AHA PALS EXAM 2026-2027 ACTUAL
EXAM TEST BANK QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. 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?
A. Hypotensive B. Normal
C. Hypertensive
D. Compensated - ANSWER Hypotensive
2. During a resuscitation attempt, the team leader orders an initial dose of
epinephrine at 0.1 mg/kg to be given 10. What should the team member do?
A. Administer the drug as ordered
B. Administer 0.01 mg/kg of epinephrine
C. Respectfully ask the team leader to clarify the dose
D. Refuse to administer the drug - ANSWER Respectfully ask the team leader to
clarify the dose
3. Which of the following is a characteristic of respiratory failure? A. Inadequate
oxygenation and/or ventilation
B. Hypotension
C. An increase in serum pH (alkalosis)
D. Abnormal respiratory sounds - ANSWER Inadequate oxygenation
,and/or ventilation
4. Which of the following is most likely to produce a prolonged expiratory phase
and wheezing? A. Disordered control of breathing
B. Hypovolemic shock
C. Lower airway obstruction
D. Upper airway obstruction - ANSWER Lower airway obstruction
5. A 4-year-old child presents with seizures and irregular respirations. The
seizures stopped a few minutes ago. Which of the following most likely to be
abnormal?
A. Vascular resistance B. Pulse rate
C. Lung compliance
D. Control of breathing - ANSWER Control of breathing
6. What abnormality is most likely to be present in children with acute respiratory
distress caused by lung tissue disease? A. Decreased oxygen saturation B. Stridor
C. Normal respiratory rate
D. Decreased respiratory effort - ANSWER Decreased oxygen saturation
7. An alert 2-year-old child with an increased work of breathing and pink color is
being evaluated. Heart rate is 110/min, and respiratory rate is 30/min. What would
best describe this patient's condition? A. Respiratory distress
B. Respiratory arrest C. Respiratory failure
D. Disordered control of breathing - ANSWER Respiratory distress
, 8. The parents of a 7-year-old child who is undergoing chemotherapy report that
the child has been febrile and has not been feeling well, with recent onset of
lethargy. Assessment reveals the following: The child is difficult to arouse, with
pale color. The child's heart rate is 160/min, respiratory rate is 30/min, blood
pressure is 76/45 mm Hg, capillary refill time is 5 to 6 seconds, and temperature is
103°F (39.4°C). What is the most appropriate intervention?
A. Obtain vascular access and administer 20 mL/kg of isotonic crystalloid over
30 minutes
B. Obtain vascular access and administer 20 mL/kg of isotonic crystalloid over
5 to 10 minutes C. Obtain immediate blood cultures and chest x-ray D. Obtain
expert consultation with an oncologist to determine the chemotherapeutic regimen
- ANSWER Obtain vascular access and administer 20 mL/kg of isotonic crystalloid
over 5 to 10 minutes
9. 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 - ANSWER Place an intraosseous line
10. 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 - ANSWER 20 mL/kg normal saline
EXAM TEST BANK QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. 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?
A. Hypotensive B. Normal
C. Hypertensive
D. Compensated - ANSWER Hypotensive
2. During a resuscitation attempt, the team leader orders an initial dose of
epinephrine at 0.1 mg/kg to be given 10. What should the team member do?
A. Administer the drug as ordered
B. Administer 0.01 mg/kg of epinephrine
C. Respectfully ask the team leader to clarify the dose
D. Refuse to administer the drug - ANSWER Respectfully ask the team leader to
clarify the dose
3. Which of the following is a characteristic of respiratory failure? A. Inadequate
oxygenation and/or ventilation
B. Hypotension
C. An increase in serum pH (alkalosis)
D. Abnormal respiratory sounds - ANSWER Inadequate oxygenation
,and/or ventilation
4. Which of the following is most likely to produce a prolonged expiratory phase
and wheezing? A. Disordered control of breathing
B. Hypovolemic shock
C. Lower airway obstruction
D. Upper airway obstruction - ANSWER Lower airway obstruction
5. A 4-year-old child presents with seizures and irregular respirations. The
seizures stopped a few minutes ago. Which of the following most likely to be
abnormal?
A. Vascular resistance B. Pulse rate
C. Lung compliance
D. Control of breathing - ANSWER Control of breathing
6. What abnormality is most likely to be present in children with acute respiratory
distress caused by lung tissue disease? A. Decreased oxygen saturation B. Stridor
C. Normal respiratory rate
D. Decreased respiratory effort - ANSWER Decreased oxygen saturation
7. An alert 2-year-old child with an increased work of breathing and pink color is
being evaluated. Heart rate is 110/min, and respiratory rate is 30/min. What would
best describe this patient's condition? A. Respiratory distress
B. Respiratory arrest C. Respiratory failure
D. Disordered control of breathing - ANSWER Respiratory distress
, 8. The parents of a 7-year-old child who is undergoing chemotherapy report that
the child has been febrile and has not been feeling well, with recent onset of
lethargy. Assessment reveals the following: The child is difficult to arouse, with
pale color. The child's heart rate is 160/min, respiratory rate is 30/min, blood
pressure is 76/45 mm Hg, capillary refill time is 5 to 6 seconds, and temperature is
103°F (39.4°C). What is the most appropriate intervention?
A. Obtain vascular access and administer 20 mL/kg of isotonic crystalloid over
30 minutes
B. Obtain vascular access and administer 20 mL/kg of isotonic crystalloid over
5 to 10 minutes C. Obtain immediate blood cultures and chest x-ray D. Obtain
expert consultation with an oncologist to determine the chemotherapeutic regimen
- ANSWER Obtain vascular access and administer 20 mL/kg of isotonic crystalloid
over 5 to 10 minutes
9. 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 - ANSWER Place an intraosseous line
10. 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 - ANSWER 20 mL/kg normal saline
