[ATI PEDIATRICS PROCTORED EXAM BUNDLE] – QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED
AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST EXAM
UPDATE
*Core Domains*
*Growth and Development*
*Pediatric Physical Assessment*
*Common Health Alterations in Children*
*Pediatric Pharmacology*
*Family-Centered Care*
*Safety and Infection Control*
*Ethical and Legal Considerations*
*Emergency Pediatric Interventions*
*Introduction*
*This assessment is designed to evaluate comprehensive knowledge of
pediatric nursing care. It serves as a rigorous preparation tool for the ATI Pediatrics
Proctored Exam. The content covers essential skills, including physiological assessment,
developmental milestones, therapeutic communication, and clinical decision-making.
Through a mix of foundational theory and complex, real-world clinical scenarios, this exam
challenges the nurse to apply evidence-based practice to diverse pediatric populations. The
structured format emphasizes critical thinking, safety, and regulatory compliance.
Candidates will be assessed on their ability to prioritize interventions and provide holistic,
family-centered care in both acute and community settings.*
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. A nurse is caring for an 8-month-old infant. Which of the following developmental
milestones should the nurse expect the infant to exhibit? A. Walking with support B.
Sitting without support C. Using a neat pincer grasp D. Building a tower of two blocks
B. Sitting without support Explanation: Infants typically learn to sit without
support by 8 months of age. Walking with support is expected closer to 12 months,
the pincer grasp develops around 9-10 months, and stacking blocks is a toddler
milestone.
2. A nurse is teaching a parent about the nutritional needs of a 4-month-old infant.
Which of the following statements by the parent indicates an understanding of the
teaching? A. I will introduce strained carrots today. B. I will begin feeding my baby
, iron-fortified rice cereal. C. I will add honey to the formula to increase caloric intake.
D. I will wait until 6 months of age to introduce any solid foods. D. I will wait until
6 months of age to introduce any solid foods. Explanation: Current
recommendations suggest exclusive breastfeeding or formula feeding until 6 months
of age to reduce the risk of allergies and digestive issues.
3. A nurse is assessing an adolescent with suspected scoliosis. Which of the following
manifestations should the nurse expect to find? A. A rib hump when the child bends
forward B. Uneven shoulder heights C. Asymmetry of the scapulae D. All of the above
D. All of the above Explanation: Scoliosis assessment includes checking for a
rib hump during the Adam’s forward bend test, as well as observing for uneven
shoulders and scapular asymmetry.
4. A nurse is caring for a child who has cystic fibrosis. Which of the following actions
should the nurse include in the plan of care? A. Administer pancreatic enzymes with
meals. B. Restrict fluid intake. C. Encourage a low-fat, low-protein diet. D. Provide a
humidified environment. A. Administer pancreatic enzymes with meals.
Explanation: Children with cystic fibrosis require pancreatic enzyme replacement
with every meal and snack to aid in the digestion and absorption of nutrients.
5. A nurse is caring for an infant who has a myelomeningocele. Which of the following
actions is the priority during the preoperative period? A. Monitor head
circumference. B. Keep the sac free of pressure. C. Initiate antibiotic therapy. D.
Measure intake and output. B. Keep the sac free of pressure. Explanation:
Protecting the sac from rupture or injury is the immediate priority to prevent
infection and further neurological damage.
6. A nurse is providing discharge instructions to the parents of a child who has asthma.
Which of the following should the nurse include as a potential trigger to avoid? A.
Stuffed animals B. Wood-burning stoves C. Cockroaches D. All of the above D. All
of the above Explanation: All listed items are common environmental triggers
that can exacerbate asthma symptoms in children.
7. A nurse is assessing a toddler who has acute otitis media. Which of the following
findings should the nurse expect? A. Pulling at the affected ear B. Clear, watery
drainage from the ear C. Decreased pain when lying down D. A red, bulging tympanic
membrane D. A red, bulging tympanic membrane Explanation: Acute otitis
media is characterized by a red, bulging, and immobile tympanic membrane, often
accompanied by pain and fever.
8. A nurse is caring for a school-age child with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which of the
following findings indicates the child is experiencing hypoglycemia? A. Increased
thirst B. Sweating and shakiness C. Fruity breath odor D. Polyuria B. Sweating and
, shakiness Explanation: Hypoglycemia in children commonly manifests as
sweating, tremors, hunger, dizziness, and irritability due to a sudden drop in blood
glucose.
