AHA Pediatric Advanced Life Support
Exam Questions With New Update
Solutions
1. A 5-year-old child presents with lethargy, increased work of breathing, and pale
color. The primary assessment reveals that the airway is open and the respiratory
rate is 30/min, with crackles heard on auscultation. The cardiac monitor shows
sinus tachycardia at a rate of 165/min. The pulse oximeter displays an oxygen
saturation of 95% and a pulse rate of 93/min. On the basis of this information,
which of the following provides the best interpretation of the oxygen saturation of
95% by pulse oximetry?
A. Reliable; no supplementary oxygen is indicated B. Reliable; supplementary
oxygen should be administered
C. Unreliable; no supplementary oxygen is indicated
D. Unreliable; supplementary oxygen should be administered
2. A 3-year-old child was recently diagnosed with leukemia and has been treated
with chemotherapy. The child presents with lethargy and a high fever. Heart rate
is 195/min, respiratory rate is 36/min, blood pressure is 85/40 mm Hg, and
capillary refill time is less than 2 seconds. What is the child's most likely
condition?
A. Septic shock
B. Hypovolemic shock
C. Significant bradycardia
D. Cardiogenic shock
3. A 2-week-old infant presents with irritability and a history of poor feeding.
Blood pressure is 55/40 mm Hg. What term describes this infant's blood
pressure?
A. Hypotensive
B. Normal
C. Hypertensive
D. Compensated
4. During a resuscitation attempt, the team leader orders an initial dose of
epinephrine at 0.1 mg/kg to be given 10. What should the team member do?
A. Administer the drug as ordered
, B. Administer 0.01 mg/kg of epinephrine
C. Respectfully ask the team leader to clarify the dose
D. Refuse to administer the drug
5. Which of the following is a characteristic of respiratory failure?
A. Inadequate oxygenation and/or ventilation
B. Hypotension
C. An increase in serum pH (alkalosis)
6. Which of the following is most likely to produce a prolonged expiratory phase
and wheezing?
A. Disordered control of breathing
B. Hypovolemic shock
C. Lower airway obstruction
D. Upper airway obstruction
7. A 4-year-old child presents with seizures and irregular respirations. The
seizures stopped a few minutes ago. Which of the following most likely to be
abnormal?
A. Vascular resistance
B. Pulse rate
C. Lung compliance
D. Control of breathing
8. What abnormality is most likely to be present in children with acute respiratory
distress caused by lung tissue disease?
A. Decreased oxygen saturation
B. Stridor
C. Normal respiratory rate
D. Decreased respiratory effort
9. An alert 2-year-old child with an increased work of breathing and pink color is
being evaluated. Heart rate is 110/min, and respiratory rate is 30/min. What would
best describe this patient's condition?
A. Respiratory distress
B. Respiratory arrest
C. Respiratory failure
D. Disordered control of breathing
10. The parents of a 7-year-old child who is undergoing chemotherapy report that
the child has been febrile and has not been feeling well, with recent onset of
Exam Questions With New Update
Solutions
1. A 5-year-old child presents with lethargy, increased work of breathing, and pale
color. The primary assessment reveals that the airway is open and the respiratory
rate is 30/min, with crackles heard on auscultation. The cardiac monitor shows
sinus tachycardia at a rate of 165/min. The pulse oximeter displays an oxygen
saturation of 95% and a pulse rate of 93/min. On the basis of this information,
which of the following provides the best interpretation of the oxygen saturation of
95% by pulse oximetry?
A. Reliable; no supplementary oxygen is indicated B. Reliable; supplementary
oxygen should be administered
C. Unreliable; no supplementary oxygen is indicated
D. Unreliable; supplementary oxygen should be administered
2. A 3-year-old child was recently diagnosed with leukemia and has been treated
with chemotherapy. The child presents with lethargy and a high fever. Heart rate
is 195/min, respiratory rate is 36/min, blood pressure is 85/40 mm Hg, and
capillary refill time is less than 2 seconds. What is the child's most likely
condition?
A. Septic shock
B. Hypovolemic shock
C. Significant bradycardia
D. Cardiogenic shock
3. A 2-week-old infant presents with irritability and a history of poor feeding.
Blood pressure is 55/40 mm Hg. What term describes this infant's blood
pressure?
A. Hypotensive
B. Normal
C. Hypertensive
D. Compensated
4. During a resuscitation attempt, the team leader orders an initial dose of
epinephrine at 0.1 mg/kg to be given 10. What should the team member do?
A. Administer the drug as ordered
, B. Administer 0.01 mg/kg of epinephrine
C. Respectfully ask the team leader to clarify the dose
D. Refuse to administer the drug
5. Which of the following is a characteristic of respiratory failure?
A. Inadequate oxygenation and/or ventilation
B. Hypotension
C. An increase in serum pH (alkalosis)
6. Which of the following is most likely to produce a prolonged expiratory phase
and wheezing?
A. Disordered control of breathing
B. Hypovolemic shock
C. Lower airway obstruction
D. Upper airway obstruction
7. A 4-year-old child presents with seizures and irregular respirations. The
seizures stopped a few minutes ago. Which of the following most likely to be
abnormal?
A. Vascular resistance
B. Pulse rate
C. Lung compliance
D. Control of breathing
8. What abnormality is most likely to be present in children with acute respiratory
distress caused by lung tissue disease?
A. Decreased oxygen saturation
B. Stridor
C. Normal respiratory rate
D. Decreased respiratory effort
9. An alert 2-year-old child with an increased work of breathing and pink color is
being evaluated. Heart rate is 110/min, and respiratory rate is 30/min. What would
best describe this patient's condition?
A. Respiratory distress
B. Respiratory arrest
C. Respiratory failure
D. Disordered control of breathing
10. The parents of a 7-year-old child who is undergoing chemotherapy report that
the child has been febrile and has not been feeling well, with recent onset of
