Page 1 of 204
AHA PALS Exam A LATEST VERSION WITH 300
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED
SOLUTIONS JUST RELEASED THIS YEAR
AHA PALS Exam A – Questions 1-300
EXAM COVERAGE SUMMARY
This comprehensive practice examination covers the full scope of the American Heart
Association Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) curriculum. Key domains include the
systematic assessment approach (Pediatric Assessment Triangle, primary/secondary
assessment, ABCDE); respiratory distress and failure (upper/lower airway obstruction,
respiratory distress recognition); shock recognition and management (distributive, hypovolemic,
cardiogenic, obstructive shock); cardiac arrhythmias and cardiac arrest management (pediatric
BLS, defibrillation, synchronized cardioversion, tachyarrhythmias, bradyarrhythmias);
pharmacology (adenosine, amiodarone, lidocaine, epinephrine, atropine, vasopressors); post-
cardiac arrest care (therapeutic hypothermia, oxygen titration, blood pressure management);
team dynamics (closed-loop communication, role assignment, crew resource management); and
special considerations (toxicology, electrolyte abnormalities, trauma, drowning). The exam
emphasizes clinical judgment, rapid decision-making, and evidence-based resuscitation
according to the 2025 AHA Guidelines.
INSTRUCTIONS
• This examination consists of 300 multiple-choice questions
• Select the single best answer for each question
• Each question is worth 1 point
• Total examination time: 3 hours
• All questions are randomized and do not follow subtopic domains
• Read each question carefully before selecting your answer
• Mark your answers on the provided answer sheet
1
SUCCESS!
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SECTION I: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. The PALS systematic approach algorithm begins with which of the following?
A. Secondary assessment
B. Initial impression
C. Laboratory testing
D. Intravenous access
Answer: B
The PALS systematic approach begins with the initial impression—a rapid, visual assessment of
consciousness, breathing, and color (the Pediatric Assessment Triangle). This takes only seconds
and helps determine if the child requires immediate life-saving intervention.
2. The Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT) evaluates which three components?
A. Heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure
B. Appearance, work of breathing, and circulation
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C. Mental status, oxygen saturation, and capillary refill
D. Pupils, lung sounds, and skin temperature
Answer: B
The PAT evaluates appearance (level of consciousness, muscle tone), work of breathing
(respiratory effort, retractions, abnormal sounds), and circulation (skin color, pallor, cyanosis). It
allows rapid identification of life-threatening conditions without equipment.
3. According to the PALS systematic approach, after completing the initial impression, what is
the next step?
A. Obtain a full medical history
B. Determine if the child needs immediate life support
C. Perform a head-to-toe physical examination
D. Order laboratory tests
Answer: B
3
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, Page 4 of 204
After the initial impression, the provider determines if the child needs immediate life support
(e.g., CPR, bag-mask ventilation, treatment for shock). This is followed by the primary
assessment (ABCDE) and then the secondary assessment.
4. A 6-month-old infant is unresponsive. You begin checking for breathing at the same time you
check for the infant's pulse. Which is the maximum time you should spend when trying to
simultaneously check for breathing and palpate the infant's pulse before starting CPR?
A. 10 seconds
B. 15 seconds
C. 30 seconds
D. 60 seconds
Answer: A
For infants and children, healthcare providers should check for breathing and a pulse
simultaneously for no more than 10 seconds. If the child is not breathing or only gasping and has
no definite pulse, CPR should be started immediately.
4
SUCCESS!
AHA PALS Exam A LATEST VERSION WITH 300
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED
SOLUTIONS JUST RELEASED THIS YEAR
AHA PALS Exam A – Questions 1-300
EXAM COVERAGE SUMMARY
This comprehensive practice examination covers the full scope of the American Heart
Association Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) curriculum. Key domains include the
systematic assessment approach (Pediatric Assessment Triangle, primary/secondary
assessment, ABCDE); respiratory distress and failure (upper/lower airway obstruction,
respiratory distress recognition); shock recognition and management (distributive, hypovolemic,
cardiogenic, obstructive shock); cardiac arrhythmias and cardiac arrest management (pediatric
BLS, defibrillation, synchronized cardioversion, tachyarrhythmias, bradyarrhythmias);
pharmacology (adenosine, amiodarone, lidocaine, epinephrine, atropine, vasopressors); post-
cardiac arrest care (therapeutic hypothermia, oxygen titration, blood pressure management);
team dynamics (closed-loop communication, role assignment, crew resource management); and
special considerations (toxicology, electrolyte abnormalities, trauma, drowning). The exam
emphasizes clinical judgment, rapid decision-making, and evidence-based resuscitation
according to the 2025 AHA Guidelines.
INSTRUCTIONS
• This examination consists of 300 multiple-choice questions
• Select the single best answer for each question
• Each question is worth 1 point
• Total examination time: 3 hours
• All questions are randomized and do not follow subtopic domains
• Read each question carefully before selecting your answer
• Mark your answers on the provided answer sheet
1
SUCCESS!
,Page 2 of 204
SECTION I: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. The PALS systematic approach algorithm begins with which of the following?
A. Secondary assessment
B. Initial impression
C. Laboratory testing
D. Intravenous access
Answer: B
The PALS systematic approach begins with the initial impression—a rapid, visual assessment of
consciousness, breathing, and color (the Pediatric Assessment Triangle). This takes only seconds
and helps determine if the child requires immediate life-saving intervention.
2. The Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT) evaluates which three components?
A. Heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure
B. Appearance, work of breathing, and circulation
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C. Mental status, oxygen saturation, and capillary refill
D. Pupils, lung sounds, and skin temperature
Answer: B
The PAT evaluates appearance (level of consciousness, muscle tone), work of breathing
(respiratory effort, retractions, abnormal sounds), and circulation (skin color, pallor, cyanosis). It
allows rapid identification of life-threatening conditions without equipment.
3. According to the PALS systematic approach, after completing the initial impression, what is
the next step?
A. Obtain a full medical history
B. Determine if the child needs immediate life support
C. Perform a head-to-toe physical examination
D. Order laboratory tests
Answer: B
3
SUCCESS!
, Page 4 of 204
After the initial impression, the provider determines if the child needs immediate life support
(e.g., CPR, bag-mask ventilation, treatment for shock). This is followed by the primary
assessment (ABCDE) and then the secondary assessment.
4. A 6-month-old infant is unresponsive. You begin checking for breathing at the same time you
check for the infant's pulse. Which is the maximum time you should spend when trying to
simultaneously check for breathing and palpate the infant's pulse before starting CPR?
A. 10 seconds
B. 15 seconds
C. 30 seconds
D. 60 seconds
Answer: A
For infants and children, healthcare providers should check for breathing and a pulse
simultaneously for no more than 10 seconds. If the child is not breathing or only gasping and has
no definite pulse, CPR should be started immediately.
4
SUCCESS!
