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ATI CAPSTONE NURSING CARE OF CHILDREN
ACTUAL EXAM 2026/2027 Questions and Answers | Expert
Certified 100% | NEW Complete Questions and Answers
Expert Certified Pass Guaranteed - A+ Graded
SECTION 1: GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
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
D. The child believes that wearing a costume changes their identity
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: [CORRECT] Option C indicates a developmental delay because parallel play is
typical for 2-3 year olds, while associative/cooperative play emerges around age 4. By age 4,
children should be engaging in associative play (interacting with others), not parallel play
(playing alongside but not with others). Option A is correct for a 4-year-old (gross motor skill).
Option B is appropriate language development. Option D demonstrates magical thinking, which
is normal preschooler cognition. The nurse should further evaluate the child's social development
and consider a developmental screening. ATI Capstone emphasizes understanding Erikson's
stages—preschoolers (initiative vs. guilt) should show interest in cooperative activities.
Q2: A nurse is caring for a 6-month-old infant. According to Piaget's theory of cognitive
development, which behavior should the nurse expect to observe?
A. The infant searches for a toy hidden under a blanket
B. The infant uses trial and error to obtain a toy
C. The infant demonstrates object permanence by looking for a dropped toy
D. The infant shows repetitive actions like kicking legs to make a mobile move
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: [CORRECT] Option D is correct. At 6 months, infants are in the sensorimotor stage
(birth to 24 months), specifically in secondary circular reactions (4-8 months) where they repeat
actions that affect the environment. Kicking legs to make a mobile move demonstrates this.
,2
Option A and C (object permanence) develop around 8-12 months. Option B (tertiary circular
reactions) occurs around 12-18 months. ATI Capstone highlights that understanding Piaget's
substages helps nurses provide age-appropriate stimulation and assess developmental progress.
Q3: A nurse is assessing an adolescent client using Erikson's developmental theory. Which
statement by the adolescent indicates successful resolution of the developmental stage?
A. "I want to be just like my mom when I grow up"
B. "I have decided to become a nurse because I enjoy helping people"
C. "I don't care what my friends think about my choices"
D. "I wish my parents would make all my decisions for me"
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: [CORRECT] Option B demonstrates identity achievement, the successful resolution
of Erikson's "Identity vs. Role Confusion" stage (adolescence). The adolescent has explored
options and committed to a career path. Option A shows identity foreclosure (accepting parental
choices without exploration). Option C indicates identity diffusion (lack of concern about
identity). Option D suggests role confusion/dependence. ATI Capstone emphasizes that
adolescents who successfully navigate this stage develop a sense of fidelity and coherent self-
concept.
Q4: A nurse is calculating the expected weight of a 3-year-old child using the standard pediatric
formula. Which weight should the nurse document as appropriate for this age?
A. 12 kg (26.4 lbs)
B. 14 kg (30.8 lbs)
C. 16 kg (35.2 lbs)
D. 18 kg (39.6 lbs)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: [CORRECT] The formula for children 1-6 years is: weight (kg) = age in years × 2 +
8. For a 3-year-old: 3 × 2 + 8 = 14 kg. Option A is too low (typical for a 2-year-old). Option C is
appropriate for a 4-year-old. Option D is appropriate for a 5-year-old. ATI Capstone emphasizes
that accurate growth assessment is foundational for medication dosing and nutritional evaluation.
The nurse should plot this on the WHO or CDC growth chart to assess percentile trends.
Q5: A nurse is assessing a toddler during a well-child visit. Which finding requires immediate
follow-up?
A. The 18-month-old has a vocabulary of 10 words
,3
B. The 24-month-old cannot build a tower of six blocks
C. The 30-month-old still uses a bottle for all liquids
D. The 15-month-old is not yet walking independently
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: [CORRECT] Independent walking should be achieved by 15 months of age. Failure to
walk by this age requires evaluation for developmental delay, neuromuscular disorders, or other
pathology. Option A is appropriate (10 words by 18 months is normal). Option B is concerning
but less urgent (tower of six blocks expected by 24-30 months). Option C is a habit to address
but not an immediate developmental red flag. ATI Capstone prioritizes gross motor milestones as
they often indicate overall neurological health. The nurse should refer for physical therapy
evaluation and developmental screening.
Q6: A nurse is providing anticipatory guidance to parents of a 9-month-old infant. Which
recommendation should the nurse include based on developmental milestones?
A. "You should start potty training now to establish good habits early"
B. "Your baby should be saying at least 50 words clearly"
C. "Offer finger foods to encourage self-feeding and pincer grasp development"
D. "Expect your baby to walk independently within the next month"
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: [CORRECT] At 9 months, infants develop the pincer grasp (thumb and forefinger)
and enjoy self-feeding finger foods. This promotes fine motor development and autonomy.
Option A is inappropriate—potty training requires readiness signs (usually 18-24 months).
