AHA PALS Practice Exam | Questions & Answers | Latest
Update 2026 | Exam Prep | Graded A+
1. Describe the significance of the compression-to-ventilation ratio in pediatric
CPR and how it differs from adult CPR.
The compression-to-ventilation ratio in pediatric CPR is 5:1, which is
more effective for children than adults.
The compression-to-ventilation ratio in pediatric CPR is 30:2, similar to
adults, focusing on rapid compressions.
The compression-to-ventilation ratio in pediatric CPR is 10:1, which is
used for infants only.
The compression-to-ventilation ratio in pediatric CPR is 15:2, which
emphasizes the importance of providing adequate compressions
and ventilations tailored to the child's needs.
2. Describe the significance of administering a fluid bolus in a pediatric patient
presenting with lethargy and increased respiratory rate.
Fluid boluses are only necessary for adults, not children.
Fluid administration is only indicated after a diagnosis is confirmed.
Administering a fluid bolus helps to restore intravascular volume
and improve perfusion in a child showing signs of shock.
A fluid bolus is primarily used to reduce fever in children.
3. A 3-month-old infant with bronchiolitis is suctioned to remove upper airway
secretions. The infant's heart rate decreases from 155/min to 65/min as shown
below. The infant remains alert, with easily palpable pulses. Capillary refill
time is 1 second. What is the most appropriate initial intervention?
Establish IV/IO access and administer atropine 0.02 mg/kg IV
, Administer oxygen and ensure adequate ventilation; be prepared to
intervene further if heart rate does not increase
Establish IV/IO access and administer epinephrine 0.01 mg/kg IV
Call for help and prepare to provide transthoracic pacing/transvenous
pacing
4. What is the significance of an oxygen saturation reading of 95% in a lethargic
child with increased work of breathing?
It is unreliable; supplementary oxygen should be administered.
It is reliable; no supplementary oxygen is indicated.
It is unreliable; no supplementary oxygen is indicated.
It is reliable; supplementary oxygen should be administered.
5. The nurse is caring for a 5-year-old client and notes respiratory rate of 45
breaths per minute, blood pressure 100/70 mm Hg, heart rate 115,
temperature 101°F (38.3°C), and oxygen saturation 86%. Which diagnostic test
is priority for the nurse to complete?
Complete blood count (CBC)
Arterial blood gas (ABG)
Pulmonary function test
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
6. In a scenario where a 3-month-old infant is unresponsive and you cannot find
a pulse at the brachial site, what should be your next step?
Begin CPR and reassess the pulse after 30 compressions.
Wait for emergency services to arrive before taking action.
Check the carotid pulse next.
, Attempt to stimulate the infant to regain consciousness.
7. A 2-week infant is irritable and not eating. BP is 55/44 and capillary refill is 5
seconds. Describe what type of shock the infant is in.
Compensated Shock
Not in shock
Hypotensive Shock
Hypertensive Shock
8. What condition is indicated by a prolonged expiratory phase and wheezing
in pediatric patients?
Disordered control of breathing
Hypovolemic shock
Upper airway obstruction
Lower airway obstruction
9. Describe the rationale behind using ice to the face as a vagal maneuver in
infants with supraventricular tachycardia.
Ice to the face cools the body temperature to stabilize heart function.
Ice to the face distracts the infant from the discomfort of tachycardia.
Ice to the face stimulates the vagus nerve, which can help slow the
heart rate.
Ice to the face increases blood flow to the heart, improving perfusion.
, 10. You are operating an AED in an attempted resuscitation of a man who
collapsed in the airport. After delivery of a shock, what is the next thing you
do?
Check the victim's pulse
Place an advanced airway
Perform CPR for 2 minutes
Reanalyze the victim's rhythm
11. Why is it critical to verify the endotracheal tube position in a 3-month-old
infant experiencing bradycardia and low oxygen saturation?
To prevent the need for chest tube insertion
To ensure proper ventilation and oxygenation of the infant
To administer medication effectively
To monitor heart rate accurately
12. What is one of the key responsibilities of the team leader during a pediatric
resuscitation scenario?
Assigns roles to team members
Records medications and interventions
Administers defibrillation shocks
Provides compressions
13. In a scenario where a child presents with acute respiratory distress and
decreased oxygen saturation, what immediate intervention should be
prioritized?
