PALS Updated Final Exam Latest Update 2026 | Exam
Prep | High-Yield Review Guide
1. What is the primary focus of the PALS team leader during a debriefing
session?
Clinical findings and appropriate medical responses
Medication administration techniques
Patient history and family dynamics
Nutritional needs of pediatric patients
2. Describe the role of dexamethasone in the treatment of moderate croup in
pediatric patients.
Dexamethasone is used to treat bacterial infections in children.
Dexamethasone increases mucus production to soothe the throat.
Dexamethasone acts as a bronchodilator to open airways.
Dexamethasone reduces inflammation in the airways, alleviating
symptoms of croup.
3. What is the common arrhythmia associated with Lyme disease that may be
identified on an ECG?
Atrial fibrillation
Sinus bradycardia
Heart block
Ventricular tachycardia
,4. What is a key intervention in airway management for a child with respiratory
distress?
Nebulized bronchodilators
Endotracheal intubation
Chest physiotherapy
Intravenous fluids
5. Describe how respiratory distress can affect a child's circulation status.
Respiratory distress has no effect on circulation status.
Respiratory distress causes bradycardia due to increased carbon
dioxide levels.
Respiratory distress can lead to tachycardia as the body
compensates for decreased oxygen levels.
Respiratory distress results in hypotension due to fluid loss.
6. Chest compressions are indicated when a pediatric patient presents with:
a pulse rate slower than 100 beats per minute that is not increasing in
response to supplemental oxygenation and assisted ventilation.
wide-complex tachycardia unresponsive to cardioversion.
a pulse rate slower than 60 beats per minute with signs of shock or
poor peripheral perfusion despite oxygenation and ventilation.
a pulse rate slower than 80 beats per minute with signs of shock or
poor peripheral perfusion.
7. Which of the following lab tests would be most helpful in the diagnosis of
septic shock?
, BNP
procalcitonin
lactate
D-dimer
8. What is the primary method used to confirm the correct placement of an
advanced airway in pediatric patients?
Blood gas analysis
Capnography
Chest X-ray
Pulse oximetry
9. Describe the significance of sinus tachycardia in a pediatric patient with
symptoms of dehydration.
Sinus tachycardia indicates the heart's response to decreased blood
volume and compensatory mechanisms due to dehydration.
Sinus tachycardia shows that the heart is functioning normally under
stress.
Sinus tachycardia is a sign of heart failure in children.
Sinus tachycardia is unrelated to dehydration symptoms.
10. An 11-year-old soccer player is brought to the emergency department. After
a quick assessment, the team realizes this patient is experiencing a severe
asthma exacerbation. Which medication would the team administer
immediately?
Prednisone
Magnesium sulfate
, Albuterol with or without ipratropium bromide
Terbutaline
11. What is the correct placement location for the red electrode in a three-
electrode system for cardiac monitoring in a pediatric patient?
Left upper chest
Right upper chest
Right lower chest
Left lower chest
12. In a scenario where a child presents with a rapid heart rate and the ECG
shows ventricular tachycardia, what should be the immediate action taken by
the healthcare provider?
Administer synchronized cardioversion
Provide supplemental oxygen
Perform a thorough physical examination
Initiate CPR immediately
13. What laboratory test is commonly used to assess the adequacy of oxygen
delivery in pediatric patients?
Complete blood count (CBC)
Liver function tests
Electrolyte panel
Arterial blood gas (ABG)
Prep | High-Yield Review Guide
1. What is the primary focus of the PALS team leader during a debriefing
session?
Clinical findings and appropriate medical responses
Medication administration techniques
Patient history and family dynamics
Nutritional needs of pediatric patients
2. Describe the role of dexamethasone in the treatment of moderate croup in
pediatric patients.
Dexamethasone is used to treat bacterial infections in children.
Dexamethasone increases mucus production to soothe the throat.
Dexamethasone acts as a bronchodilator to open airways.
Dexamethasone reduces inflammation in the airways, alleviating
symptoms of croup.
3. What is the common arrhythmia associated with Lyme disease that may be
identified on an ECG?
Atrial fibrillation
Sinus bradycardia
Heart block
Ventricular tachycardia
,4. What is a key intervention in airway management for a child with respiratory
distress?
Nebulized bronchodilators
Endotracheal intubation
Chest physiotherapy
Intravenous fluids
5. Describe how respiratory distress can affect a child's circulation status.
Respiratory distress has no effect on circulation status.
Respiratory distress causes bradycardia due to increased carbon
dioxide levels.
Respiratory distress can lead to tachycardia as the body
compensates for decreased oxygen levels.
Respiratory distress results in hypotension due to fluid loss.
6. Chest compressions are indicated when a pediatric patient presents with:
a pulse rate slower than 100 beats per minute that is not increasing in
response to supplemental oxygenation and assisted ventilation.
wide-complex tachycardia unresponsive to cardioversion.
a pulse rate slower than 60 beats per minute with signs of shock or
poor peripheral perfusion despite oxygenation and ventilation.
a pulse rate slower than 80 beats per minute with signs of shock or
poor peripheral perfusion.
7. Which of the following lab tests would be most helpful in the diagnosis of
septic shock?
, BNP
procalcitonin
lactate
D-dimer
8. What is the primary method used to confirm the correct placement of an
advanced airway in pediatric patients?
Blood gas analysis
Capnography
Chest X-ray
Pulse oximetry
9. Describe the significance of sinus tachycardia in a pediatric patient with
symptoms of dehydration.
Sinus tachycardia indicates the heart's response to decreased blood
volume and compensatory mechanisms due to dehydration.
Sinus tachycardia shows that the heart is functioning normally under
stress.
Sinus tachycardia is a sign of heart failure in children.
Sinus tachycardia is unrelated to dehydration symptoms.
10. An 11-year-old soccer player is brought to the emergency department. After
a quick assessment, the team realizes this patient is experiencing a severe
asthma exacerbation. Which medication would the team administer
immediately?
Prednisone
Magnesium sulfate
, Albuterol with or without ipratropium bromide
Terbutaline
11. What is the correct placement location for the red electrode in a three-
electrode system for cardiac monitoring in a pediatric patient?
Left upper chest
Right upper chest
Right lower chest
Left lower chest
12. In a scenario where a child presents with a rapid heart rate and the ECG
shows ventricular tachycardia, what should be the immediate action taken by
the healthcare provider?
Administer synchronized cardioversion
Provide supplemental oxygen
Perform a thorough physical examination
Initiate CPR immediately
13. What laboratory test is commonly used to assess the adequacy of oxygen
delivery in pediatric patients?
Complete blood count (CBC)
Liver function tests
Electrolyte panel
Arterial blood gas (ABG)
