1
ATI CAPSTONE NURSING CARE OF
CHILDREN ACTUAL EXAM 2026/2027 |
Questions and Answers | Expert Certified 100%
& NEW! | Pass Guaranteed - A+ Graded
SECTION 1: GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT (24 Questions)
Q1: A nurse is assessing a 4-year-old child during a well-child visit. Which of the following
findings should the nurse identify as indicating a need for further developmental evaluation?
A. The child can hop on one foot
B. The child speaks in 3-4 word sentences
C. The child engages in parallel play with peers [CORRECT]
D. The child believes that wearing a costume changes their identity
Rationale: By age 4, children should be engaging in associative play (interacting with others
during play), not parallel play (playing alongside but not with others). [CORRECT] Option C
indicates a potential developmental delay because parallel play is typical for toddlers aged 2-3
years, while associative and cooperative play emerges around ages 3-4. Option A is correct gross
motor development for a 4-year-old (hopping on one foot by age 4). Option B is actually delayed
language for age 4 (should be speaking in complete sentences). Option D demonstrates magical
thinking, which is normal preschooler cognition according to Piaget's preoperational stage. The
nurse should further evaluate the child's social development and consider referral for
developmental screening.
Q2: A nurse is caring for a 6-month-old infant. According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial
development, which behavior indicates successful resolution of the developmental task for this
age?
A. Smiling at familiar caregivers
B. Showing stranger anxiety
C. Exploring toys with hands and mouth
D. Crying when primary caregiver leaves [CORRECT]
Rationale: According to Erikson, infants aged 0-18 months are in the Trust vs. Mistrust stage.
[CORRECT] Option D demonstrates that the infant has developed trust and attachment to the
primary caregiver, which is the successful resolution of this stage. The infant recognizes the
,2
caregiver as a secure base and protests separation, indicating a healthy attachment. Option A
shows social development but doesn't specifically indicate trust resolution. Option B is a normal
developmental milestone but relates to cognitive recognition rather than trust. Option C
demonstrates sensorimotor exploration per Piaget, not Erikson's psychosocial development.
Q3: A nurse is teaching parents about developmental milestones for their 2-year-old toddler.
Which statement by the parents indicates understanding of appropriate expectations?
A. "My child should be able to draw a circle by now."
B. "I expect my child to use 2-word sentences consistently." [CORRECT]
C. "My child should be able to ride a tricycle."
D. "I should encourage my child to play cooperatively with other children."
Rationale: By age 2, toddlers typically use 2-word sentences (telegraphic speech) and have a
vocabulary of 50-200 words. [CORRECT] Option B demonstrates accurate understanding of
language development at this age. Option A is incorrect because drawing a circle emerges around
age 3. Option C is incorrect because tricycle riding typically occurs around age 3. Option D is
incorrect because 2-year-olds engage in parallel play, not cooperative play, which emerges
around ages 4-5. Parents should be taught age-appropriate expectations to avoid unnecessary
anxiety and to provide appropriate stimulation.
Q4: A nurse is assessing growth parameters for a 9-month-old infant. Which finding requires
immediate follow-up?
A. Head circumference increased 1 cm in 3 months
B. Weight gain of 0.5 kg in 2 months
C. Length increased 3 cm since birth
D. Head circumference greater than chest circumference [CORRECT]
Rationale: Normally, by age 9-12 months, an infant's chest circumference should equal or exceed
head circumference. [CORRECT] Option D indicates a potential problem requiring evaluation,
as this milestone should have occurred by this age. Persistent larger head circumference may
indicate hydrocephalus, failure to thrive, or other neurological concerns. Option A is normal
(head grows approximately 0.5 cm/month in infancy). Option B shows adequate weight gain
(infants gain 0.25-0.5 kg/month). Option C is concerning but not as immediately alarming as
D—infants typically grow 25 cm in first year, so 3 cm since birth suggests severe growth failure
requiring investigation, but the head-to-chest ratio is the more specific red flag for this age.