9. A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to a 6-month-old infant.
Which of the following sites is the preferred injection site? A. Deltoid B. Dorsogluteal
C. Vastus lateralis D. Ventrogluteal C. Vastus lateralis Explanation: The vastus
lateralis muscle is the preferred site for intramuscular injections in infants and
toddlers because it is the most developed muscle group.
10. A nurse is caring for a preschooler who has been hospitalized for 3 days. The nurse
observes that the child is crying and refusing to eat. What stage of separation anxiety
is this child exhibiting? A. Protest B. Despair C. Detachment D. Regression A.
Protest Explanation: The protest stage is characterized by crying, agitation, and
rejection of caregivers or strangers, often occurring immediately after separation.
11. A nurse is caring for an adolescent who has a closed fracture of the tibia and is in a
cast. Which of the following assessments is the priority? A. Capillary refill time B. Pain
level C. Range of motion D. Skin integrity A. Capillary refill time Explanation:
Neurovascular assessment is the priority to ensure adequate circulation and nerve
function distal to the injury, preventing compartment syndrome.
12. A nurse is caring for a child who has bacterial meningitis. Which of the following
actions should the nurse take first? A. Administer intravenous fluids. B. Initiate
droplet precautions. C. Obtain a blood culture. D. Administer analgesics. B.
Initiate droplet precautions. Explanation: Bacterial meningitis is highly
contagious; therefore, implementing isolation precautions immediately is the priority
to protect other patients and staff.
13. A nurse is caring for a child who has been diagnosed with leukemia and is starting
chemotherapy. Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse monitor
most closely? A. Platelet count B. White blood cell count C. Hemoglobin level D.
Hematocrit level B. White blood cell count Explanation: Chemotherapy
suppresses bone marrow, leading to neutropenia. Monitoring the WBC count is
critical to identify the risk for life-threatening infection.
14. A nurse is assessing a 2-year-old child. Which of the following findings should the
nurse report to the provider? A. Uses 2-word sentences B. Walks up stairs by holding
onto a railing C. Displays parallel play D. Cannot jump with both feet D. Cannot
jump with both feet Explanation: While children develop at different rates, a 2-
year-old is typically expected to be able to jump with both feet; this delay warrants
further investigation.
AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST EXAM
UPDATE
*Core Domains*
*Growth and Development*
*Pediatric Physical Assessment*
*Common Health Alterations in Children*
*Pediatric Pharmacology*
*Family-Centered Care*
*Safety and Infection Control*
*Ethical and Legal Considerations*
*Emergency Pediatric Interventions*
*Introduction*
*This assessment is designed to evaluate comprehensive knowledge of
pediatric nursing care. It serves as a rigorous preparation tool for the ATI Pediatrics
Proctored Exam. The content covers essential skills, including physiological assessment,
developmental milestones, therapeutic communication, and clinical decision-making.
Through a mix of foundational theory and complex, real-world clinical scenarios, this exam
challenges the nurse to apply evidence-based practice to diverse pediatric populations. The
structured format emphasizes critical thinking, safety, and regulatory compliance.
Candidates will be assessed on their ability to prioritize interventions and provide holistic,
family-centered care in both acute and community settings.*
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. A nurse is caring for an 8-month-old infant. Which of the following developmental
milestones should the nurse expect the infant to exhibit? A. Walking with support B.
Sitting without support C. Using a neat pincer grasp D. Building a tower of two blocks
B. Sitting without support Explanation: Infants typically learn to sit without
support by 8 months of age. Walking with support is expected closer to 12 months,
the pincer grasp develops around 9-10 months, and stacking blocks is a toddler
milestone.
2. A nurse is teaching a parent about the nutritional needs of a 4-month-old infant.
Which of the following statements by the parent indicates an understanding of the
teaching? A. I will introduce strained carrots today. B. I will begin feeding my baby
, iron-fortified rice cereal. C. I will add honey to the formula to increase caloric intake.
D. I will wait until 6 months of age to introduce any solid foods. D. I will wait until
6 months of age to introduce any solid foods. Explanation: Current
recommendations suggest exclusive breastfeeding or formula feeding until 6 months
of age to reduce the risk of allergies and digestive issues.
