Fall Semester 2025 – December ATI RN Nursing Care of Children Complete Study Guide | Pediatric Assessment, Growth & Development, Common Illnesses, Medication Administration, Nursing Interventions, and ATI-Style Questions with Rationales

Fall Semester 2025 – December ATI RN Nursing
Care of Children Complete Study Guide |
Pediatric Assessment, Growth & Development,
Common Illnesses, Medication Administration,
Nursing Interventions, and ATI-Style
Questions with Rationales
Question 1:
A nurse is assessing a 5-year-old child who presents with a high fever and a rash. Which
finding is important?
• A) Recent history of urinary tract infections
• B) Family history of diabetes
• C) Exposure to varicella
• D) Allergic reaction to bee stings
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Exposure to varicella
Rationale: Varicella (chickenpox) can present with fever and rash. A history of exposure
is crucial.


Question 2:
In teaching parents about preventing childhood obesity, which recommendation should
the nurse include?
• A) Encourage sugary drinks
• B) Increase sedentary playtime
• C) Promote outdoor physical activities
• D) Provide fast food as a regular meal option
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Promote outdoor physical activities
Rationale: Regular physical activity is essential for preventing obesity in children.


Question 3:
A 2-year-old child is brought to the clinic with a cough and wheezing. What is the priority
nursing action?
• A) Administer oral antibiotics
• B) Complete a thorough assessment
• C) Teach the parents about asthma

, • D) Provide a referral for a pulmonology consult
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Complete a thorough assessment
Rationale: A complete assessment is critical to guide treatment options and determine
severity.


Question 4:
What is the most appropriate action for a nurse when administering immunizations to a
4-year-old?
• A) Administer the vaccine only if the child is calm
• B) Wait until the child understands the procedure
• C) Use distraction techniques
• D) Avoid explanations to prevent anxiety
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Use distraction techniques
Rationale: Distraction can help reduce anxiety and pain during immunization.


Question 5:
When caring for a child with asthma, which of the following should the nurse
emphasize?
• A) Using rescue inhalers only during acute attacks
• B) Recognizing and avoiding triggers
• C) Restricting all physical activity
• D) Keeping all medications at home
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Recognizing and avoiding triggers
Rationale: Identifying and avoiding triggers is vital in managing asthma effectively.


Question 6:
In assessing a toddler's growth and development, which milestone should a nurse
expect at 15 months?
• A) Walking independently
• B) Using two-word phrases
• C) Throwing a ball overhand
• D) Scribbling with a crayon

,CORRECT ANSWER: A) Walking independently
Rationale: Most toddlers walk independently by 15 months, although individual
variations exist.


Question 7:
What is the priority nursing intervention for a child manifesting signs of dehydration?
• A) Administer IV fluids
• B) Encourage fluid intake
• C) Restrict all food
• D) Monitor vital signs
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Encourage fluid intake
Rationale: Encouraging oral fluid intake is essential unless IV fluids are required due to
severe dehydration.


Question 8:
A nurse provides education on preventing diaper rash. Which statement by a parent
indicates a need for further teaching?
• A) "I should change my baby’s diaper frequently."
• B) "I can use talcum powder to keep the area dry."
• C) "I will let my baby go without a diaper at times."
• D) "Using baby wipes is better than using a damp cloth."
CORRECT ANSWER: D) "Using baby wipes is better than using a damp cloth."
Rationale: Some baby wipes can irritate the skin; using a damp cloth is often gentler.


Question 9:
What is an appropriate toy for a 3-year-old child during a hospitalization?
• A) Small beads for threading
• B) Age-appropriate puzzles
• C) A jigsaw puzzle with complex pieces
• D) A toy with small parts
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Age-appropriate puzzles
Rationale: Age-appropriate toys encourage development and provide comfort during
hospitalization.

, Question 10:
A 12-year-old child with type 1 diabetes is learning about glucose monitoring. Which
statement indicates understanding?
• A) "I can skip testing my glucose when I feel fine."
• B) "I should monitor my levels before meals and snacks."
• C) "It's okay to share my meter with friends."
• D) "I will only check my glucose when I feel low."
CORRECT ANSWER: B) "I should monitor my levels before meals and snacks."
Rationale: Regular monitoring helps manage blood sugar levels effectively.


Question 11:
Which of the following is the most appropriate response to a school-aged child asking
about the importance of vaccines?
• A) "You don’t need to worry about vaccines yet."
• B) "Vaccines help prevent serious illnesses."
• C) "It’s just something we have to do."
• D) "Vaccines are only for babies."
CORRECT ANSWER: B) "Vaccines help prevent serious illnesses."
Rationale: This response provides a clear understanding of the importance of
vaccination.


Question 12:
An 8-year-old child presents with abdominal pain and is diagnosed with appendicitis.
What is the most critical assessment the nurse should perform?
• A) Assess for rebound tenderness
• B) Monitor bowel sounds
• C) Evaluate hydration status
• D) Check for urinary retention
CORRECT ANSWER: A) Assess for rebound tenderness
Rationale: Rebound tenderness is a key indicator of appendicitis and requires prompt
attention.