1
AHA PALS PRACTICE EXAM 2026/2027 | PEDIATRIC
ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT | 50 VERIFIED Q&A | DETAILED
RATIONALES | PASS GUARANTEED – A+ GRADED
SECTION 1: PALS SYSTEMATIC APPROACH AND ASSESSMENT – Questions 1–10
Q1: PALS Assessment – Pediatric Assessment Triangle
The student is reviewing the Pediatric Assessment Triangle. Which three components are assessed?
A. Airway, breathing, circulation
B. Appearance, work of breathing, circulation to skin
C. Alertness, pulse, blood pressure
D. Weight, height, temperature
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Pediatric Assessment Triangle is a rapid visual assessment from the doorway:
Appearance, Work of Breathing, and Circulation to Skin. [100% CORRECT]
Q2: PALS Assessment – Primary Assessment
The student is reviewing the primary assessment. Which sequence is correct?
A. Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure
B. Breathing, Airway, Circulation, Exposure, Disability
C. Circulation, Airway, Breathing, Disability, Exposure
D. Disability, Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Exposure
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The primary assessment follows the ABCDE sequence: Airway, Breathing, Circulation,
Disability, Exposure. [100% CORRECT]
Q3: PALS Assessment – Unresponsive Child
The student is reviewing initial management. What is the first action for an unresponsive child?
A. Check responsiveness and activate emergency response
B. Start compressions immediately
C. Obtain IV access
D. Administer epinephrine
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: First check responsiveness, activate the emergency response system, and assess
breathing and pulse. [100% CORRECT]
Q4: PALS Assessment – SAMPLE History
The student is reviewing history taking. What does the SAMPLE mnemonic represent?
A. Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past medical history, Last meal, Events
, 2
B. Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure
C. Vital signs, Labs, Imaging, ECG
D. History, Physical, Labs, Diagnosis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: SAMPLE: Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past medical history, Last meal, Events
leading to presentation. [100% CORRECT]
Q5: PALS Assessment – Respiratory Distress vs Failure
The student is reviewing respiratory emergencies. What distinguishes respiratory failure from
respiratory distress?
A. Respiratory failure includes inadequate oxygenation or ventilation
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]
Q6: PALS Assessment – Signs of Respiratory Failure
The student is reviewing respiratory failure. Which finding indicates respiratory failure?
A. Decreased mental status
B. Mild tachypnea
C. Clear breath sounds
D. Normal oxygen saturation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Decreased mental status, cyanosis, poor air movement, and exhaustion indicate
respiratory failure. [100% CORRECT]
Q7: PALS Assessment – Shock Definition
The student is reviewing 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]
Q8: PALS Assessment – Compensated Shock
The student is reviewing compensated shock. Which finding is expected?
AHA PALS PRACTICE EXAM 2026/2027 | PEDIATRIC
ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT | 50 VERIFIED Q&A | DETAILED
RATIONALES | PASS GUARANTEED – A+ GRADED
SECTION 1: PALS SYSTEMATIC APPROACH AND ASSESSMENT – Questions 1–10
Q1: PALS Assessment – Pediatric Assessment Triangle
The student is reviewing the Pediatric Assessment Triangle. Which three components are assessed?
A. Airway, breathing, circulation
B. Appearance, work of breathing, circulation to skin
C. Alertness, pulse, blood pressure
D. Weight, height, temperature
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Pediatric Assessment Triangle is a rapid visual assessment from the doorway:
Appearance, Work of Breathing, and Circulation to Skin. [100% CORRECT]
Q2: PALS Assessment – Primary Assessment
The student is reviewing the primary assessment. Which sequence is correct?
A. Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure
B. Breathing, Airway, Circulation, Exposure, Disability
C. Circulation, Airway, Breathing, Disability, Exposure
D. Disability, Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Exposure
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The primary assessment follows the ABCDE sequence: Airway, Breathing, Circulation,
Disability, Exposure. [100% CORRECT]
Q3: PALS Assessment – Unresponsive Child
The student is reviewing initial management. What is the first action for an unresponsive child?
A. Check responsiveness and activate emergency response
B. Start compressions immediately
C. Obtain IV access
D. Administer epinephrine
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: First check responsiveness, activate the emergency response system, and assess
breathing and pulse. [100% CORRECT]
Q4: PALS Assessment – SAMPLE History
The student is reviewing history taking. What does the SAMPLE mnemonic represent?
A. Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past medical history, Last meal, Events
, 2
B. Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure
C. Vital signs, Labs, Imaging, ECG
D. History, Physical, Labs, Diagnosis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: SAMPLE: Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past medical history, Last meal, Events
leading to presentation. [100% CORRECT]
Q5: PALS Assessment – Respiratory Distress vs Failure
The student is reviewing respiratory emergencies. What distinguishes respiratory failure from
respiratory distress?
A. Respiratory failure includes inadequate oxygenation or ventilation
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]
Q6: PALS Assessment – Signs of Respiratory Failure
The student is reviewing respiratory failure. Which finding indicates respiratory failure?
A. Decreased mental status
B. Mild tachypnea
C. Clear breath sounds
D. Normal oxygen saturation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Decreased mental status, cyanosis, poor air movement, and exhaustion indicate
respiratory failure. [100% CORRECT]
Q7: PALS Assessment – Shock Definition
The student is reviewing 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]
Q8: PALS Assessment – Compensated Shock
The student is reviewing compensated shock. Which finding is expected?
