AHA PALS CERTIFICATION EXAM 2026/2027 |
PEDIATRIC ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT | 50
VERIFIED Q&A | DETAILED RATIONALES | PASS
GUARANTEED – A+ GRADED
SECTION 1: PALS OVERVIEW AND SYSTEMATIC APPROACH – Questions 1–10
Q1: PALS Overview – Systematic Approach
What is the first step in the PALS systematic approach to a seriously ill child?
A. Obtain IV access
B. Assess airway, breathing, and circulation
C. Administer epinephrine
D. Perform a fingerstick glucose
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The PALS systematic approach begins with a rapid assessment of airway, breathing, and
circulation (ABCs), followed by a secondary assessment. [100% CORRECT]
Q2: PALS Overview – Pediatric Assessment Triangle
What are the three components of the Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT)?
A. Appearance, work of breathing, circulation to skin
B. Airway, breathing, circulation
C. Alertness, pulse, blood pressure
D. Weight, height, temperature
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The PAT is a rapid visual assessment from the doorway: Appearance, Work of Breathing,
and Circulation to Skin. [100% CORRECT]
Q3: PALS Overview – Primary Assessment
What is included in the primary assessment of a pediatric patient?
A. Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure
B. History, physical exam, labs
C. Vital signs only
D. Neurological exam only
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The primary assessment follows the ABCDE approach: Airway, Breathing, Circulation,
Disability, Exposure. [100% CORRECT]
, 2
Q4: PALS Overview – Secondary Assessment
What is the purpose of the secondary assessment in PALS?
A. To identify reversible causes and gather history
B. To perform CPR
C. To administer medications
D. To obtain IV access
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The secondary assessment includes a focused history (SAMPLE) and physical exam to
identify reversible causes and guide treatment. [100% CORRECT]
Q5: PALS Overview – SAMPLE History
What does the SAMPLE mnemonic stand for?
A. Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past medical history, Last meal, Events
B. Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure
C. Vital signs, Labs, Imaging
D. History, Physical, Labs
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: SAMPLE: Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past medical history, Last meal, Events
leading to presentation. [100% CORRECT]
Q6: PALS Overview – Respiratory Distress vs Failure
What distinguishes respiratory failure from respiratory distress?
A. Respiratory failure includes inadequate oxygenation or ventilation despite effort
B. Respiratory distress always requires intubation
C. Respiratory failure is always mild
D. Respiratory distress is always severe
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Respiratory distress is increased work of breathing with adequate gas exchange;
respiratory failure is inadequate oxygenation or ventilation, often with decreased mental status.
[100% CORRECT]
Q7: PALS Overview – Shock
What is shock?
A. Inadequate tissue perfusion leading to cellular hypoxia
B. High blood pressure
C. Increased urine output
D. Normal perfusion
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Shock is a state of inadequate tissue perfusion resulting in cellular hypoxia and organ
dysfunction. [100% CORRECT]