ATI RN PEDIATRICS PROCTORED EXAM PRACTICE
QUESTIONS AND RATIONALES 2026
1. A nurse is caring for a 3‑year‑old child who is crying when the parent leaves for
work. What is the best nursing action?
A. Tell the child “Stop crying, your mom will be back.”
B. Distract the child with a stuffed animal
C. Validate feelings: “I know you miss your mom. Let’s draw a picture for her.”
D. Call the parent to return immediately
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Validating feelings and offering a coping activity supports emotional
development. Dismissing feelings or distraction without validation is less effective;
calling parent reinforces separation anxiety.
2. A nurse is assessing a 4‑month‑old infant. Which developmental milestone
should the nurse expect?
A. Sits unsupported
B. Rolls front to back
C. Walks with assistance
D. Uses pincer grasp
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Rolling front to back typically occurs at 4 months. Sitting unsupported is at
6‑8 months; walking with assistance at 9‑12 months; pincer grasp at 9‑10 months.
, 3. A child with suspected epiglottitis is sitting in a tripod position with stridor and
drooling. What is the priority action?
A. Inspect the throat with a tongue depressor
B. Obtain a throat culture
C. Prepare for IV antibiotics
D. Prepare for intubation setup and do not agitate child
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Epiglottitis is a medical emergency; agitation or throat manipulation can
cause complete airway obstruction. Prepare for intubation in a calm manner.
4. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to the parent of a child with a new
diagnosis of asthma. Which statement indicates understanding?
A. “I will give my child ibuprofen for wheezing.”
B. “I will use the peak flow meter daily.”
C. “I will stop the controller medication when symptoms improve.”
D. “I will avoid all physical activity.”
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Daily peak flow monitoring helps manage asthma. Ibuprofen is not a
bronchodilator; controller meds are taken daily regardless of symptoms; activity should
be encouraged with pre‑exercise treatment.
QUESTIONS AND RATIONALES 2026
1. A nurse is caring for a 3‑year‑old child who is crying when the parent leaves for
work. What is the best nursing action?
A. Tell the child “Stop crying, your mom will be back.”
B. Distract the child with a stuffed animal
C. Validate feelings: “I know you miss your mom. Let’s draw a picture for her.”
D. Call the parent to return immediately
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Validating feelings and offering a coping activity supports emotional
development. Dismissing feelings or distraction without validation is less effective;
calling parent reinforces separation anxiety.
2. A nurse is assessing a 4‑month‑old infant. Which developmental milestone
should the nurse expect?
A. Sits unsupported
B. Rolls front to back
C. Walks with assistance
D. Uses pincer grasp
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Rolling front to back typically occurs at 4 months. Sitting unsupported is at
6‑8 months; walking with assistance at 9‑12 months; pincer grasp at 9‑10 months.
, 3. A child with suspected epiglottitis is sitting in a tripod position with stridor and
drooling. What is the priority action?
A. Inspect the throat with a tongue depressor
B. Obtain a throat culture
C. Prepare for IV antibiotics
D. Prepare for intubation setup and do not agitate child
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Epiglottitis is a medical emergency; agitation or throat manipulation can
cause complete airway obstruction. Prepare for intubation in a calm manner.
4. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to the parent of a child with a new
diagnosis of asthma. Which statement indicates understanding?
A. “I will give my child ibuprofen for wheezing.”
B. “I will use the peak flow meter daily.”
C. “I will stop the controller medication when symptoms improve.”
D. “I will avoid all physical activity.”
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Daily peak flow monitoring helps manage asthma. Ibuprofen is not a
bronchodilator; controller meds are taken daily regardless of symptoms; activity should
be encouraged with pre‑exercise treatment.
