AHA PALS Exam A Practice Questions
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
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A 4-year-old child is brought to the emergency department with
respiratory distress. The child has a respiratory rate of 8/min, poor air
movement, altered mental status, and cyanosis. What is the most
appropriate initial intervention?
A. Administer oral fluids
B. Provide supplemental oxygen and support ventilation
C. Obtain a chest X-ray before treatment
D. Administer antibiotics immediately
Answer: B. Provide supplemental oxygen and support ventilation
Rationale: A child with respiratory distress, bradypnea, poor air
movement, altered mental status, and cyanosis is showing signs of
respiratory failure. Immediate support of oxygenation and ventilation is
,the priority. Diagnostic testing and medications should not delay life-
saving respiratory support.
Question 2
During PALS assessment, which component should be evaluated first?
A. Disability assessment
B. Exposure assessment
C. Airway and breathing
D. Family history
Answer: C. Airway and breathing
Rationale: The PALS systematic approach begins with assessment and
management of airway, breathing, and circulation. Identifying and
correcting life-threatening problems in these areas takes priority before
secondary assessments.
Question 3
A 7-year-old child is unresponsive and not breathing normally. A pulse
check reveals no pulse after 10 seconds. What should the healthcare
provider do next?
,A. Begin CPR immediately
B. Administer epinephrine
C. Perform a neurological assessment
D. Wait for additional providers
Answer: A. Begin CPR immediately
Rationale: If a child is unresponsive, not breathing normally, and has no
detectable pulse within 10 seconds, CPR should begin immediately.
Delaying chest compressions decreases the likelihood of successful
resuscitation.
Question 4
What is the recommended chest compression rate during pediatric
CPR?
A. 40–60 compressions/min
B. 60–80 compressions/min
C. 100–120 compressions/min
D. 140–160 compressions/min
Answer: C. 100–120 compressions/min
, Rationale: High-quality CPR requires chest compressions at a rate of
100–120 per minute for infants and children. Maintaining the correct
rate helps provide adequate blood flow to vital organs.
Question 5
A child weighing 20 kg requires a medication dose calculated at 0.01
mg/kg. What dose should be administered?
A. 0.02 mg
B. 0.2 mg
C. 2 mg
D. 20 mg
Answer: B. 0.2 mg
Rationale: The correct calculation is 20 kg × 0.01 mg/kg = 0.2 mg.
Accurate weight-based dosing is essential in pediatric emergencies to
prevent medication errors.
Question 6
Which rhythm is most commonly associated with pediatric cardiac
arrest?
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2027 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
A 4-year-old child is brought to the emergency department with
respiratory distress. The child has a respiratory rate of 8/min, poor air
movement, altered mental status, and cyanosis. What is the most
appropriate initial intervention?
A. Administer oral fluids
B. Provide supplemental oxygen and support ventilation
C. Obtain a chest X-ray before treatment
D. Administer antibiotics immediately
Answer: B. Provide supplemental oxygen and support ventilation
Rationale: A child with respiratory distress, bradypnea, poor air
movement, altered mental status, and cyanosis is showing signs of
respiratory failure. Immediate support of oxygenation and ventilation is
,the priority. Diagnostic testing and medications should not delay life-
saving respiratory support.
Question 2
During PALS assessment, which component should be evaluated first?
A. Disability assessment
B. Exposure assessment
C. Airway and breathing
D. Family history
Answer: C. Airway and breathing
Rationale: The PALS systematic approach begins with assessment and
management of airway, breathing, and circulation. Identifying and
correcting life-threatening problems in these areas takes priority before
secondary assessments.
Question 3
A 7-year-old child is unresponsive and not breathing normally. A pulse
check reveals no pulse after 10 seconds. What should the healthcare
provider do next?
,A. Begin CPR immediately
B. Administer epinephrine
C. Perform a neurological assessment
D. Wait for additional providers
Answer: A. Begin CPR immediately
Rationale: If a child is unresponsive, not breathing normally, and has no
detectable pulse within 10 seconds, CPR should begin immediately.
Delaying chest compressions decreases the likelihood of successful
resuscitation.
Question 4
What is the recommended chest compression rate during pediatric
CPR?
A. 40–60 compressions/min
B. 60–80 compressions/min
C. 100–120 compressions/min
D. 140–160 compressions/min
Answer: C. 100–120 compressions/min
, Rationale: High-quality CPR requires chest compressions at a rate of
100–120 per minute for infants and children. Maintaining the correct
rate helps provide adequate blood flow to vital organs.
Question 5
A child weighing 20 kg requires a medication dose calculated at 0.01
mg/kg. What dose should be administered?
A. 0.02 mg
B. 0.2 mg
C. 2 mg
D. 20 mg
Answer: B. 0.2 mg
Rationale: The correct calculation is 20 kg × 0.01 mg/kg = 0.2 mg.
Accurate weight-based dosing is essential in pediatric emergencies to
prevent medication errors.
Question 6
Which rhythm is most commonly associated with pediatric cardiac
arrest?