Administer supplemental oxygen
Update 2026 | Exam Prep | Graded A+
1. Describe the significance of the compression-to-ventilation ratio in pediatric
CPR and how it differs from adult CPR.
The compression-to-ventilation ratio in pediatric CPR is 5:1, which is
more effective for children than adults.
The compression-to-ventilation ratio in pediatric CPR is 30:2, similar to
adults, focusing on rapid compressions.
The compression-to-ventilation ratio in pediatric CPR is 10:1, which is
used for infants only.
The compression-to-ventilation ratio in pediatric CPR is 15:2, which
emphasizes the importance of providing adequate compressions
and ventilations tailored to the child's needs.
2. Describe the significance of administering a fluid bolus in a pediatric patient
presenting with lethargy and increased respiratory rate.
Fluid boluses are only necessary for adults, not children.
Fluid administration is only indicated after a diagnosis is confirmed.
Administering a fluid bolus helps to restore intravascular volume
and improve perfusion in a child showing signs of shock.
A fluid bolus is primarily used to reduce fever in children.
3. A 3-month-old infant with bronchiolitis is suctioned to remove upper airway
secretions. The infant's heart rate decreases from 155/min to 65/min as shown
below. The infant remains alert, with easily palpable pulses. Capillary refill
time is 1 second. What is the most appropriate initial intervention?
Establish IV/IO access and administer atropine 0.02 mg/kg IV
, Administer oxygen and ensure adequate ventilation; be prepared to
intervene further if heart rate does not increase
Establish IV/IO access and administer epinephrine 0.01 mg/kg IV
Call for help and prepare to provide transthoracic pacing/transvenous
pacing
4. What is the significance of an oxygen saturation reading of 95% in a lethargic
child with increased work of breathing?
It is unreliable; supplementary oxygen should be administered.
It is reliable; no supplementary oxygen is indicated.
It is unreliable; no supplementary oxygen is indicated.
It is reliable; supplementary oxygen should be administered.
5. The nurse is caring for a 5-year-old client and notes respiratory rate of 45
breaths per minute, blood pressure 100/70 mm Hg, heart rate 115,
temperature 101°F (38.3°C), and oxygen saturation 86%. Which diagnostic test
is priority for the nurse to complete?
Complete blood count (CBC)
Arterial blood gas (ABG)
Pulmonary function test
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
6. In a scenario where a 3-month-old infant is unresponsive and you cannot find
a pulse at the brachial site, what should be your next step?
Begin CPR and reassess the pulse after 30 compressions.
Wait for emergency services to arrive before taking action.
Check the carotid pulse next.
, Attempt to stimulate the infant to regain consciousness.
7. A 2-week infant is irritable and not eating. BP is 55/44 and capillary refill is 5
seconds. Describe what type of shock the infant is in.
Compensated Shock
Not in shock
Hypotensive Shock
Hypertensive Shock
8. What condition is indicated by a prolonged expiratory phase and wheezing
in pediatric patients?
Disordered control of breathing
Hypovolemic shock
Upper airway obstruction
Lower airway obstruction
9. Describe the rationale behind using ice to the face as a vagal maneuver in
infants with supraventricular tachycardia.
Ice to the face cools the body temperature to stabilize heart function.
Ice to the face distracts the infant from the discomfort of tachycardia.
Ice to the face stimulates the vagus nerve, which can help slow the
heart rate.
Ice to the face increases blood flow to the heart, improving perfusion.
, 10. You are operating an AED in an attempted resuscitation of a man who
collapsed in the airport. After delivery of a shock, what is the next thing you
do?
Check the victim's pulse
Place an advanced airway
Perform CPR for 2 minutes
Reanalyze the victim's rhythm
11. Why is it critical to verify the endotracheal tube position in a 3-month-old
infant experiencing bradycardia and low oxygen saturation?
To prevent the need for chest tube insertion
To ensure proper ventilation and oxygenation of the infant
To administer medication effectively
To monitor heart rate accurately
12. What is one of the key responsibilities of the team leader during a pediatric
resuscitation scenario?
Assigns roles to team members
Records medications and interventions
Administers defibrillation shocks
Provides compressions
13. In a scenario where a child presents with acute respiratory distress and
decreased oxygen saturation, what immediate intervention should be
prioritized?
Administer supplemental oxygen
