunization schedule is
crucial for individual and herd immunity. Understanding the purpose improves
compliance.
8. A 6-year-old with fever is prescribed acetaminophen. Which instruction is correct?
A) Give based on weight and do not exceed maximum daily dose
B) Give only if temperature exceeds 104°F
C) Stop if fever persists
D) Use adult dosing for faster relief
Answer: A) Give based on weight and do not exceed maximum daily dose
Rationale: Pediatric dosing is weight-based to prevent toxicity. Overdose may lead to
liver damage. Correct administration ensures safe and effective fever management.
9. Which symptom in a 2-year-old indicates dehydration?
A) Dry mucous membranes and decreased urine output
B) Weight gain
C) Hyperactivity
D) Increased appetite
Answer: A) Dry mucous membranes and decreased urine output
Rationale: These are early signs of dehydration. Timely recognition allows prompt fluid
replacement, preventing complications such as hypovolemic shock.
10. A 9-month-old exhibits a bulging fontanelle. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A) Increased intracranial pressure
B) Dehydration
C) Normal growth
D) Congenital hip dysplasia
Answer: A) Increased intracranial pressure
, Rationale: Bulging fontanelle may indicate conditions like hydrocephalus or meningitis.
Early recognition allows prompt medical intervention to prevent neurological damage.
11. A 4-year-old with croup presents with stridor at rest. Which intervention is priority?
A) Provide humidified air
B) Encourage vigorous activity
C) Restrict fluids
D) Give solid foods only
Answer: A) Provide humidified air
Rationale: Humidified air helps reduce airway inflammation and ease breathing. Stridor
at rest indicates moderate to severe airway obstruction; prompt supportive care prevents
respiratory compromise.
12. Which developmental milestone is expected at 18 months?
A) Speaking in two-word sentences
B) Riding a tricycle
C) Counting to ten
D) Reading simple words
Answer: A) Speaking in two-word sentences
Rationale: Language development at 18 months includes combining two words to
express ideas. Early identification of delays allows timely interventions like speech
therapy.
13. A 7-year-old with type 1 diabetes is showing polyuria, polydipsia, and weight loss.
Which lab should be prioritized?
A) Blood glucose
B) Hemoglobin
C) Liver enzymes
D) Cholesterol
Answer: A) Blood glucose
Rationale: Hyperglycemia confirms diagnosis and guides insulin therapy. Early
detection prevents diabetic ketoacidosis and long-term complications.
14. A 5-year-old with iron-deficiency anemia is prescribed iron supplements. Which
instruction is correct?
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS/ FULLY COVERED FOR 2025-2026/ LATEST
VERSION/ ALL COMPLETE/GRADED A+
1. A 6-month-old infant presents with persistent vomiting. Which is the priority assessment?
A) Hydration status
B) Sleep patterns
C) Head circumference
D) Reflexes
Answer: A) Hydration status
Rationale: Infants are highly susceptible to dehydration due to rapid fluid turnover.
Assessing hydration through weight, urine output, mucous membranes, and skin turgor
allows early intervention to prevent hypovolemic shock and electrolyte imbalances.
2. Which milestone is expected at 12 months?
A) Walking independently
B) Speaking in full sentences
C) Riding a tricycle
D) Counting to ten
Answer: A) Walking independently
Rationale: Gross motor development typically allows walking without support around 12
months. This milestone indicates normal neuromuscular and balance development.
Delays may warrant further evaluation.
3. A 2-year-old is prescribed amoxicillin for otitis media. Which teaching point is essential?
A) Complete the full course as prescribed
B) Stop medication when symptoms improve
C) Give only when fever is present
D) Double the dose if symptoms worsen
, Answer: A) Complete the full course as prescribed
Rationale: Completing antibiotics ensures eradication of infection and prevents bacterial
resistance. Stopping early or adjusting doses can lead to recurrence and complications.
4. A parent asks why their 18-month-old frequently throws tantrums. Which is the best
response?
A) “Temper tantrums are a normal part of development.”
B) “You should punish each tantrum.”