Q5: A nurse is planning care for a hospitalized 7-year-old child. According to Piaget's cognitive
development theory, which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
,3
A. Provide a security object and consistent caregiver
B. Use concrete examples and allow hands-on exploration [CORRECT]
C. Encourage discussion about future career aspirations
D. Use analogies and abstract reasoning in explanations
Rationale: A 7-year-old is in Piaget's concrete operational stage (ages 7-11), characterized by
logical thinking about concrete, tangible objects and events. [CORRECT] Option B is
appropriate because children in this stage learn best through direct experience and concrete
examples rather than abstract concepts. Option A is appropriate for toddlers in Erikson's
autonomy vs. shame and doubt stage. Option C involves future abstract thinking more
appropriate for adolescents in formal operational stage. Option D uses abstract reasoning, which
children cannot fully process until formal operational stage (age 11+). Nurses should adapt
teaching to the child's cognitive stage to enhance understanding and cooperation.
Q6: A nurse is assessing an adolescent for identity development. Which behavior best indicates
the adolescent is successfully navigating Erikson's Identity vs. Role Confusion stage?
A. Experimenting with different clothing styles and music preferences [CORRECT]
B. Consistently following parents' rules without question
C. Avoiding peer relationships to focus on academics
D. Refusing to consider future career options
Rationale: Erikson's Identity vs. Role Confusion stage (ages 12-18) involves exploring different
roles, values, and identities to establish a sense of self. [CORRECT] Option A demonstrates
healthy identity exploration through trying different styles and preferences, which is a normal
part of identity formation. Option B suggests foreclosure (accepting parental identity without
exploration), which prevents true identity development. Option C indicates isolation and
avoidance of social identity exploration. Option D demonstrates role confusion and refusal to
engage in future planning. Successful navigation involves exploring options while eventually
committing to an identity.
Q7: A nurse is evaluating developmental milestones for a 15-month-old toddler. Which finding
requires further assessment?
A. Walking independently
B. Using 5-10 words
C. Building a tower of 2 cubes
D. Pointing to body parts when named [CORRECT]
, 4
Rationale: By 15 months, toddlers should be able to point to at least one body part when named.
[CORRECT] Option D indicates a potential language or cognitive delay if the child cannot
perform this task. Option A is appropriate (walking independently by 12-15 months). Option B is
appropriate (vocabulary of 3-20 words by 15 months). Option C is actually advanced (tower of 2
cubes typically emerges at 15-18 months, so this is appropriate). The nurse should assess
hearing, language exposure, and cognitive development if the child cannot identify body parts.
Q8: A nurse is caring for a hospitalized 3-year-old. Which nursing action best supports the child's
psychosocial needs according to developmental stage?
A. Encourage the child to make all decisions about care
B. Provide consistent routines and allow choices when possible [CORRECT]
C. Explain procedures using medical terminology
D. Avoid discussing the hospitalization to prevent anxiety
Rationale: Three-year-olds are in Erikson's Initiative vs. Guilt stage and need opportunities for
autonomy within structured limits. [CORRECT] Option B supports initiative by allowing
appropriate choices (which juice, which story) while maintaining consistent routines that provide
security. Option A is inappropriate as 3-year-olds lack cognitive ability to make complex medical
decisions and would become overwhelmed. Option C exceeds their language and cognitive
comprehension (preoperational stage—concrete, egocentric thinking). Option D increases
anxiety through uncertainty; preschoolers need simple, honest explanations appropriate to their
developmental level.
Q9: A nurse is teaching parents of a newborn about infant stimulation. Which activity is
developmentally appropriate for promoting cognitive growth in a 2-month-old?
A. Reading books with complex stories
B. Playing peek-a-boo games
C. Providing high-contrast visual stimuli [CORRECT]
D. Offering shape-sorting toys
Rationale: At 2 months, infants have developing vision and can best focus on high-contrast
patterns (black/white, bright colors) placed 8-12 inches from face. [CORRECT] Option C
supports visual tracking and cognitive development appropriate for this age. Option A is
inappropriate as newborns cannot process complex narratives. Option B is more appropriate for
4-6 month olds who understand object permanence beginnings. Option D requires fine motor
skills and cognitive abilities not present until 12+ months. Age-appropriate stimulation enhances
neural pathway development without overwhelming the infant.
