ATI Pediatrics Proctored Exam V3 | 2026
Q&A with Rationale (ATI Pediatrics
Proctored Exam 2026)
1. A nurse is assessing a child who has nephrotic syndrome. Which of the following findings
should the nurse expect?
A. Polyuria
B. Hypoalbuminemia
C. Hypotension
D. Increased hemoglobin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by massive proteinuria, which leads to a
decrease in serum albumin levels (hypoalbuminemia). This reduction in oncotic pressure
causes fluid to shift from the intravascular space to the interstitial space, resulting in
edema. The nurse should also monitor for associated hyperlipidemia and weight gain.
2. A nurse is providing teaching to the parents of a toddler about parallel play. Which of the
following statements should the nurse include?
A. The child will share toys with other children.
B. The child will participate in organized games.
C. The child will play alone but near other children.
,D. The child will follow rules during play.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Parallel play is a characteristic developmental behavior in toddlers where they
play independently but in close proximity to others. They typically use similar toys as their
peers but do not yet interact or cooperate in their activities. This stage of play is a crucial
part of social development before progressing to associative and cooperative play.
3. A nurse is caring for an infant who has a prescription for digoxin. The nurse should
withhold the medication and notify the provider if the infant’s heart rate is less than which of
the following?
A. 110/min
B. 60/min
C. 90/min
D. 70/min
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In infants, digoxin is generally withheld if the apical heart rate is below 90 beats
per minute to prevent bradycardia and toxicity. Digoxin increases the contractility of the
heart but slows the rate, making monitoring essential. The nurse should always verify the
heart rate for one full minute prior to administration.
,4. A nurse is teaching the parent of a child who has celiac disease about dietary management.
Which of the following foods should the nurse recommend?
A. Wheat crackers
B. Rice cakes
C. Barley soup
D. Rye bread
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Celiac disease requires a lifelong gluten-free diet to prevent intestinal damage
and malabsorption. Rice is a gluten-free grain and is safe for consumption by individuals
with this condition. Wheat, barley, and rye contain gluten and must be strictly avoided to
manage symptoms effectively.
5. A nurse is caring for a 4-year-old child who has a new diagnosis of asthma. Which of the
following are potential triggers for an asthma exacerbation? (Select all that apply.)
A. Animal dander
B. Indoor mold
C. Tobacco smoke
D. Humid weather
E. Hypoglycemia
F. Exercise
, Correct Answer: ABCF
Rationale: Asthma triggers vary between individuals but commonly include allergens like
dander and mold, as well as irritants like smoke and physical activity. Exercise-induced
bronchospasm is a frequent cause of respiratory distress in pediatric patients. Avoiding
these known triggers is a cornerstone of long-term asthma management and education.
6. A nurse is assessing a 10-month-old infant. Which of the following developmental
milestones should the nurse expect the infant to have achieved?
A. Building a tower of two blocks
B. Walking without assistance
C. Using a pincer grasp
D. Turning several pages in a book
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The pincer grasp, which involves using the thumb and forefinger to pick up
small objects, is typically developed by 9 to 10 months of age. Walking independently
usually occurs around 12 to 15 months, while building block towers is a toddler milestone.
Assessing these fine motor skills helps determine if the infant is meeting age-appropriate
growth targets.
7. A nurse is assessing a child who is postoperative following a tonsillectomy. Which of the
following findings is a priority for the nurse to report to the provider?
A. Frequent swallowing
Q&A with Rationale (ATI Pediatrics
Proctored Exam 2026)
1. A nurse is assessing a child who has nephrotic syndrome. Which of the following findings
should the nurse expect?
A. Polyuria
B. Hypoalbuminemia
C. Hypotension
D. Increased hemoglobin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by massive proteinuria, which leads to a
decrease in serum albumin levels (hypoalbuminemia). This reduction in oncotic pressure
causes fluid to shift from the intravascular space to the interstitial space, resulting in
edema. The nurse should also monitor for associated hyperlipidemia and weight gain.
2. A nurse is providing teaching to the parents of a toddler about parallel play. Which of the
following statements should the nurse include?
A. The child will share toys with other children.
B. The child will participate in organized games.
C. The child will play alone but near other children.
,D. The child will follow rules during play.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Parallel play is a characteristic developmental behavior in toddlers where they
play independently but in close proximity to others. They typically use similar toys as their
peers but do not yet interact or cooperate in their activities. This stage of play is a crucial
part of social development before progressing to associative and cooperative play.
3. A nurse is caring for an infant who has a prescription for digoxin. The nurse should
withhold the medication and notify the provider if the infant’s heart rate is less than which of
the following?
A. 110/min
B. 60/min
C. 90/min
D. 70/min
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In infants, digoxin is generally withheld if the apical heart rate is below 90 beats
per minute to prevent bradycardia and toxicity. Digoxin increases the contractility of the
heart but slows the rate, making monitoring essential. The nurse should always verify the
heart rate for one full minute prior to administration.
,4. A nurse is teaching the parent of a child who has celiac disease about dietary management.
Which of the following foods should the nurse recommend?
A. Wheat crackers
B. Rice cakes
C. Barley soup
D. Rye bread
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Celiac disease requires a lifelong gluten-free diet to prevent intestinal damage
and malabsorption. Rice is a gluten-free grain and is safe for consumption by individuals
with this condition. Wheat, barley, and rye contain gluten and must be strictly avoided to
manage symptoms effectively.
5. A nurse is caring for a 4-year-old child who has a new diagnosis of asthma. Which of the
following are potential triggers for an asthma exacerbation? (Select all that apply.)
A. Animal dander
B. Indoor mold
C. Tobacco smoke
D. Humid weather
E. Hypoglycemia
F. Exercise
, Correct Answer: ABCF
Rationale: Asthma triggers vary between individuals but commonly include allergens like
dander and mold, as well as irritants like smoke and physical activity. Exercise-induced
bronchospasm is a frequent cause of respiratory distress in pediatric patients. Avoiding
these known triggers is a cornerstone of long-term asthma management and education.
6. A nurse is assessing a 10-month-old infant. Which of the following developmental
milestones should the nurse expect the infant to have achieved?
A. Building a tower of two blocks
B. Walking without assistance
C. Using a pincer grasp
D. Turning several pages in a book
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The pincer grasp, which involves using the thumb and forefinger to pick up
small objects, is typically developed by 9 to 10 months of age. Walking independently
usually occurs around 12 to 15 months, while building block towers is a toddler milestone.
Assessing these fine motor skills helps determine if the infant is meeting age-appropriate
growth targets.
7. A nurse is assessing a child who is postoperative following a tonsillectomy. Which of the
following findings is a priority for the nurse to report to the provider?
A. Frequent swallowing
