AHA PALS FINAL EXAM 2026 QUESTIONS
COMPLETE WITH 100% CORRECT ANSWERS
1. A 5-year-old child presents with lethargy, increased work of
breathing, and pale color. The primary assessment reveals that the
airway is open and the respiratory rate is 30/min, with crackles heard
on auscultation. The cardiac monitor shows sinus tachycardia at a rate
of 165/min. The pulse oximeter displays an oxygen saturation of 95%
and a pulse rate of 93/min. On the basis of this information, which of
the following provides the best interpretation of the oxygen saturation
of 95% by pulse oximetry?
A. Reliable; no supplementary oxygen is indicated B. Reliable;
supplementary oxygen should be administered
C. Unreliable; no supplementary oxygen is indicated
D. Unreliable; supplementary oxygen should be administered -
ANSWERS-Unreliable; supplementary oxygen should be administered
\.2. A 3-year-old child was recently diagnosed with leukemia and has
been treated with chemotherapy. The child presents with lethargy and
,a high fever. Heart rate is 195/min, respiratory rate is 36/min, blood
pressure is 85/40 mm Hg, and capillary refill time is less than 2 seconds.
What is the child's most likely condition?
A. Septic shock
B. Hypovolemic shock
C. Significant bradycardia
D. Cardiogenic shock - ANSWERS-Septic shock
\.3. A 2-week-old infant presents with irritability and a history of poor
feeding. Blood pressure is 55/40 mm Hg. What term describes this
infant's blood pressure?
A. Hypotensive
B. Normal
C. Hypertensive
D. Compensated - ANSWERS-Hypotensive
\.4. During a resuscitation attempt, the team leader orders an initial
dose of epinephrine at 0.1 mg/kg to be given 10. What should the team
member do?
,A. Administer the drug as ordered
B. Administer 0.01 mg/kg of epinephrine
C. Respectfully ask the team leader to clarify the dose
D. Refuse to administer the drug - ANSWERS-Respectfully ask the team
leader to clarify the dose
\.5. Which of the following is a characteristic of respiratory failure?
A. Inadequate oxygenation and/or ventilation
B. Hypotension
C. An increase in serum pH (alkalosis)
D. Abnormal respiratory sounds - ANSWERS-Inadequate oxygenation
and/or ventilation
\.6. Which of the following is most likely to produce a prolonged
expiratory phase and wheezing?
A. Disordered control of breathing
B. Hypovolemic shock
C. Lower airway obstruction
, D. Upper airway obstruction - ANSWERS-Lower airway obstruction
\.7. A 4-year-old child presents with seizures and irregular respirations.
The seizures stopped a few minutes ago. Which of the following most
likely to be abnormal?
A. Vascular resistance
B. Pulse rate
C. Lung compliance
D. Control of breathing - ANSWERS-Control of breathing
\.8. What abnormality is most likely to be present in children with acute
respiratory distress caused by lung tissue disease?
A. Decreased oxygen saturation
B. Stridor
C. Normal respiratory rate
D. Decreased respiratory effort - ANSWERS-Decreased oxygen
saturation
COMPLETE WITH 100% CORRECT ANSWERS
1. A 5-year-old child presents with lethargy, increased work of
breathing, and pale color. The primary assessment reveals that the
airway is open and the respiratory rate is 30/min, with crackles heard
on auscultation. The cardiac monitor shows sinus tachycardia at a rate
of 165/min. The pulse oximeter displays an oxygen saturation of 95%
and a pulse rate of 93/min. On the basis of this information, which of
the following provides the best interpretation of the oxygen saturation
of 95% by pulse oximetry?
A. Reliable; no supplementary oxygen is indicated B. Reliable;
supplementary oxygen should be administered
C. Unreliable; no supplementary oxygen is indicated
D. Unreliable; supplementary oxygen should be administered -
ANSWERS-Unreliable; supplementary oxygen should be administered
\.2. A 3-year-old child was recently diagnosed with leukemia and has
been treated with chemotherapy. The child presents with lethargy and
,a high fever. Heart rate is 195/min, respiratory rate is 36/min, blood
pressure is 85/40 mm Hg, and capillary refill time is less than 2 seconds.
What is the child's most likely condition?
A. Septic shock
B. Hypovolemic shock
C. Significant bradycardia
D. Cardiogenic shock - ANSWERS-Septic shock
\.3. A 2-week-old infant presents with irritability and a history of poor
feeding. Blood pressure is 55/40 mm Hg. What term describes this
infant's blood pressure?
A. Hypotensive
B. Normal
C. Hypertensive
D. Compensated - ANSWERS-Hypotensive
\.4. During a resuscitation attempt, the team leader orders an initial
dose of epinephrine at 0.1 mg/kg to be given 10. What should the team
member do?
,A. Administer the drug as ordered
B. Administer 0.01 mg/kg of epinephrine
C. Respectfully ask the team leader to clarify the dose
D. Refuse to administer the drug - ANSWERS-Respectfully ask the team
leader to clarify the dose
\.5. Which of the following is a characteristic of respiratory failure?
A. Inadequate oxygenation and/or ventilation
B. Hypotension
C. An increase in serum pH (alkalosis)
D. Abnormal respiratory sounds - ANSWERS-Inadequate oxygenation
and/or ventilation
\.6. Which of the following is most likely to produce a prolonged
expiratory phase and wheezing?
A. Disordered control of breathing
B. Hypovolemic shock
C. Lower airway obstruction
, D. Upper airway obstruction - ANSWERS-Lower airway obstruction
\.7. A 4-year-old child presents with seizures and irregular respirations.
The seizures stopped a few minutes ago. Which of the following most
likely to be abnormal?
A. Vascular resistance
B. Pulse rate
C. Lung compliance
D. Control of breathing - ANSWERS-Control of breathing
\.8. What abnormality is most likely to be present in children with acute
respiratory distress caused by lung tissue disease?
A. Decreased oxygen saturation
B. Stridor
C. Normal respiratory rate
D. Decreased respiratory effort - ANSWERS-Decreased oxygen
saturation