ATI CAPSTONE NURSING CARE OF
CHILDREN ACTUAL EXAM 2026/2027 |
Questions and Answers | Expert Certified 100%
& NEW! | Pass Guaranteed - A+ Graded
SECTION 1: GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT (24 Questions)
Q1: A nurse is assessing a 4-year-old child during a well-child visit. Which of the following
findings should the nurse identify as indicating a need for further developmental evaluation?
A. The child can hop on one foot
B. The child speaks in 3-4 word sentences
C. The child engages in parallel play with peers [CORRECT]
D. The child believes that wearing a costume changes their identity
Rationale: By age 4, children should be engaging in associative play (interacting with others
during play), not parallel play (playing alongside but not with others). [CORRECT] Option C
indicates a potential developmental delay because parallel play is typical for toddlers aged 2-3
years, while associative and cooperative play emerges around ages 3-4. Option A is correct gross
motor development for a 4-year-old (hopping on one foot by age 4). Option B is actually delayed
language for age 4 (should be speaking in complete sentences). Option D demonstrates magical
thinking, which is normal preschooler cognition according to Piaget's preoperational stage. The
nurse should further evaluate the child's social development and consider referral for
developmental screening.
Q2: A nurse is caring for a 6-month-old infant. According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial
development, which behavior indicates successful resolution of the developmental task for this
age?
A. Smiling at familiar caregivers
B. Showing stranger anxiety
C. Exploring toys with hands and mouth
D. Crying when primary caregiver leaves [CORRECT]
Rationale: According to Erikson, infants aged 0-18 months are in the Trust vs. Mistrust stage.
[CORRECT] Option D demonstrates that the infant has developed trust and attachment to the
primary caregiver, which is the successful resolution of this stage. The infant recognizes the
,2
caregiver as a secure base and protests separation, indicating a healthy attachment. Option A
shows social development but doesn't specifically indicate trust resolution. Option B is a normal
developmental milestone but relates to cognitive recognition rather than trust. Option C
demonstrates sensorimotor exploration per Piaget, not Erikson's psychosocial development.
Q3: A nurse is teaching parents about developmental milestones for their 2-year-old toddler.
Which statement by the parents indicates understanding of appropriate expectations?
A. "My child should be able to draw a circle by now."
B. "I expect my child to use 2-word sentences consistently." [CORRECT]
C. "My child should be able to ride a tricycle."
D. "I should encourage my child to play cooperatively with other children."
Rationale: By age 2, toddlers typically use 2-word sentences (telegraphic speech) and have a
vocabulary of 50-200 words. [CORRECT] Option B demonstrates accurate understanding of
language development at this age. Option A is incorrect because drawing a circle emerges around
age 3. Option C is incorrect because tricycle riding typically occurs around age 3. Option D is
incorrect because 2-year-olds engage in parallel play, not cooperative play, which emerges
around ages 4-5. Parents should be taught age-appropriate expectations to avoid unnecessary
anxiety and to provide appropriate stimulation.
Q4: A nurse is assessing growth parameters for a 9-month-old infant. Which finding requires
immediate follow-up?
A. Head circumference increased 1 cm in 3 months
B. Weight gain of 0.5 kg in 2 months
C. Length increased 3 cm since birth
D. Head circumference greater than chest circumference [CORRECT]
Rationale: Normally, by age 9-12 months, an infant's chest circumference should equal or exceed
head circumference. [CORRECT] Option D indicates a potential problem requiring evaluation,
as this milestone should have occurred by this age. Persistent larger head circumference may
indicate hydrocephalus, failure to thrive, or other neurological concerns. Option A is normal
(head grows approximately 0.5 cm/month in infancy). Option B shows adequate weight gain
(infants gain 0.25-0.5 kg/month). Option C is concerning but not as immediately alarming as
D—infants typically grow 25 cm in first year, so 3 cm since birth suggests severe growth failure
requiring investigation, but the head-to-chest ratio is the more specific red flag for this age.
