AHA PALS EXAM VERSION 1 QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS
2026 (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES
1. What is the preferred method of confirming endotracheal tube placement in
a pediatric cardiac arrest?
A. Chest X-ray
B. Continuous waveform capnography
C. Auscultation of bilateral breath sounds
D. Observation of chest rise
Continuous waveform capnography is the most reliable method for confirming
and monitoring endotracheal tube placement. It provides immediate feedback
on ventilation and perfusion by measuring exhaled CO₂. Other methods like
auscultation and chest rise are supportive but less reliable.
,2. What is the first-line medication for pediatric bradycardia with poor perfusion
despite adequate oxygenation and ventilation?
A. Atropine
B. Amiodarone
C. Epinephrine
D. Lidocaine
Epinephrine is the drug of choice for bradycardia with signs of poor perfusion
that is unresponsive to oxygen and ventilation. It stimulates α- and β-adrenergic
receptors, improving heart rate and cardiac output.
3. A 4-year-old is in ventricular fibrillation. What is the initial shock dose of
defibrillation?
A. 0.5 J/kg
B. 1 J/kg
C. 2 J/kg
D. 4 J/kg
The initial dose of defibrillation in pediatric ventricular fibrillation is 2 J/kg.
Subsequent shocks may be increased to 4 J/kg, but starting at 2 J/kg improves
chances of successful defibrillation with fewer complications.
4. What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for two-rescuer CPR in
children?
A. 15:2
B. 15:2
, C. 30:2
D. 5:1
In pediatric two-rescuer CPR, the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio
is 15:2 to maintain adequate oxygenation and perfusion. This differs from the
30:2 ratio used for single-rescuer CPR.
5. What is the appropriate initial management of a child with SVT
(supraventricular tachycardia) and a pulse but poor perfusion?
A. Defibrillation
B. Synchronized cardioversion
C. Atropine
D. Chest compressions
Synchronized cardioversion is indicated in unstable SVT with signs of poor
perfusion. It delivers a timed electrical impulse that avoids the vulnerable period
of the cardiac cycle, reducing the risk of inducing ventricular fibrillation.
6. Which of the following best describes compensated shock?
A. Normal blood pressure with signs of poor perfusion
B. Hypotension with bradycardia
C. Unconsciousness with no pulse
D. Bradycardia and cyanosis
AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS
2026 (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES
1. What is the preferred method of confirming endotracheal tube placement in
a pediatric cardiac arrest?
A. Chest X-ray
B. Continuous waveform capnography
C. Auscultation of bilateral breath sounds
D. Observation of chest rise
Continuous waveform capnography is the most reliable method for confirming
and monitoring endotracheal tube placement. It provides immediate feedback
on ventilation and perfusion by measuring exhaled CO₂. Other methods like
auscultation and chest rise are supportive but less reliable.
,2. What is the first-line medication for pediatric bradycardia with poor perfusion
despite adequate oxygenation and ventilation?
A. Atropine
B. Amiodarone
C. Epinephrine
D. Lidocaine
Epinephrine is the drug of choice for bradycardia with signs of poor perfusion
that is unresponsive to oxygen and ventilation. It stimulates α- and β-adrenergic
receptors, improving heart rate and cardiac output.
3. A 4-year-old is in ventricular fibrillation. What is the initial shock dose of
defibrillation?
A. 0.5 J/kg
B. 1 J/kg
C. 2 J/kg
D. 4 J/kg
The initial dose of defibrillation in pediatric ventricular fibrillation is 2 J/kg.
Subsequent shocks may be increased to 4 J/kg, but starting at 2 J/kg improves
chances of successful defibrillation with fewer complications.
4. What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for two-rescuer CPR in
children?
A. 15:2
B. 15:2
, C. 30:2
D. 5:1
In pediatric two-rescuer CPR, the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio
is 15:2 to maintain adequate oxygenation and perfusion. This differs from the
30:2 ratio used for single-rescuer CPR.
5. What is the appropriate initial management of a child with SVT
(supraventricular tachycardia) and a pulse but poor perfusion?
A. Defibrillation
B. Synchronized cardioversion
C. Atropine
D. Chest compressions
Synchronized cardioversion is indicated in unstable SVT with signs of poor
perfusion. It delivers a timed electrical impulse that avoids the vulnerable period
of the cardiac cycle, reducing the risk of inducing ventricular fibrillation.
6. Which of the following best describes compensated shock?
A. Normal blood pressure with signs of poor perfusion
B. Hypotension with bradycardia
C. Unconsciousness with no pulse
D. Bradycardia and cyanosis
