PALS EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 2026/2027 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A 4-year-old child presents with a sudden onset of barking cough and inspiratory stridor.
What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Epiglottitis
B. Asthma
C. Croup
D. Foreign body aspiration
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Croup, or laryngotracheobronchitis, is typically characterized by
a barking cough and inspiratory stridor.
2. What is the recommended initial energy dose for manual defibrillation in a pediatric
patient?
A. 2 J/kg
B. 1 J/kg
,C. 4 J/kg
D. 10 J/kg
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The initial dose for defibrillation in children is 2 J/kg, followed
by 4 J/kg for subsequent shocks.
3. In a child with bradycardia and signs of poor perfusion, what is the first-line medication if
the heart rate remains below 60 bpm despite adequate oxygenation and ventilation?
A. Epinephrine
B. Amiodarone
C. Atropine
D. Lidocaine
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Epinephrine is the primary drug for symptomatic bradycardia
unresponsive to oxygenation and ventilation.
4. What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for two-rescuer pediatric CPR?
A. 30:2
B. 15:2
C. 3:1
, D. 20:2
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: For two-rescuer CPR in infants and children, the ratio is 15
compressions to 2 breaths.
5. Which of the following is a sign of compensated shock in a pediatric patient?
A. Hypotension
B. Lethargy
C. Bradycardia
D. Delayed capillary refill
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In compensated shock, blood pressure is maintained, but signs
like delayed capillary refill and tachycardia are present.
6. An 8-year-old child is unresponsive and not breathing. You cannot feel a pulse. What is the
next step?
A. Give 2 rescue breaths
B. Apply an AED
C. Start chest compressions
D. Activate the emergency response system
ANSWERS 2026/2027 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A 4-year-old child presents with a sudden onset of barking cough and inspiratory stridor.
What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Epiglottitis
B. Asthma
C. Croup
D. Foreign body aspiration
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Croup, or laryngotracheobronchitis, is typically characterized by
a barking cough and inspiratory stridor.
2. What is the recommended initial energy dose for manual defibrillation in a pediatric
patient?
A. 2 J/kg
B. 1 J/kg
,C. 4 J/kg
D. 10 J/kg
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The initial dose for defibrillation in children is 2 J/kg, followed
by 4 J/kg for subsequent shocks.
3. In a child with bradycardia and signs of poor perfusion, what is the first-line medication if
the heart rate remains below 60 bpm despite adequate oxygenation and ventilation?
A. Epinephrine
B. Amiodarone
C. Atropine
D. Lidocaine
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Epinephrine is the primary drug for symptomatic bradycardia
unresponsive to oxygenation and ventilation.
4. What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for two-rescuer pediatric CPR?
A. 30:2
B. 15:2
C. 3:1
, D. 20:2
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: For two-rescuer CPR in infants and children, the ratio is 15
compressions to 2 breaths.
5. Which of the following is a sign of compensated shock in a pediatric patient?
A. Hypotension
B. Lethargy
C. Bradycardia
D. Delayed capillary refill
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In compensated shock, blood pressure is maintained, but signs
like delayed capillary refill and tachycardia are present.
6. An 8-year-old child is unresponsive and not breathing. You cannot feel a pulse. What is the
next step?
A. Give 2 rescue breaths
B. Apply an AED
C. Start chest compressions
D. Activate the emergency response system
