ARC PALS Final Exam Questions &
Correct Answers Latest Update 2026
A healthcare provider is performing a primary assessment of a child in respiratory
distress. The provider documents increased work of breathing when which
findings are observed
Sternal Retractions
Nasal Flaring
Accessory Muscle Use
A 12-year-old child being evaluated in the pediatric intensive care unit displays the
following ECG waveform. The team interprets this as which arrhythmia
Second-degree AV Block, type 1
An 11-year-old child develops unstable wide-complex tachycardia. Assessment
reveals signs of significant hemodynamic compromise, but the child has a pulse.
The PALS team would prepare the child for which intervention
Synchronized Electrical Cardioversion
, A 4-year-old patient presents with tachycardia, tachypnea, cold extremities and
weak pulses. Assessment also reveals an enlarged liver and neck vein distension.
The provider interprets these assessment findings as suggesting which type of
shock
Cardiogenic
A 9-year-old patient is presenting with decreased breath sounds, bradycardia,
slowed respiratory rate and a low O2 saturation level. The provider interprets
these findings as indicating which condition
Respiratory Failure
Which action would the PALS team initiate to manage increased intracranial
pressure in a pediatric patient
Maintain the head in midline position with 30-degree elevation
A child in the pediatric step-down unit is exhibiting signs of respiratory distress.
When assessing this child, which circulation finding might be present
Pallor
A child is experiencing shock. The emergency response team prepares for
imminent cardiac arrest when assessment reveals which finding(s)
Hypotension
Correct Answers Latest Update 2026
A healthcare provider is performing a primary assessment of a child in respiratory
distress. The provider documents increased work of breathing when which
findings are observed
Sternal Retractions
Nasal Flaring
Accessory Muscle Use
A 12-year-old child being evaluated in the pediatric intensive care unit displays the
following ECG waveform. The team interprets this as which arrhythmia
Second-degree AV Block, type 1
An 11-year-old child develops unstable wide-complex tachycardia. Assessment
reveals signs of significant hemodynamic compromise, but the child has a pulse.
The PALS team would prepare the child for which intervention
Synchronized Electrical Cardioversion
, A 4-year-old patient presents with tachycardia, tachypnea, cold extremities and
weak pulses. Assessment also reveals an enlarged liver and neck vein distension.
The provider interprets these assessment findings as suggesting which type of
shock
Cardiogenic
A 9-year-old patient is presenting with decreased breath sounds, bradycardia,
slowed respiratory rate and a low O2 saturation level. The provider interprets
these findings as indicating which condition
Respiratory Failure
Which action would the PALS team initiate to manage increased intracranial
pressure in a pediatric patient
Maintain the head in midline position with 30-degree elevation
A child in the pediatric step-down unit is exhibiting signs of respiratory distress.
When assessing this child, which circulation finding might be present
Pallor
A child is experiencing shock. The emergency response team prepares for
imminent cardiac arrest when assessment reveals which finding(s)
Hypotension
