ATI RN Pediatric Nursing Online Practice C 2026/2027
Exam Questions and Answers with Rationales
1.
A nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant. Which finding should the
nurse expect?
A. Uses a pincer grasp
B. Sits with support
C. Walks independently
D. Uses three-word sentences
Answer: B. Sits with support
Rationale: Around 6 months, infants commonly sit with support, roll
over, transfer objects between hands, and begin babbling. A pincer
grasp, walking, and multiword speech develop later.
2.
A nurse is assessing a 9-month-old infant. Which developmental finding
is expected?
A. Pulls to stand
B. Hops on one foot
C. Uses scissors
D. Writes their name
Answer: A. Pulls to stand
Rationale: By approximately 9 months, many infants can sit
independently, crawl or move around, pull to stand, and use an emerging
pincer grasp.
,3.
A nurse is providing nutrition teaching to the parent of a 6-month-old
infant. Which food is appropriate?
A. Honey
B. Whole nuts
C. Iron-fortified infant cereal
D. Unpasteurized milk
Answer: C. Iron-fortified infant cereal
Rationale: Complementary foods can be introduced around 6 months
when developmentally appropriate. Honey should be avoided until after
12 months because of the risk of botulism, and choking hazards should
be avoided.
4.
A nurse is teaching the parent of an infant about sleep safety. Which
statement indicates understanding?
A. "I will place my infant on the back to sleep."
B. "I will use a pillow to prevent rolling."
C. "I will place stuffed animals in the crib."
D. "I will let my infant sleep on a couch."
Answer: A. "I will place my infant on the back to sleep."
Rationale: Infants should be placed supine for sleep on a firm, flat sleep
surface without pillows, loose bedding, or soft objects.
,5.
A nurse is assessing a 2-year-old toddler. Which behavior should the
nurse expect?
A. Parallel play
B. Abstract reasoning
C. Cooperative team sports
D. Reading independently
Answer: A. Parallel play
Rationale: Toddlers commonly engage in parallel play, in which they
play alongside other children without sustained cooperative interaction.
6.
A nurse is preparing a toddler for an IV insertion. Which approach is
appropriate?
A. Use simple words and allow the child to handle safe equipment
B. Provide a detailed explanation several days beforehand
C. Tell the child the procedure will not hurt
D. Ask the parent to leave immediately
Answer: A. Use simple words and allow the child to handle safe
equipment
Rationale: Toddlers benefit from brief, concrete explanations and
therapeutic play. The nurse should be honest without using
unnecessarily frightening language.
7.
, A hospitalized toddler cries when the parent leaves. Which interpretation
is appropriate?
A. The child is demonstrating separation anxiety
B. The child has delayed cognitive development
C. The child is intentionally manipulating the parent
D. The child is experiencing psychosis
Answer: A. The child is demonstrating separation anxiety
Rationale: Separation anxiety is common in toddlers. Familiar objects,
consistent routines, and parental involvement can reduce distress.
8.
A nurse is assessing a preschool-age child. Which activity is most
appropriate?
A. Imaginative play with dolls
B. Competitive adult-level sports
C. Abstract philosophical discussion
D. Independent financial decision-making
Answer: A. Imaginative play with dolls
Rationale: Preschoolers commonly engage in imaginative and pretend
play as they develop language, social skills, and symbolic thinking.
9.
A nurse is caring for a hospitalized preschooler. Which intervention can
reduce anxiety?
Exam Questions and Answers with Rationales
1.
A nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant. Which finding should the
nurse expect?
A. Uses a pincer grasp
B. Sits with support
C. Walks independently
D. Uses three-word sentences
Answer: B. Sits with support
Rationale: Around 6 months, infants commonly sit with support, roll
over, transfer objects between hands, and begin babbling. A pincer
grasp, walking, and multiword speech develop later.
2.
A nurse is assessing a 9-month-old infant. Which developmental finding
is expected?
A. Pulls to stand
B. Hops on one foot
C. Uses scissors
D. Writes their name
Answer: A. Pulls to stand
Rationale: By approximately 9 months, many infants can sit
independently, crawl or move around, pull to stand, and use an emerging
pincer grasp.
,3.
A nurse is providing nutrition teaching to the parent of a 6-month-old
infant. Which food is appropriate?
A. Honey
B. Whole nuts
C. Iron-fortified infant cereal
D. Unpasteurized milk
Answer: C. Iron-fortified infant cereal
Rationale: Complementary foods can be introduced around 6 months
when developmentally appropriate. Honey should be avoided until after
12 months because of the risk of botulism, and choking hazards should
be avoided.
4.
A nurse is teaching the parent of an infant about sleep safety. Which
statement indicates understanding?
A. "I will place my infant on the back to sleep."
B. "I will use a pillow to prevent rolling."
C. "I will place stuffed animals in the crib."
D. "I will let my infant sleep on a couch."
Answer: A. "I will place my infant on the back to sleep."
Rationale: Infants should be placed supine for sleep on a firm, flat sleep
surface without pillows, loose bedding, or soft objects.
,5.
A nurse is assessing a 2-year-old toddler. Which behavior should the
nurse expect?
A. Parallel play
B. Abstract reasoning
C. Cooperative team sports
D. Reading independently
Answer: A. Parallel play
Rationale: Toddlers commonly engage in parallel play, in which they
play alongside other children without sustained cooperative interaction.
6.
A nurse is preparing a toddler for an IV insertion. Which approach is
appropriate?
A. Use simple words and allow the child to handle safe equipment
B. Provide a detailed explanation several days beforehand
C. Tell the child the procedure will not hurt
D. Ask the parent to leave immediately
Answer: A. Use simple words and allow the child to handle safe
equipment
Rationale: Toddlers benefit from brief, concrete explanations and
therapeutic play. The nurse should be honest without using
unnecessarily frightening language.
7.
, A hospitalized toddler cries when the parent leaves. Which interpretation
is appropriate?
A. The child is demonstrating separation anxiety
B. The child has delayed cognitive development
C. The child is intentionally manipulating the parent
D. The child is experiencing psychosis
Answer: A. The child is demonstrating separation anxiety
Rationale: Separation anxiety is common in toddlers. Familiar objects,
consistent routines, and parental involvement can reduce distress.
8.
A nurse is assessing a preschool-age child. Which activity is most
appropriate?
A. Imaginative play with dolls
B. Competitive adult-level sports
C. Abstract philosophical discussion
D. Independent financial decision-making
Answer: A. Imaginative play with dolls
Rationale: Preschoolers commonly engage in imaginative and pretend
play as they develop language, social skills, and symbolic thinking.
9.
A nurse is caring for a hospitalized preschooler. Which intervention can
reduce anxiety?
