This updated 2026 PALS Heart Code exam preparation guide contains 126 verified questions and
answers. Designed for healthcare professionals, it is ideal for passing the American Heart
Association (AHA) Pediatric Advanced Life Support certification or renewal exams with a guaranteed
100% score.
Why You Need This Study Guide
Studying for pediatric emergency scenarios can be overwhelming, especially with rigorous AHA
testing standards. This comprehensive resource helps you quickly grasp difficult pediatric algorithms,
saving you valuable time during your certification process.
What’s Included in the 2026 Package
• 126 Exam-Style Questions: Exact, up-to-date questions that mirror the actual test.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Includes pediatric assessment, high-quality CPR ratios,
respiratory failure management, and post-cardiac arrest care.
• Critical Pharmacological Dosing: Accurate weight-based medication calculations for
epinephrine, adenosine, amiodarone, and fluid boluses.
• Rhythm Interpretations: Clear distinctions between shockable (VF/pVT) and non-
shockable (Asystole/PEA) rhythms.
Key Concepts Covered
• Correct compression-to-ventilation ratios for 1-rescuer and 2-rescuer CPR.
• Proper energy doses for pediatric defibrillation and synchronized cardioversion.
• Primary interventions for pediatric septic and hypovolemic shock.
• The "H's and T's" of Pediatric Cardiac Arrest.
• Identifying signs of impending respiratory failure.
Get Exam-Ready Today
Whether you are an EMT, nurse, or physician preparing to take the official exam, having this
proven study material will boost your confidence and reduce test anxiety.
1
, Quiz_________________?
________ is usually high-pitched breathing during inspiration, whereas ___________ is
usually during expiration -
Answer✅
Stridor
wheezing
Quiz_________________?
A chest compression fraction of at least ____ is recommended, and a goal of ____ is often
achievable with good teamwork -
Answer✅
60%
80%
Quiz_________________?
A child presents with a barking cough, good air entry during auscultation, a pulse oximetry
reading 93% on room air and retractions at rest. What are appropriate initial interventions?
-
Answer✅
consider dexamethasone
administer O2 & nebulized epinepherine
Quiz_________________?
2
, According to the systematic approach algorithm, what are the correct assessments to
perform during the evaluation phase? -
Answer✅
initial, primary, secondary
Quiz_________________?
An 8 month old boy is brought to the hospital by his parents. He has a hoarse cry and
barking cough. His mother says that during the night, her son had difficulty breathing, which
has progressively worsened throughout the day.
The infant most likely has what type of respiratory emergency? -
Answer✅
upper airway obstruction
Quiz_________________?
Automated blood pressure cuffs may provide _________ ________ readings when the
child is in shock. -
Answer✅
inaccurately high
Quiz_________________?
Bag-mask ventilation has been used on child with lower airway obstruction. Which
complication may occur? -
Answer✅
Lung collapse
decreased blood return to the heart
3
, Quiz_________________?
Children develop hypoxemia and tissue hypoxia more quickly than adults because of their? -
Answer✅
higher metabolic rate
Quiz_________________?
Crackles happen during ________ and grunting happens during ________ -
Answer✅
inspiration
expiration
Quiz_________________?
Determine the respiratory rate by counting the number of times the chest rises in _____
seconds and multiplying by _____. -
Answer✅
30
2
Quiz_________________?
During spontaneous breathing, what are the inspiratory muscles attempting to do? -
Answer✅
increase intrathoracic volume
Quiz_________________?
4