Q5: A nurse is planning care for a hospitalized 7-year-old child. According to Piaget's cognitive
development theory, which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
,3
A. Provide a security object and consistent caregiver
B. Use concrete examples and allow hands-on exploration [CORRECT]
C. Encourage discussion about future career aspirations
D. Use analogies and abstract reasoning in explanations
Rationale: A 7-year-old is in Piaget's concrete operational stage (ages 7-11), characterized by
logical thinking about concrete, tangible objects and events. [CORRECT] Option B is
appropriate because children in this stage learn best through direct experience and concrete
examples rather than abstract concepts. Option A is appropriate for toddlers in Erikson's
autonomy vs. shame and doubt stage. Option C involves future abstract thinking more
appropriate for adolescents in formal operational stage. Option D uses abstract reasoning, which
children cannot fully process until formal operational stage (age 11+). Nurses should adapt
teaching to the child's cognitive stage to enhance understanding and cooperation.
Q6: A nurse is assessing an adolescent for identity development. Which behavior best indicates
the adolescent is successfully navigating Erikson's Identity vs. Role Confusion stage?
A. Experimenting with different clothing styles and music preferences [CORRECT]
B. Consistently following parents' rules without question
C. Avoiding peer relationships to focus on academics
D. Refusing to consider future career options
Rationale: Erikson's Identity vs. Role Confusion stage (ages 12-18) involves exploring different
roles, values, and identities to establish a sense of self. [CORRECT] Option A demonstrates
healthy identity exploration through trying different styles and preferences, which is a normal
part of identity formation. Option B suggests foreclosure (accepting parental identity without
exploration), which prevents true identity development. Option C indicates isolation and
avoidance of social identity exploration. Option D demonstrates role confusion and refusal to
engage in future planning. Successful navigation involves exploring options while eventually
committing to an identity.
Q7: A nurse is evaluating developmental milestones for a 15-month-old toddler. Which finding
requires further assessment?
A. Walking independently
B. Using 5-10 words
C. Building a tower of 2 cubes
D. Pointing to body parts when named [CORRECT]
, 4
Rationale: By 15 months, toddlers should be able to point to at least one body part when named.
[CORRECT] Option D indicates a potential language or cognitive delay if the child cannot
perform this task. Option A is appropriate (walking independently by 12-15 months). Option B is
appropriate (vocabulary of 3-20 words by 15 months). Option C is actually advanced (tower of 2
cubes typically emerges at 15-18 months, so this is appropriate). The nurse should assess
hearing, language exposure, and cognitive development if the child cannot identify body parts.
Q8: A nurse is caring for a hospitalized 3-year-old. Which nursing action best supports the child's
psychosocial needs according to developmental stage?
A. Encourage the child to make all decisions about care
B. Provide consistent routines and allow choices when possible [CORRECT]
C. Explain procedures using medical terminology
D. Avoid discussing the hospitalization to prevent anxiety
Rationale: Three-year-olds are in Erikson's Initiative vs. Guilt stage and need opportunities for
autonomy within structured limits. [CORRECT] Option B supports initiative by allowing
appropriate choices (which juice, which story) while maintaining consistent routines that provide
security. Option A is inappropriate as 3-year-olds lack cognitive ability to make complex medical
decisions and would become overwhelmed. Option C exceeds their language and cognitive
comprehension (preoperational stage—concrete, egocentric thinking). Option D increases
anxiety through uncertainty; preschoolers need simple, honest explanations appropriate to their
developmental level.
Q9: A nurse is teaching parents of a newborn about infant stimulation. Which activity is
developmentally appropriate for promoting cognitive growth in a 2-month-old?
A. Reading books with complex stories
B. Playing peek-a-boo games
C. Providing high-contrast visual stimuli [CORRECT]
D. Offering shape-sorting toys
Rationale: At 2 months, infants have developing vision and can best focus on high-contrast
patterns (black/white, bright colors) placed 8-12 inches from face. [CORRECT] Option C
supports visual tracking and cognitive development appropriate for this age. Option A is
inappropriate as newborns cannot process complex narratives. Option B is more appropriate for
4-6 month olds who understand object permanence beginnings. Option D requires fine motor
skills and cognitive abilities not present until 12+ months. Age-appropriate stimulation enhances
neural pathway development without overwhelming the infant.
