2026 ATI Nursing Care of Children
Proctored Assessment Pediatric Nursing
Examination with Verified Answers and
Rationales
1. A nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant during a well-child
visit. Which developmental milestone should the nurse
expect?
A. Walks independently
B. Uses two-word phrases
C. Rolls from back to abdomen
D. Rides a tricycle
Answer: C. Rolls from back to abdomen
Rationale: Most infants roll over by 6 months, demonstrating
appropriate gross motor development.
2. A nurse is caring for a child with acute otitis media. Which
assessment finding is expected?
,A. Ear pain with fever
B. Bradycardia
C. Productive cough
D. Bilateral ankle edema
Answer: A. Ear pain with fever
Rationale: Acute otitis media commonly presents with ear pain,
irritability, fever, and decreased hearing.
3. Which immunization is routinely administered at birth?
A. MMR
B. Varicella
C. DTaP
D. Hepatitis B
Answer: D. Hepatitis B
Rationale: The first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine is
recommended shortly after birth.
4. A nurse is teaching parents about oral rehydration therapy
for a child with gastroenteritis. Which statement is
appropriate?
A. Offer only water.
B. Stop all fluids for 24 hours.
,C. Use oral rehydration solution in small frequent amounts.
D. Give carbonated beverages.
Answer: C. Use oral rehydration solution in small frequent
amounts.
Rationale: Oral rehydration solution replaces water and
electrolytes effectively during mild to moderate dehydration.
5. A child with nephrotic syndrome is admitted to the pediatric
unit. Which assessment finding should the nurse expect?
A. Weight loss
B. Generalized edema
C. Dry mucous membranes
D. Hyperactivity
Answer: B. Generalized edema
Rationale: Protein loss through the kidneys decreases plasma
oncotic pressure, resulting in edema.
6. Which intervention is the priority for a child actively having
a seizure?
A. Insert an oral airway.
B. Restrict movement.
, C. Protect the child from injury.
D. Give food immediately.
Answer: C. Protect the child from injury.
Rationale: Maintaining safety during seizure activity is the
highest nursing priority.
7. A nurse is caring for a child with bacterial meningitis. Which
isolation precaution is indicated initially?
A. Airborne
B. Contact
C. Protective
D. Droplet
Answer: D. Droplet
Rationale: Droplet precautions reduce transmission of
organisms causing bacterial meningitis.
8. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor closely in
a child with diabetic ketoacidosis?
A. Hemoglobin
B. Platelets
C. Serum potassium
D. Calcium
Proctored Assessment Pediatric Nursing
Examination with Verified Answers and
Rationales
1. A nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant during a well-child
visit. Which developmental milestone should the nurse
expect?
A. Walks independently
B. Uses two-word phrases
C. Rolls from back to abdomen
D. Rides a tricycle
Answer: C. Rolls from back to abdomen
Rationale: Most infants roll over by 6 months, demonstrating
appropriate gross motor development.
2. A nurse is caring for a child with acute otitis media. Which
assessment finding is expected?
,A. Ear pain with fever
B. Bradycardia
C. Productive cough
D. Bilateral ankle edema
Answer: A. Ear pain with fever
Rationale: Acute otitis media commonly presents with ear pain,
irritability, fever, and decreased hearing.
3. Which immunization is routinely administered at birth?
A. MMR
B. Varicella
C. DTaP
D. Hepatitis B
Answer: D. Hepatitis B
Rationale: The first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine is
recommended shortly after birth.
4. A nurse is teaching parents about oral rehydration therapy
for a child with gastroenteritis. Which statement is
appropriate?
A. Offer only water.
B. Stop all fluids for 24 hours.
,C. Use oral rehydration solution in small frequent amounts.
D. Give carbonated beverages.
Answer: C. Use oral rehydration solution in small frequent
amounts.
Rationale: Oral rehydration solution replaces water and
electrolytes effectively during mild to moderate dehydration.
5. A child with nephrotic syndrome is admitted to the pediatric
unit. Which assessment finding should the nurse expect?
A. Weight loss
B. Generalized edema
C. Dry mucous membranes
D. Hyperactivity
Answer: B. Generalized edema
Rationale: Protein loss through the kidneys decreases plasma
oncotic pressure, resulting in edema.
6. Which intervention is the priority for a child actively having
a seizure?
A. Insert an oral airway.
B. Restrict movement.
, C. Protect the child from injury.
D. Give food immediately.
Answer: C. Protect the child from injury.
Rationale: Maintaining safety during seizure activity is the
highest nursing priority.
7. A nurse is caring for a child with bacterial meningitis. Which
isolation precaution is indicated initially?
A. Airborne
B. Contact
C. Protective
D. Droplet
Answer: D. Droplet
Rationale: Droplet precautions reduce transmission of
organisms causing bacterial meningitis.
8. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor closely in
a child with diabetic ketoacidosis?
A. Hemoglobin
B. Platelets
C. Serum potassium
D. Calcium
