AHA PALS Practice Exam Questions and Answers

1. A 5-year-old child presents with lethargy, increased work of breathing, and pale color. The primary assessment reveals that the airway is open and the respiratory rate is 30/min, with crackles heard on auscultation. The cardiac monitor shows sinus tachycardia at a rate of 165/min. The pulse oximeter displays an oxygen saturation of 95% and a pulse rate of 93/min. On the basis of this information, which of the following provides the best interpretation of the oxygen saturation of 95% by pulse oximetry? A. Reliable; no supplementary oxygen is indicated B. Reliable; supplementary oxygen should be administered C. Unreliable; no supplementary oxygen is indicated D. Unreliable; supplementary oxygen should be administered Unreliable; supplementary oxygen should be administered 2. A 3-year-old child was recently diagnosed with leukemia and has been treated with chemotherapy. The child presents with lethargy and a high fever. Heart rate is 195/min, respiratory rate is 36/min, blood pressure is 85/40 mm Hg, and capillary refill time is less than 2 seconds. What is the child's most likely condition? A. Septic shock B. Hypovolemic shock C. Significant bradycardia D. Cardiogenic shock Septic shock 3. A 2-week-old infant presents with irritability and a history of poor feeding. Blood pressure is 55/40 mm Hg. What term describes this infant's blood pressure? A. Hypotensive B. Normal C. Hypertensive D. Compensated Hypotensive 4. During a resuscitation attempt, the team leader orders an initial dose of epinephrine at 0.1 mg/kg to be given 10. What should the team member do? A. Administer the drug as ordered B. Administer 0.01 mg/kg of epinephrine C. Respectfully ask the team leader to clarify the dose D. Refuse to administer the drug Respectfully ask the team leader to clarify the dose 5. Which of the following is a characteristic of respiratory failure? A. Inadequate oxygenation and/or ventilation B. Hypotension C. An increase in serum pH (alkalosis) D. Abnormal respiratory sounds Inadequate oxygenation and/or ventilation