PALS Final Review 2026 | Real Exam Questions & Verified
Answers | Complete Exam Prep
1. Which one of the following is NOT a shockable rhythm?
Asystole
V-fib
V- tach
Pulseless V-tach
2. Tachypnea is defined as:
periods of no breathing
deep breathing or sighing
a slow respiratory rate
a fast respiratory rate
3. Which device is commonly used to measure oxygen saturation in pediatric
patients?
Pulse oximetry
Physical examination
Blood gas analysis
Chest X-ray
4. The primary assessment for a trauma patient uses the mnemonic?
ABCDE
ABCD
, ABD
ABCDEF
5. What is the primary consequence of distributive shock in pediatric patients?
impaired oxygenation
decreased heart rate
increased blood pressure
abnormal distribution of blood
6. A mother brings her 7-year-old child to the emergency department. The
mother states that the child has had a fever for the past 4 days and has had
little to eat or drink during the past 24 hours. Your initial impression reveals a
lethargic child with increased respiratory rate and pale color. Heart rate is
160/min, respiratory rate is 38/min, and blood pressure is 86/48 mm Hg.
Capillary refill is 4 seconds. Which of the following is the most appropriate
intervention for this child?
Maintenance fluid infusion of isotonic crystalloid at 10 mL/h
Fluid bolus of 10 mL/kg of isotonic crystalloid
Fluid bolus of 20 mL/kg of isotonic crystalloid
Maintenance fluid infusion of 5% dextrose and water at 20 mL/h
7. A 3 year old child has had diarrhea and vomiting for the past three days
secondary to a viral infection. Today his mother calls 911 because he has
become lethargic. On arrival, you find the child to be only minimally
responsive to you when you stick the IV in his arm. His blood pressure is low
and his heart rate is very fast. Which of the following BEST describes this type
of shock?
Distributive
, Hypovolemic
Cadiogenic
Neurogenic
8. What is a common cause of head-bobbing in infants during respiratory
distress?
Dehydration
Hyperthermia
Hypoxia
Anemia
9. What is the recommended vasoactive agent for treating warm septic shock in
pediatric patients?
Epinephrine
Vasopressin
Dopamine
Norepinephrine
10. Discuss why certain medications, such as atropine, are not suitable for
administration through an endotracheal tube during pediatric resuscitation.
Atropine is primarily used for respiratory distress.
Atropine is only effective when given intravenously.
Atropine is not suitable for ETT administration because it does not
effectively reach systemic circulation when delivered this way.
Atropine is too potent to be used in emergencies.
, 11. What is the primary action that should be maintained during cardiac arrest
management?
Medication administration
Airway management
Uninterrupted CPR
Defibrillation
12. What is one of the primary treatments recommended for septic shock in
pediatric patients?
Corticosteroids
Oxygen therapy
Antipyretics
Aggressive fluid therapy
13. In a scenario where a 9-year-old boy with an SpO2 of 90% is also showing
signs of anaphylaxis, what immediate action should be taken?
Administer epinephrine.
Initiate chest compressions.
Wait for the patient to stabilize.
Provide supplemental oxygen only.
14. What is the definition of shock in pediatric emergencies?
Shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body is
not getting enough blood flow, leading to inadequate oxygen
delivery to tissues.
Answers | Complete Exam Prep
1. Which one of the following is NOT a shockable rhythm?
Asystole
V-fib
V- tach
Pulseless V-tach
2. Tachypnea is defined as:
periods of no breathing
deep breathing or sighing
a slow respiratory rate
a fast respiratory rate
3. Which device is commonly used to measure oxygen saturation in pediatric
patients?
Pulse oximetry
Physical examination
Blood gas analysis
Chest X-ray
4. The primary assessment for a trauma patient uses the mnemonic?
ABCDE
ABCD
, ABD
ABCDEF
5. What is the primary consequence of distributive shock in pediatric patients?
impaired oxygenation
decreased heart rate
increased blood pressure
abnormal distribution of blood
6. A mother brings her 7-year-old child to the emergency department. The
mother states that the child has had a fever for the past 4 days and has had
little to eat or drink during the past 24 hours. Your initial impression reveals a
lethargic child with increased respiratory rate and pale color. Heart rate is
160/min, respiratory rate is 38/min, and blood pressure is 86/48 mm Hg.
Capillary refill is 4 seconds. Which of the following is the most appropriate
intervention for this child?
Maintenance fluid infusion of isotonic crystalloid at 10 mL/h
Fluid bolus of 10 mL/kg of isotonic crystalloid
Fluid bolus of 20 mL/kg of isotonic crystalloid
Maintenance fluid infusion of 5% dextrose and water at 20 mL/h
7. A 3 year old child has had diarrhea and vomiting for the past three days
secondary to a viral infection. Today his mother calls 911 because he has
become lethargic. On arrival, you find the child to be only minimally
responsive to you when you stick the IV in his arm. His blood pressure is low
and his heart rate is very fast. Which of the following BEST describes this type
of shock?
Distributive
, Hypovolemic
Cadiogenic
Neurogenic
8. What is a common cause of head-bobbing in infants during respiratory
distress?
Dehydration
Hyperthermia
Hypoxia
Anemia
9. What is the recommended vasoactive agent for treating warm septic shock in
pediatric patients?
Epinephrine
Vasopressin
Dopamine
Norepinephrine
10. Discuss why certain medications, such as atropine, are not suitable for
administration through an endotracheal tube during pediatric resuscitation.
Atropine is primarily used for respiratory distress.
Atropine is only effective when given intravenously.
Atropine is not suitable for ETT administration because it does not
effectively reach systemic circulation when delivered this way.
Atropine is too potent to be used in emergencies.
, 11. What is the primary action that should be maintained during cardiac arrest
management?
Medication administration
Airway management
Uninterrupted CPR
Defibrillation
12. What is one of the primary treatments recommended for septic shock in
pediatric patients?
Corticosteroids
Oxygen therapy
Antipyretics
Aggressive fluid therapy
13. In a scenario where a 9-year-old boy with an SpO2 of 90% is also showing
signs of anaphylaxis, what immediate action should be taken?
Administer epinephrine.
Initiate chest compressions.
Wait for the patient to stabilize.
Provide supplemental oxygen only.
14. What is the definition of shock in pediatric emergencies?
Shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body is
not getting enough blood flow, leading to inadequate oxygen
delivery to tissues.
