AHA PALS Practice Exam Questions and
Correct Answers Graded A+|Assured
Success|Real Exam|Newest 2025/2026
1. A 2-year-old child presents with a 4-day history of vomiting. The initial
impression reveals an unresponsive child with intermittent apnea and mottled
color. Heart rate is 166/min, respiratory rate is now being supported with bag-
mask ventilation, capillary refill time is 5 to 6 seconds, and temperature is 102°F
(38.9°C). What is the best method of establishing immediate vascular access? A.
Two providers may attempt peripheral vascular access twice each
B. Three providers may attempt peripheral vascular access once each
C. Place a central venous line
D. Place an intraosseous line - CORRECT ANSWER-Place an intraosseous line
,2. What is the appropriate fluid bolus to administer for a child with hypovolemic
shock with adequate myocardial function?
A. 10 mL/kg normal saline
B. 20 mL/kg of 5% dextrose and 0.2% sodium chloride
C. 20 mL/kg normal saline
D. 10 mL/kg lactated Ringer's - CORRECT ANSWER-20 mL/kg normal saline
3. An alert toddler presents with a barking cough, moderate stridor, and
moderate retractions. The child's color is pink. What is the most appropriate
initial intervention?
A. Obtain a chest radiograph
B. Administer nebulized epinephrine
C. Prepare for a surgical airway
D. Use an epinephrine autoinjector - CORRECT ANSWER-Administer nebulized
epinephrine
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 - CORRECT
ANSWER-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 - CORRECT ANSWER-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?
Correct Answers Graded A+|Assured
Success|Real Exam|Newest 2025/2026
1. A 2-year-old child presents with a 4-day history of vomiting. The initial
impression reveals an unresponsive child with intermittent apnea and mottled
color. Heart rate is 166/min, respiratory rate is now being supported with bag-
mask ventilation, capillary refill time is 5 to 6 seconds, and temperature is 102°F
(38.9°C). What is the best method of establishing immediate vascular access? A.
Two providers may attempt peripheral vascular access twice each
B. Three providers may attempt peripheral vascular access once each
C. Place a central venous line
D. Place an intraosseous line - CORRECT ANSWER-Place an intraosseous line
,2. What is the appropriate fluid bolus to administer for a child with hypovolemic
shock with adequate myocardial function?
A. 10 mL/kg normal saline
B. 20 mL/kg of 5% dextrose and 0.2% sodium chloride
C. 20 mL/kg normal saline
D. 10 mL/kg lactated Ringer's - CORRECT ANSWER-20 mL/kg normal saline
3. An alert toddler presents with a barking cough, moderate stridor, and
moderate retractions. The child's color is pink. What is the most appropriate
initial intervention?
A. Obtain a chest radiograph
B. Administer nebulized epinephrine
C. Prepare for a surgical airway
D. Use an epinephrine autoinjector - CORRECT ANSWER-Administer nebulized
epinephrine
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 - CORRECT
ANSWER-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 - CORRECT ANSWER-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?
