Comprehensive AHA Pediatric Advanced Life Support Exam Resource with Answer Key, Test Bank, Practice Exam Questions, and In-Depth Rationales for Nursing Students, Paramedics, and Healthcare Certification Prep (Updated 2025–2026 Study Pack)

AHA Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Exam
Answer Key | Complete Test Bank, Practice
Questions, Verified Answers, Detailed Rationales,
and Study Guide for Nursing, EMS, and Healthcare
Providers (Latest 2025–2026 Edition)

Question 1
What is the primary goal of Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)?
A) To provide advanced airway management
B) To improve survival rates in pediatric emergencies. (Correct Option)
C) To facilitate rapid transport to the hospital
D) To enhance parental education
Rationale: The primary goal of PALS is to improve survival rates through timely and
effective interventions during pediatric emergencies.


Question 2
What is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for pediatric CPR in a single
rescuer scenario?
A) 15:2
B) 30:2 (Correct Option)
C) 20:2
D) 10:1
Rationale: In a single rescuer situation, the compression-to-ventilation ratio for
pediatric CPR is 30:2.


Question 3
When should a pediatric patient receive high-quality CPR?
A) Only when a pulse is not felt
B) When the patient is unresponsive and not breathing or not breathing normally.
(Correct Option)
C) During respiratory distress
D) Only if the patient is known to have a cardiac condition
Rationale: High-quality CPR is indicated when the patient is unresponsive and not
breathing or exhibiting abnormal breathing.


Question 4
What is the most effective way to assess the adequacy of CPR?
A) Monitoring the rise and fall of the chest. (Correct Option)
B) Counting the number of compressions

,C) Listening for breath sounds
D) Observing the patient's pupils
Rationale: The rise and fall of the chest indicates that adequate ventilations are being
delivered.


Question 5
What is the appropriate depth of chest compressions for infants?
A) About 1.5 inches (4 cm). (Correct Option)
B) About 2 inches (5 cm)
C) 0.5 inches (1.5 cm)
D) 1 inch (2.5 cm)
Rationale: For infants, chest compressions should be approximately 1.5 inches deep.


Question 6
Which of the following is a sign of respiratory distress in a child?
A) Increased respiratory rate. (Correct Option)
B) Bradycardia
C) Cyanosis
D) Hypotension
Rationale: Increased respiratory rate is a common sign of respiratory distress in
children.


Question 7
What is the first step in managing a child with anaphylaxis?
A) Administering oxygen
B) Administering epinephrine. (Correct Option)
C) Performing CPR
D) Providing antihistamines
Rationale: The first step in managing anaphylaxis is to administer epinephrine to
counteract the severe allergic reaction.


Question 8
What is the recommended initial dose of epinephrine for a pediatric patient
experiencing anaphylaxis?
A) 0.01 mg/kg
B) 0.01 mg/kg up to a maximum of 0.3 mg. (Correct Option)
C) 0.1 mg/kg
D) 0.5 mg/kg

,Rationale: The recommended initial dose for epinephrine in anaphylaxis is 0.01 mg/kg,
with a maximum dose of 0.3 mg.


Question 9
What is the correct position for a child in respiratory distress?
A) Supine
B) Sitting upright or in a position of comfort. (Correct Option)
C) Prone
D) Lying flat
Rationale: Sitting upright or in a position of comfort helps facilitate breathing.


Question 10
During a pediatric resuscitation, when should an advanced airway be considered?
A) After 1 minute of CPR
B) After 2 minutes of CPR if there is no return of spontaneous circulation. (Correct
Option)
C) Immediately upon starting CPR
D) Only if the patient is intubated
Rationale: Advanced airway management should be considered after 2 minutes of
effective CPR if there is no return of spontaneous circulation.


Question 11
What is the recommended heart rate threshold for initiating CPR in infants?
A) 60 beats per minute
B) Less than 60 beats per minute. (Correct Option)
C) 80 beats per minute
D) 100 beats per minute
Rationale: CPR should be initiated in infants if the heart rate is less than 60 beats per
minute.


Question 12
What is the preferred method for delivering rescue breaths to a child?
A) Mouth-to-nose
B) Mouth-to-mouth. (Correct Option)
C) Bag-mask ventilation only
D) Mouth-to-stoma
Rationale: The preferred method for delivering rescue breaths to a child is mouth-to-
mouth.

, Question 13
What is the correct compression depth for a child during CPR?
A) 1 inch (2.5 cm)
B) About 2 inches (5 cm). (Correct Option)
C) 1.5 inches (4 cm)
D) 3 inches (7.5 cm)
Rationale: For children, chest compressions should be approximately 2 inches deep.


Question 14
When using an AED on a child, what is the appropriate pad placement?
A) Both pads on the front
B) One pad on the front and one on the back. (Correct Option)
C) Pads on the abdomen
D) One pad on the left arm and one on the right leg
Rationale: The pads should be placed one on the front and one on the back to ensure
effective defibrillation.


Question 15
What is the appropriate response for a child who is choking and cannot cough or
breathe?
A) Perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver). (Correct Option)
B) Encourage him to cough
C) Give back blows only
D) Offer water
Rationale: Abdominal thrusts are indicated for a child who is choking and unable to
cough or breathe.


Question 16
What is the initial action for a child who is unresponsive and not breathing?
A) Call for help and start CPR. (Correct Option)
B) Check for a pulse
C) Administer oxygen
D) Roll the child into the recovery position
Rationale: The initial action is to call for help and begin CPR immediately.