Option B is incorrect (50 words expected by 24 months). Option D is premature (independent
walking expected 12-15 months). ATI Capstone emphasizes that anticipatory guidance must
match developmental readiness to prevent parental frustration and support optimal growth.
Q7: A nurse is caring for a hospitalized 7-year-old child. According to Erikson's theory, which
nursing intervention best supports this child's developmental needs?
A. Encourage the child to make decisions about meal choices and daily routine
B. Provide opportunities for the child to master new skills and receive praise
C. Allow the child to participate in care of a younger patient on the unit
D. Focus primarily on maintaining the child's dependence on parents
Correct Answer: B
, 4
Rationale: [CORRECT] School-age children (6-12 years) are in Erikson's "Industry vs.
Inferiority" stage. They need opportunities to achieve competence and receive recognition.
Option B supports industry through skill mastery and positive reinforcement. Option A is more
appropriate for adolescents (autonomy). Option C is inappropriate and unsafe. Option D
promotes inferiority and regression. ATI Capstone emphasizes that hospitalization can threaten
industry; nurses should provide schoolwork, encourage participation in care, and celebrate
accomplishments to maintain developmental progress.
Q8: A nurse is assessing growth parameters for a 6-month-old infant. Which finding indicates the
infant is growing appropriately?
A. Birth weight has tripled
B. Length has increased by 50%
C. Head circumference has increased by 2 cm since birth
D. Weight has doubled since birth
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: [CORRECT] By 6 months, infant weight should double from birth weight (birth
weight × 2). By 12 months, weight triples. Option A is expected at 12 months, not 6. Option B
(50% length increase) occurs by 12 months. Option C is insufficient—head circumference
increases approximately 1 cm/month for first 6 months (total 6 cm). ATI Capstone emphasizes
that growth velocity is more important than single measurements. The nurse should assess
feeding patterns, calculate daily caloric intake, and plot measurements on standardized growth
charts.
Q9: A nurse is evaluating language development in a 30-month-old toddler. Which finding
indicates normal progression?
A. Uses 50 words and combines them into two-word phrases
B. Uses 300+ words and speaks in three-word sentences
C. Speaks in complete sentences and tells simple stories
D. Understands complex instructions but uses minimal expressive language
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: [CORRECT] By 30 months (2.5 years), toddlers should have a vocabulary of 300+
words and speak in three-word sentences. Option A describes a 24-month-old. Option C
describes a 3-4-year-old. Option D suggests expressive language delay despite receptive
language intact. ATI Capstone highlights that language development is critical for social and
ATI CAPSTONE NURSING CARE OF CHILDREN
ACTUAL EXAM 2026/2027 Questions and Answers | Expert
Certified 100% | NEW Complete Questions and Answers
Expert Certified Pass Guaranteed - A+ Graded
SECTION 1: GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
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
D. The child believes that wearing a costume changes their identity
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: [CORRECT] Option C indicates a developmental delay because parallel play is
typical for 2-3 year olds, while associative/cooperative play emerges around age 4. By age 4,
children should be engaging in associative play (interacting with others), not parallel play
(playing alongside but not with others). Option A is correct for a 4-year-old (gross motor skill).
Option B is appropriate language development. Option D demonstrates magical thinking, which
is normal preschooler cognition. The nurse should further evaluate the child's social development
and consider a developmental screening. ATI Capstone emphasizes understanding Erikson's
stages—preschoolers (initiative vs. guilt) should show interest in cooperative activities.
Q2: A nurse is caring for a 6-month-old infant. According to Piaget's theory of cognitive
development, which behavior should the nurse expect to observe?
A. The infant searches for a toy hidden under a blanket
B. The infant uses trial and error to obtain a toy
C. The infant demonstrates object permanence by looking for a dropped toy
D. The infant shows repetitive actions like kicking legs to make a mobile move
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: [CORRECT] Option D is correct. At 6 months, infants are in the sensorimotor stage
(birth to 24 months), specifically in secondary circular reactions (4-8 months) where they repeat
actions that affect the environment. Kicking legs to make a mobile move demonstrates this.
,2
Option A and C (object permanence) develop around 8-12 months. Option B (tertiary circular
reactions) occurs around 12-18 months. ATI Capstone highlights that understanding Piaget's
substages helps nurses provide age-appropriate stimulation and assess developmental progress.
Q3: A nurse is assessing an adolescent client using Erikson's developmental theory. Which
statement by the adolescent indicates successful resolution of the developmental stage?
A. "I want to be just like my mom when I grow up"
B. "I have decided to become a nurse because I enjoy helping people"
C. "I don't care what my friends think about my choices"
D. "I wish my parents would make all my decisions for me"
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: [CORRECT] Option B demonstrates identity achievement, the successful resolution
of Erikson's "Identity vs. Role Confusion" stage (adolescence). The adolescent has explored
options and committed to a career path. Option A shows identity foreclosure (accepting parental
choices without exploration). Option C indicates identity diffusion (lack of concern about
identity). Option D suggests role confusion/dependence. ATI Capstone emphasizes that
adolescents who successfully navigate this stage develop a sense of fidelity and coherent self-
concept.