3. A nurse is assessing an adolescent with suspected scoliosis. Which of the following
manifestations should the nurse expect to find? A. A rib hump when the child bends
forward B. Uneven shoulder heights C. Asymmetry of the scapulae D. All of the above
D. All of the above Explanation: Scoliosis assessment includes checking for a
rib hump during the Adam’s forward bend test, as well as observing for uneven
shoulders and scapular asymmetry.
4. A nurse is caring for a child who has cystic fibrosis. Which of the following actions
should the nurse include in the plan of care? A. Administer pancreatic enzymes with
meals. B. Restrict fluid intake. C. Encourage a low-fat, low-protein diet. D. Provide a
humidified environment. A. Administer pancreatic enzymes with meals.
Explanation: Children with cystic fibrosis require pancreatic enzyme replacement
with every meal and snack to aid in the digestion and absorption of nutrients.
5. A nurse is caring for an infant who has a myelomeningocele. Which of the following
actions is the priority during the preoperative period? A. Monitor head
circumference. B. Keep the sac free of pressure. C. Initiate antibiotic therapy. D.
Measure intake and output. B. Keep the sac free of pressure. Explanation:
Protecting the sac from rupture or injury is the immediate priority to prevent
infection and further neurological damage.
6. A nurse is providing discharge instructions to the parents of a child who has asthma.
Which of the following should the nurse include as a potential trigger to avoid? A.
Stuffed animals B. Wood-burning stoves C. Cockroaches D. All of the above D. All
of the above Explanation: All listed items are common environmental triggers
that can exacerbate asthma symptoms in children.
7. A nurse is assessing a toddler who has acute otitis media. Which of the following
findings should the nurse expect? A. Pulling at the affected ear B. Clear, watery
drainage from the ear C. Decreased pain when lying down D. A red, bulging tympanic
membrane D. A red, bulging tympanic membrane Explanation: Acute otitis
media is characterized by a red, bulging, and immobile tympanic membrane, often
accompanied by pain and fever.
8. A nurse is caring for a school-age child with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which of the
following findings indicates the child is experiencing hypoglycemia? A. Increased
thirst B. Sweating and shakiness C. Fruity breath odor D. Polyuria B. Sweating and
, shakiness Explanation: Hypoglycemia in children commonly manifests as
sweating, tremors, hunger, dizziness, and irritability due to a sudden drop in blood
glucose.
9. A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to a 6-month-old infant.
Which of the following sites is the preferred injection site? A. Deltoid B. Dorsogluteal
C. Vastus lateralis D. Ventrogluteal C. Vastus lateralis Explanation: The vastus
lateralis muscle is the preferred site for intramuscular injections in infants and
toddlers because it is the most developed muscle group.
10. A nurse is caring for a preschooler who has been hospitalized for 3 days. The nurse
observes that the child is crying and refusing to eat. What stage of separation anxiety
is this child exhibiting? A. Protest B. Despair C. Detachment D. Regression A.
Protest Explanation: The protest stage is characterized by crying, agitation, and
rejection of caregivers or strangers, often occurring immediately after separation.
11. A nurse is caring for an adolescent who has a closed fracture of the tibia and is in a
cast. Which of the following assessments is the priority? A. Capillary refill time B. Pain
level C. Range of motion D. Skin integrity A. Capillary refill time Explanation:
Neurovascular assessment is the priority to ensure adequate circulation and nerve
function distal to the injury, preventing compartment syndrome.
12. A nurse is caring for a child who has bacterial meningitis. Which of the following
actions should the nurse take first? A. Administer intravenous fluids. B. Initiate
droplet precautions. C. Obtain a blood culture. D. Administer analgesics. B.
Initiate droplet precautions. Explanation: Bacterial meningitis is highly
contagious; therefore, implementing isolation precautions immediately is the priority
to protect other patients and staff.
13. A nurse is caring for a child who has been diagnosed with leukemia and is starting
chemotherapy. Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse monitor
most closely? A. Platelet count B. White blood cell count C. Hemoglobin level D.
Hematocrit level B. White blood cell count Explanation: Chemotherapy
suppresses bone marrow, leading to neutropenia. Monitoring the WBC count is
critical to identify the risk for life-threatening infection.
14. A nurse is assessing a 2-year-old child. Which of the following findings should the
nurse report to the provider? A. Uses 2-word sentences B. Walks up stairs by holding
onto a railing C. Displays parallel play D. Cannot jump with both feet D. Cannot
jump with both feet Explanation: While children develop at different rates, a 2-
year-old is typically expected to be able to jump with both feet; this delay warrants
further investigation.
