ATI Pediatrics Proctored Exam V2 | 2026
Q&A with Rationale (ATI Pediatrics
Proctored Exam 2026)
1. A nurse is providing teaching to the parents of a 6-month-old infant regarding the
introduction of solid foods. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
A. Start with iron-fortified rice cereal as the first solid food.
B. Introduce fruit juice before solid foods to increase vitamin C intake.
C. Add honey to the infant’s cereal to improve flavor.
D. Mix solid foods in the bottle with formula to encourage swallowing.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Iron-fortified rice cereal is typically the first solid food introduced because it is
easily digested and has a low allergenic potential. The nurse should instruct parents to
introduce one new food at a time every 4 to 7 days to monitor for allergies. Honey should
be avoided in infants under 12 months old due to the risk of botulism.
2. A nurse is assessing a 4-year-old child during a well-child visit. Which of the following
developmental milestones should the nurse expect the child to have achieved?
A. Using a spoon to eat without spilling.
B. Hopping on one foot.
C. Tying shoelaces independently.
,D. Printing their first and last name.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A 4-year-old child is expected to be able to hop on one foot and throw a ball
overhand. Tying shoelaces and printing names are skills typically developed around age 5
or 6. Using a spoon without spilling is usually mastered by age 3, so hopping is the most
age-appropriate milestone for a 4-year-old.
3. A nurse is caring for a school-age child who has a prescription for Digoxin. Which of the
following findings should the nurse identify as an early manifestation of digoxin toxicity?
A. Increased appetite
B. Blurred vision
C. Nausea and vomiting
D. Tachycardia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and anorexia are common
early signs of digoxin toxicity in children. While blurred vision or ‘halos’ are signs of
toxicity, they are less common in younger pediatric patients. The nurse should always
check the apical pulse for one full minute prior to administration and withhold the dose if
the heart rate is below age-specific parameters.
, 4. A nurse is caring for an infant who has a prescription for a lumbar puncture to rule out
meningitis. Which of the following positions should the nurse place the infant in for the
procedure?
A. Prone with the head turned to the side
B. Lithotomy position
C. Supine with the legs extended
D. Side-lying with the knees drawn up to the chest
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The side-lying, fetal position (knees to chest) helps to open the intervertebral
spaces, allowing the provider easier access to the subarachnoid space. During the
procedure, the nurse must ensure the infant’s airway is not compromised by excessive
neck flexion. Post-procedure care includes keeping the child flat to prevent a post-dural
puncture headache.
5. A nurse is teaching the parent of a toddler who has a new diagnosis of Celiac disease.
Which of the following foods should the nurse recommend including in the toddler’s diet?
A. Corn tortillas
B. Barley soup
C. Whole wheat bread
D. Rye crackers
Q&A with Rationale (ATI Pediatrics
Proctored Exam 2026)
1. A nurse is providing teaching to the parents of a 6-month-old infant regarding the
introduction of solid foods. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
A. Start with iron-fortified rice cereal as the first solid food.
B. Introduce fruit juice before solid foods to increase vitamin C intake.
C. Add honey to the infant’s cereal to improve flavor.
D. Mix solid foods in the bottle with formula to encourage swallowing.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Iron-fortified rice cereal is typically the first solid food introduced because it is
easily digested and has a low allergenic potential. The nurse should instruct parents to
introduce one new food at a time every 4 to 7 days to monitor for allergies. Honey should
be avoided in infants under 12 months old due to the risk of botulism.
2. A nurse is assessing a 4-year-old child during a well-child visit. Which of the following
developmental milestones should the nurse expect the child to have achieved?
A. Using a spoon to eat without spilling.
B. Hopping on one foot.
C. Tying shoelaces independently.
,D. Printing their first and last name.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A 4-year-old child is expected to be able to hop on one foot and throw a ball
overhand. Tying shoelaces and printing names are skills typically developed around age 5
or 6. Using a spoon without spilling is usually mastered by age 3, so hopping is the most
age-appropriate milestone for a 4-year-old.
3. A nurse is caring for a school-age child who has a prescription for Digoxin. Which of the
following findings should the nurse identify as an early manifestation of digoxin toxicity?
A. Increased appetite
B. Blurred vision
C. Nausea and vomiting
D. Tachycardia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and anorexia are common
early signs of digoxin toxicity in children. While blurred vision or ‘halos’ are signs of
toxicity, they are less common in younger pediatric patients. The nurse should always
check the apical pulse for one full minute prior to administration and withhold the dose if
the heart rate is below age-specific parameters.
, 4. A nurse is caring for an infant who has a prescription for a lumbar puncture to rule out
meningitis. Which of the following positions should the nurse place the infant in for the
procedure?
A. Prone with the head turned to the side
B. Lithotomy position
C. Supine with the legs extended
D. Side-lying with the knees drawn up to the chest
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The side-lying, fetal position (knees to chest) helps to open the intervertebral
spaces, allowing the provider easier access to the subarachnoid space. During the
procedure, the nurse must ensure the infant’s airway is not compromised by excessive
neck flexion. Post-procedure care includes keeping the child flat to prevent a post-dural
puncture headache.
5. A nurse is teaching the parent of a toddler who has a new diagnosis of Celiac disease.
Which of the following foods should the nurse recommend including in the toddler’s diet?
A. Corn tortillas
B. Barley soup
C. Whole wheat bread
D. Rye crackers