Q4: A nurse is calculating the expected weight of a 3-year-old child using the standard pediatric
formula. Which weight should the nurse document as appropriate for this age?
A. 12 kg (26.4 lbs)
B. 14 kg (30.8 lbs)
C. 16 kg (35.2 lbs)
D. 18 kg (39.6 lbs)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: [CORRECT] The formula for children 1-6 years is: weight (kg) = age in years × 2 +
8. For a 3-year-old: 3 × 2 + 8 = 14 kg. Option A is too low (typical for a 2-year-old). Option C is
appropriate for a 4-year-old. Option D is appropriate for a 5-year-old. ATI Capstone emphasizes
that accurate growth assessment is foundational for medication dosing and nutritional evaluation.
The nurse should plot this on the WHO or CDC growth chart to assess percentile trends.
Q5: A nurse is assessing a toddler during a well-child visit. Which finding requires immediate
follow-up?
A. The 18-month-old has a vocabulary of 10 words
,3
B. The 24-month-old cannot build a tower of six blocks
C. The 30-month-old still uses a bottle for all liquids
D. The 15-month-old is not yet walking independently
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: [CORRECT] Independent walking should be achieved by 15 months of age. Failure to
walk by this age requires evaluation for developmental delay, neuromuscular disorders, or other
pathology. Option A is appropriate (10 words by 18 months is normal). Option B is concerning
but less urgent (tower of six blocks expected by 24-30 months). Option C is a habit to address
but not an immediate developmental red flag. ATI Capstone prioritizes gross motor milestones as
they often indicate overall neurological health. The nurse should refer for physical therapy
evaluation and developmental screening.
Q6: A nurse is providing anticipatory guidance to parents of a 9-month-old infant. Which
recommendation should the nurse include based on developmental milestones?
A. "You should start potty training now to establish good habits early"
B. "Your baby should be saying at least 50 words clearly"
C. "Offer finger foods to encourage self-feeding and pincer grasp development"
D. "Expect your baby to walk independently within the next month"
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: [CORRECT] At 9 months, infants develop the pincer grasp (thumb and forefinger)
and enjoy self-feeding finger foods. This promotes fine motor development and autonomy.
Option A is inappropriate—potty training requires readiness signs (usually 18-24 months).
Option B is incorrect (50 words expected by 24 months). Option D is premature (independent
walking expected 12-15 months). ATI Capstone emphasizes that anticipatory guidance must
match developmental readiness to prevent parental frustration and support optimal growth.
Q7: A nurse is caring for a hospitalized 7-year-old child. According to Erikson's theory, which
nursing intervention best supports this child's developmental needs?
A. Encourage the child to make decisions about meal choices and daily routine
B. Provide opportunities for the child to master new skills and receive praise
C. Allow the child to participate in care of a younger patient on the unit
D. Focus primarily on maintaining the child's dependence on parents
Correct Answer: B
, 4
Rationale: [CORRECT] School-age children (6-12 years) are in Erikson's "Industry vs.
Inferiority" stage. They need opportunities to achieve competence and receive recognition.
Option B supports industry through skill mastery and positive reinforcement. Option A is more
appropriate for adolescents (autonomy). Option C is inappropriate and unsafe. Option D
promotes inferiority and regression. ATI Capstone emphasizes that hospitalization can threaten
industry; nurses should provide schoolwork, encourage participation in care, and celebrate
accomplishments to maintain developmental progress.
Q8: A nurse is assessing growth parameters for a 6-month-old infant. Which finding indicates the
infant is growing appropriately?
A. Birth weight has tripled
B. Length has increased by 50%
C. Head circumference has increased by 2 cm since birth
D. Weight has doubled since birth
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: [CORRECT] By 6 months, infant weight should double from birth weight (birth
weight × 2). By 12 months, weight triples. Option A is expected at 12 months, not 6. Option B
(50% length increase) occurs by 12 months. Option C is insufficient—head circumference
increases approximately 1 cm/month for first 6 months (total 6 cm). ATI Capstone emphasizes
that growth velocity is more important than single measurements. The nurse should assess
feeding patterns, calculate daily caloric intake, and plot measurements on standardized growth
charts.
Q9: A nurse is evaluating language development in a 30-month-old toddler. Which finding
indicates normal progression?
A. Uses 50 words and combines them into two-word phrases
B. Uses 300+ words and speaks in three-word sentences
C. Speaks in complete sentences and tells simple stories
D. Understands complex instructions but uses minimal expressive language
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: [CORRECT] By 30 months (2.5 years), toddlers should have a vocabulary of 300+
words and speak in three-word sentences. Option A describes a 24-month-old. Option C
describes a 3-4-year-old. Option D suggests expressive language delay despite receptive
language intact. ATI Capstone highlights that language development is critical for social and
