PALS PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY RESUSCITATION
EXAM STUDY GUIDE 2026 FULL QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS GRADED A+
◉ What should the first rescuer arriving on the scene of an
unresponsive infant or child do? (in order) Answer: 1. verify scene
safety
2. check for responsiveness
3. shout for help
4. activate the emergency response system
◉ Why may excessive ventilation during CPR be harmful? Answer: -
it increases intrathoracic pressure
- it impedes venous return
◉ If you cannot achieve effective ventilation (ie, the chest does not
rise), do the following: Answer: - reposition/reopen the airway
(sniffing position)
- verify mask size and ensure a tight face-mask seal
- suction the airway if needed
- check the O2 source
- check the ventilation bag and mask
, - treat gastric inflation (NG/OG)
- consider 2-person bag-mask ventilation and inserting an OPA
◉ Ventilation rate Answer: 1 breath every 2-3 seconds delivered
over 1 second (20-30 breaths per minute)
◉ Early signs of tissue hypoxia Answer: - tachypnea
- increased respiratory effort (nasal flaring, retractions)
- tachycardia
- pallor, mottling, cyanosis
- agitation, anxiety, irritability
◉ Late signs of tissue hypoxia Answer: - bradypnea, inadequate
respiratory effort, apnea
- increased respiratory effort (head bobbing, seesaw respirations,
grunting)
- bradycardia
- pallor, mottling, cyanosis
- decreased level of consciousness
◉ What is the role of the diaphragm during normal breathing in
infants? Answer: pulls the ribs slightly inward
EXAM STUDY GUIDE 2026 FULL QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS GRADED A+
◉ What should the first rescuer arriving on the scene of an
unresponsive infant or child do? (in order) Answer: 1. verify scene
safety
2. check for responsiveness
3. shout for help
4. activate the emergency response system
◉ Why may excessive ventilation during CPR be harmful? Answer: -
it increases intrathoracic pressure
- it impedes venous return
◉ If you cannot achieve effective ventilation (ie, the chest does not
rise), do the following: Answer: - reposition/reopen the airway
(sniffing position)
- verify mask size and ensure a tight face-mask seal
- suction the airway if needed
- check the O2 source
- check the ventilation bag and mask
, - treat gastric inflation (NG/OG)
- consider 2-person bag-mask ventilation and inserting an OPA
◉ Ventilation rate Answer: 1 breath every 2-3 seconds delivered
over 1 second (20-30 breaths per minute)
◉ Early signs of tissue hypoxia Answer: - tachypnea
- increased respiratory effort (nasal flaring, retractions)
- tachycardia
- pallor, mottling, cyanosis
- agitation, anxiety, irritability
◉ Late signs of tissue hypoxia Answer: - bradypnea, inadequate
respiratory effort, apnea
- increased respiratory effort (head bobbing, seesaw respirations,
grunting)
- bradycardia
- pallor, mottling, cyanosis
- decreased level of consciousness
◉ What is the role of the diaphragm during normal breathing in
infants? Answer: pulls the ribs slightly inward
