P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
ATI Peds proctored exam
95+ (2026/27) Exam Solutions | Answer Key with Rationales
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales 99 Questions
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This ATI Peds proctored exam document covers pediatric nursing topics such as fluid and electrolyte balance,
common childhood illnesses like meningitis and glomerulonephritis, and developmental considerations for
various age groups. It provides 99 questions with pre-selected correct answers and detailed explanations,
allowing students to effectively study, review, and deepen their understanding of critical pediatric concepts.
E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 99
A nurse is collecting data on a 3-year-old child admitted with a 48-hour history of profuse, watery diarrhea
and decreased oral intake. The child's skin turgor is diminished, and the mucous membranes appear dry.
Which of the following actions should the nurse perform FIRST?
A) Administer an antiemetic medication if vomiting is present.
B) Initiate intravenous fluid resuscitation with normal saline.
C) Obtain a stool specimen for culture and sensitivity.
D) Assess the child's current weight and vital signs.
CORRECT ANSWER
D) Assess the child's current weight and vital signs.
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, RATIONALE
The nurse's priority is to establish a baseline assessment of the child's hydration status, including vital signs and
weight, to guide subsequent interventions for severe diarrhea. This pre-empts other actions by providing
essential data for fluid balance evaluation.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 99
A nurse in the pediatric clinic is collecting data from the parent of a 3-year-old boy who reports a palpable
abdominal mass and pink-tinged urine. Which of the following immediate nursing actions is most
appropriate?
A) Administer an antipyretic medication to reduce any potential fever.
B) Prepare the child for abdominal palpation by the healthcare provider.
C) Instruct the parent to avoid applying pressure to the child's abdomen.
D) Collect a midstream urine specimen for urinalysis.
CORRECT ANSWER
C) Instruct the parent to avoid applying pressure to the child's abdomen.
RATIONALE
Wilms tumor, a common pediatric abdominal malignancy, can be exacerbated by direct pressure on the mass.
Protecting the mass from palpation by the parent is the priority to prevent potential tumor rupture or seeding.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 99
The nurse is collecting data for an infant diagnosed with acute glomerulonephritis and a recent urine
output of 20 mL over the past 4 hours. Which of the following nursing actions is the highest priority?
A) Administer intravenous furosemide as prescribed.
B) Encourage fluid intake of 1200 mL per day.
C) Perform daily weight measurements.
D) Assess the child's skin turgor.
CORRECT ANSWER
C) Perform daily weight measurements.
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, RATIONALE
Daily weight is the most sensitive indicator of fluid balance in children with glomerulonephritis, reflecting fluid
retention or loss more accurately than other assessments. Monitoring weight directly addresses the risk of fluid
overload, a critical complication of this condition.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 99
A nurse is initiating care for a 4-year-old child admitted with a suspected diagnosis of bacterial
meningitis, presenting with a temperature of 103.5°F (39.7°C) and nuchal rigidity. The laboratory has just
notified the nurse that the blood culture and CSF culture specimens are drawn and en route to the lab.
What is the nurse's IMMEDIATE priority action?
A) Administer intravenous acetaminophen for fever reduction.
B) Prepare and administer the ordered broad-spectrum antibiotics.
C) Initiate fluid resuscitation with a 20 mL/kg normal saline bolus.
D) Obtain a complete neurological assessment before notifying the provider.
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Prepare and administer the ordered broad-spectrum antibiotics.
RATIONALE
Early administration of antibiotics is critical to reduce mortality and morbidity in bacterial meningitis; delaying
treatment for other interventions, even supportive ones, is not indicated when definitive treatment is ready.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 99
The pediatric nurse is assessing adolescents admitted to the unit. Based on current research, which of the
following findings in an adolescent patient would warrant immediate follow-up by the nurse to assess for
suicide risk? (Select all that apply.)
A) A recent diagnosis of a new-onset seizure disorder.
B) A parental report of increasing social media use over the past month.
C) A history of a previous suicide attempt documented in the chart.
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, D) An adolescent expressing feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness to the nurse.
E) A recent increase in academic performance and extracurricular involvement.
CORRECT ANSWER
C) A history of a previous suicide attempt documented in the chart.
D) An adolescent expressing feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness to the nurse.
RATIONALE
A previous suicide attempt and current expressions of hopelessness are the most significant indicators of active
suicidal ideation and intent, requiring immediate intervention. Other factors may be associated but are not as
direct a risk as these two findings.
Q6 QUESTION 6 OF 99
A nurse is assessing a 9-month-old infant presenting with fever and fussiness. The infant's parent reports
the child has been pulling at the right side of their head with increased frequency over the last 24 hours.
Which of the following assessment findings is most indicative of otitis media in this infant?
A) Tympanic membrane bulging and erythematous
B) Serous fluid draining from the external ear canal
C) Absence of cerumen in the external ear canal
D) Tympanic membrane opaque and retracted
CORRECT ANSWER
A) Tympanic membrane bulging and erythematous
RATIONALE
In otitis media, inflammation and fluid buildup behind the tympanic membrane cause it to bulge outward and
appear red, which is a classic diagnostic finding. The other options describe unrelated or absent findings for this
condition.
Q7 QUESTION 7 OF 99
A nurse is reinforcing teaching with the parent of a 1-month-old infant scheduled for an initial surgical
pull-through procedure for Hirschsprung's disease. The parent states, "I'm so worried about this surgery."
Which of the following parent statements would indicate to the nurse that teaching has been effective
regarding the surgical goal?
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