Guide | Algorithms, Cardiac Arrest, Bradycardia, Tachycardia,
Respiratory Emergencies, Megacode Scenarios, AHA
Certification Exam Preparation Notes
AHA PALS Exam
Question 1:
What is the first step in the PALS sequence when a child is unresponsive and not breathing?
a) Call for help
b) Provide high-flow oxygen
c) Start chest compressions
d) Administer epinephrine
Correct Option: c) Start chest compressions
Rationale: The first step in the PALS sequence for an unresponsive child who is not breathing is
to begin high-quality chest compressions immediately. This provides essential circulation until
further help arrives.
Question 2:
Which of the following is the recommended chest compression depth for a child?
a) At least 1 inch
b) At least 1/3 the depth of the chest (about 2 inches)
c) At least 2.5 inches
d) At least 1.5 inches
Correct Option: b) At least 1/3 the depth of the chest (about 2 inches)
Rationale: For children, the recommended compression depth is about 1/3 the depth of the chest
or approximately 2 inches, ensuring adequate circulation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation
(CPR).
Question 3:
What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for 2 rescuers performing CPR on a child?
a) 15:2
b) 30:2
c) 15:2
d) 20:2
,AHA PALS Pediatric Advanced Life Support Complete Study
Guide | Algorithms, Cardiac Arrest, Bradycardia, Tachycardia,
Respiratory Emergencies, Megacode Scenarios, AHA
Certification Exam Preparation Notes
Correct Option: c) 15:2
Rationale: When two rescuers are administering CPR to a child, the correct compression-to-
ventilation ratio is 15:2 to optimize the effectiveness of compressions while ensuring adequate
ventilations.
Question 4:
If a child experiences anaphylaxis, what is the first-line treatment?
a) Intravenous fluids
b) Corticosteroids
c) Epinephrine
d) Antihistamines
Correct Option: c) Epinephrine
Rationale: The first-line treatment for anaphylaxis in children is epinephrine. It acts quickly to
reverse severe allergic reactions by constricting blood vessels and opening airways.
Question 1:
What is the first step in the PALS sequence when a child is unresponsive and not breathing?
a) Call for help
b) Provide high-flow oxygen
c) Start chest compressions
d) Administer epinephrine
Correct Option: c) Start chest compressions
Rationale: The first step in this scenario is to begin chest compressions immediately to maintain
circulation.
Question 2:
Which of the following is the recommended chest compression depth for a child?
a) At least 1 inch
b) At least 1/3 the depth of the chest (about 2 inches)
, AHA PALS Pediatric Advanced Life Support Complete Study
Guide | Algorithms, Cardiac Arrest, Bradycardia, Tachycardia,
Respiratory Emergencies, Megacode Scenarios, AHA
Certification Exam Preparation Notes
c) At least 2.5 inches
d) At least 1.5 inches
Correct Option: b) At least 1/3 the depth of the chest (about 2 inches)
Rationale: Proper depth ensures adequate blood flow during CPR.
Question 3:
What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for 2 rescuers performing CPR on a child?
a) 15:2
b) 30:2
c) 15:2
d) 20:2
Correct Option: c) 15:2
Rationale: This ratio optimizes both compressions and ventilations.
Question 4:
In a child with bradycardia, when should you administer medications?
a) When heart rate is less than 80 bpm
b) When associated with poor perfusion
c) Always after 2 minutes of CPR
d) When heart rate is below 100 bpm
Correct Option: b) When associated with poor perfusion
Rationale: Medications are indicated when bradycardia leads to compromised perfusion.
Question 5:
What is the appropriate rate of chest compressions for a child?
a) 60-80 compressions per minute
b) 100-120 compressions per minute