PALS - RED CROSS FINAL EXAM 2025 COMPREHENSIVE ACADEMIC STUDY GUIDE
WITH VERIFIED CONCEPTS AND EXAM-FOCUSED EXPLANATIONS 2025–2026
Laboratory tests are ordered for a child who has been vomiting for 3 days and is diaphoretic,
tachypneic, lethargic and pale. Which test would the provider use to determine the adequacy of
oxygen delivery? - correct answer -Lactate
A provider is forming an initial impression of a child using the Pediatric Assessment Triangle
(PAT). During which step of the PAT may the provider use the mnemonic TICLS to assess the
patient? - correct answer -Appearance
A child being cared for in the pediatric telemetry unit suddenly displays the following ECG
waveform. The provider prepares to intervene because the child is demonstrating which type of
arrhythmia? - correct answer -Supraventricular tachycardia
A 2-year-old child of unknown weight arrives at the emergency department in cardiac arrest.
When preparing to administer medications, which action would be appropriate for the team to
take? - correct answer -Estimate weight using a length-based resuscitation tape.
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? - correct answer -Respiratory failure
A 5-year-old child with a history of a chronic neuromuscular disease is experiencing respiratory
distress. The child is breathing spontaneously and receiving supplemental oxygen. Which
additional intervention is a critical component of airway management for this patient? - correct
answer -Airway clearance
An 8-year-old child being treated in the emergency department has significant respiratory
distress. The child also exhibits hives, wheezing, angioedema, tachycardia and tachypnea. The
parents state that the child, who is allergic to peanuts, had eaten some popcorn that had
, peanuts in it. The team initiates care, preparing to administer which agent first? - correct
answer -Epinephrine
A 12-lead ECG is ordered for a child complaining of a "racing heart." When placing the
electrodes on the child, at which location would the lead for V4 be placed? - correct answer -
Fifth intercostal space at midclavicular line, left side
A 10-year-old child has collapsed in the gym of the elementary school. The school nurse arrives
and determines that the child is unresponsive. The school nurse then simultaneously checks for
breathing and a central pulse, limiting this assessment to which time frame? - correct answer -
At least 5 seconds, but no more than 10
A 30-month old child has been diagnosed with moderate croup. Which medication(s) would the
provider administer? - correct answer -1. Racemic epinephrine
2. Corticosteroids
A child is experiencing shock. The emergency response team prepares for imminent cardiac
arrest when assessment reveals which finding(s)? - correct answer -1. Bradycardia
2. Diminished central pulses
3. Hypotension
A PALS resuscitation team is preparing to defibrillate a child experiencing cardiac arrest. For
which rhythm(s) would this action be appropriate? - correct answer -1. Ventricular fibrillation
(VF)
2. Pulseless ventricular tachycardia (pVT)
A child is experiencing stable supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and is to receive treatment.
Which initial treatment would the provider administer? - correct answer -Vagal maneuvers
WITH VERIFIED CONCEPTS AND EXAM-FOCUSED EXPLANATIONS 2025–2026
Laboratory tests are ordered for a child who has been vomiting for 3 days and is diaphoretic,
tachypneic, lethargic and pale. Which test would the provider use to determine the adequacy of
oxygen delivery? - correct answer -Lactate
A provider is forming an initial impression of a child using the Pediatric Assessment Triangle
(PAT). During which step of the PAT may the provider use the mnemonic TICLS to assess the
patient? - correct answer -Appearance
A child being cared for in the pediatric telemetry unit suddenly displays the following ECG
waveform. The provider prepares to intervene because the child is demonstrating which type of
arrhythmia? - correct answer -Supraventricular tachycardia
A 2-year-old child of unknown weight arrives at the emergency department in cardiac arrest.
When preparing to administer medications, which action would be appropriate for the team to
take? - correct answer -Estimate weight using a length-based resuscitation tape.
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? - correct answer -Respiratory failure
A 5-year-old child with a history of a chronic neuromuscular disease is experiencing respiratory
distress. The child is breathing spontaneously and receiving supplemental oxygen. Which
additional intervention is a critical component of airway management for this patient? - correct
answer -Airway clearance
An 8-year-old child being treated in the emergency department has significant respiratory
distress. The child also exhibits hives, wheezing, angioedema, tachycardia and tachypnea. The
parents state that the child, who is allergic to peanuts, had eaten some popcorn that had
, peanuts in it. The team initiates care, preparing to administer which agent first? - correct
answer -Epinephrine
A 12-lead ECG is ordered for a child complaining of a "racing heart." When placing the
electrodes on the child, at which location would the lead for V4 be placed? - correct answer -
Fifth intercostal space at midclavicular line, left side
A 10-year-old child has collapsed in the gym of the elementary school. The school nurse arrives
and determines that the child is unresponsive. The school nurse then simultaneously checks for
breathing and a central pulse, limiting this assessment to which time frame? - correct answer -
At least 5 seconds, but no more than 10
A 30-month old child has been diagnosed with moderate croup. Which medication(s) would the
provider administer? - correct answer -1. Racemic epinephrine
2. Corticosteroids
A child is experiencing shock. The emergency response team prepares for imminent cardiac
arrest when assessment reveals which finding(s)? - correct answer -1. Bradycardia
2. Diminished central pulses
3. Hypotension
A PALS resuscitation team is preparing to defibrillate a child experiencing cardiac arrest. For
which rhythm(s) would this action be appropriate? - correct answer -1. Ventricular fibrillation
(VF)
2. Pulseless ventricular tachycardia (pVT)
A child is experiencing stable supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and is to receive treatment.
Which initial treatment would the provider administer? - correct answer -Vagal maneuvers
