AHA PALS CERTIFICATION COURSE EXAM
2026 QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS GRADED
A+
◉ Septic Shock 10-15 Minute Goals. Answer: Monitor & Support
ABCs
HR, BP, Pulse Oximetry
Vascular Access
Draw blood cultures, Glucose, Ca+, don't delay antbx or IVF
Broad spectrum antbx, 20ml/kg isotonic IVF boluses (10ml/kg for
neonate or existing cardiac compromise)
Antipyretics if needed
◉ Septic Shock 1 Hour Goals Continued Signs Shock. Answer: Expert
Consultation & Vasoactive Drugs:
If cold ext., delay cap refill, hypotensive - EPI (dopamine is backup)
If warm ext., flash cap refill, low DBP
Norepinephrine (Levo) (higher dose dopamine if no levo)
, ◉ Septic Shock In Critical Care Environment. Answer: Central
Access, Arterial Line
Evaluate cortisol - risk for adrenal insufficiency, consider
hydrocortisone
Goals of Therapy: Scv02 >= to 70%, adequate BP, normalized HR,
good CO/CI
If >= 70%:
Shock Signs Resolved: ICU, support functions, treat infection source
Poor Perfusion, Warm extremities despite Levo (norepi) gtt:
IVF Boluses, Continue Levo, Additional pressors
If <70%:
Poor Perfusion, cold extremities despite epi gtt:
IVF Boluses, Hgb <10 - transfuse,
If BP Low: Add Levo if diastolic BP low
If BP Adequate: Add milrinone, consider vasodilator or inotropic
drug
2026 QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS GRADED
A+
◉ Septic Shock 10-15 Minute Goals. Answer: Monitor & Support
ABCs
HR, BP, Pulse Oximetry
Vascular Access
Draw blood cultures, Glucose, Ca+, don't delay antbx or IVF
Broad spectrum antbx, 20ml/kg isotonic IVF boluses (10ml/kg for
neonate or existing cardiac compromise)
Antipyretics if needed
◉ Septic Shock 1 Hour Goals Continued Signs Shock. Answer: Expert
Consultation & Vasoactive Drugs:
If cold ext., delay cap refill, hypotensive - EPI (dopamine is backup)
If warm ext., flash cap refill, low DBP
Norepinephrine (Levo) (higher dose dopamine if no levo)
, ◉ Septic Shock In Critical Care Environment. Answer: Central
Access, Arterial Line
Evaluate cortisol - risk for adrenal insufficiency, consider
hydrocortisone
Goals of Therapy: Scv02 >= to 70%, adequate BP, normalized HR,
good CO/CI
If >= 70%:
Shock Signs Resolved: ICU, support functions, treat infection source
Poor Perfusion, Warm extremities despite Levo (norepi) gtt:
IVF Boluses, Continue Levo, Additional pressors
If <70%:
Poor Perfusion, cold extremities despite epi gtt:
IVF Boluses, Hgb <10 - transfuse,
If BP Low: Add Levo if diastolic BP low
If BP Adequate: Add milrinone, consider vasodilator or inotropic
drug