C) “Ignore the child completely.”
D) “They indicate severe behavioral problems.”
Answer: A) “Temper tantrums are a normal part of development.”
Rationale: Toddlers are learning autonomy and emotional regulation. Tantrums peak
around ages 2–3. Parental education helps manage frustration and promotes consistent
discipline strategies.
5. Which of the following is a normal heart rate for a 5-year-old?
A) 70–120 bpm
B) 50–70 bpm
C) 120–160 bpm
D) 160–200 bpm
Answer: A) 70–120 bpm
Rationale: Age-specific vital signs are essential for identifying abnormalities.
Tachycardia or bradycardia may indicate cardiac, respiratory, or metabolic issues. Trends
are more clinically significant than single readings.
6. A 4-year-old with asthma is using a metered-dose inhaler. Which instruction is correct?
A) Inhale slowly and hold the breath for a few seconds
B) Exhale immediately after inhaling
C) Shake the inhaler once per week
D) Use without a spacer
Answer: A) Inhale slowly and hold the breath for a few seconds
Rationale: Proper technique ensures medication reaches the lower airways, improving
efficacy and reducing side effects. Demonstration and caregiver teaching enhance
adherence and disease control.
,7. A 3-month-old is due for DTaP vaccination. Which statement indicates understanding?
A) “It protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.”
B) “It treats these infections if already present.”
C) “It is given only once in childhood.”
D) “It can be given orally.”
Answer: A) “It protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.”
Rationale: DTaP is a preventive vaccine. Following the immunization schedule is
crucial for individual and herd immunity. Understanding the purpose improves
compliance.
8. A 6-year-old with fever is prescribed acetaminophen. Which instruction is correct?
A) Give based on weight and do not exceed maximum daily dose
B) Give only if temperature exceeds 104°F
C) Stop if fever persists
D) Use adult dosing for faster relief
Answer: A) Give based on weight and do not exceed maximum daily dose
Rationale: Pediatric dosing is weight-based to prevent toxicity. Overdose may lead to
liver damage. Correct administration ensures safe and effective fever management.
9. Which symptom in a 2-year-old indicates dehydration?
A) Dry mucous membranes and decreased urine output
B) Weight gain
C) Hyperactivity
D) Increased appetite
Answer: A) Dry mucous membranes and decreased urine output
Rationale: These are early signs of dehydration. Timely recognition allows prompt fluid
replacement, preventing complications such as hypovolemic shock.
10. A 9-month-old exhibits a bulging fontanelle. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A) Increased intracranial pressure
B) Dehydration
C) Normal growth
D) Congenital hip dysplasia
Answer: A) Increased intracranial pressure
, Rationale: Bulging fontanelle may indicate conditions like hydrocephalus or meningitis.
Early recognition allows prompt medical intervention to prevent neurological damage.
11. A 4-year-old with croup presents with stridor at rest. Which intervention is priority?
A) Provide humidified air
B) Encourage vigorous activity
C) Restrict fluids
D) Give solid foods only
Answer: A) Provide humidified air
Rationale: Humidified air helps reduce airway inflammation and ease breathing. Stridor
at rest indicates moderate to severe airway obstruction; prompt supportive care prevents
respiratory compromise.
12. Which developmental milestone is expected at 18 months?
A) Speaking in two-word sentences
B) Riding a tricycle
C) Counting to ten
D) Reading simple words
Answer: A) Speaking in two-word sentences
Rationale: Language development at 18 months includes combining two words to
express ideas. Early identification of delays allows timely interventions like speech
therapy.
13. A 7-year-old with type 1 diabetes is showing polyuria, polydipsia, and weight loss.
Which lab should be prioritized?
A) Blood glucose
B) Hemoglobin
C) Liver enzymes
D) Cholesterol
Answer: A) Blood glucose
Rationale: Hyperglycemia confirms diagnosis and guides insulin therapy. Early
detection prevents diabetic ketoacidosis and long-term complications.
14. A 5-year-old with iron-deficiency anemia is prescribed iron supplements. Which
instruction is correct?
