HeartCode PALS Exam – 2026/2027
HEARTCODE PALS EXAM
2026/2027 Edition
50 Questions | AHA Updated | Verified Questions and Answers | 100% Correct | Graded A+
Pediatric Advanced Life Support – American Heart Association
Core Domains:
Pediatric Assessment & Recognition | High-Quality CPR & Team Dynamics
Airway Management & Ventilation | Rhythm Identification & Electrical Therapy
Pharmacology & Medication Dosing | Post-Cardiac Arrest Care
Effective Communication & Leadership | Systematic Approach Algorithms
Ethical/Legal Considerations | Scenario-Based Clinical Decision-Making
Exam Information:
50 Multiple-Choice Questions | Passing Score: 84% | AHA 2020 Guidelines (Updated 2026)
Page 1 of 19
, HeartCode PALS Exam – 2026/2027
Introduction
This HeartCode PALS Exam format for 2026/2027 reflects the standardized American Heart
Association assessment used to evaluate competency in pediatric advanced life support. The exam
measures knowledge of pediatric assessment, respiratory and shock management, cardiac arrest
algorithms, rhythm recognition, pharmacology, and scenario-based clinical decision-making essential
for safe, effective emergency care of infants and children.
The official AHA PALS Provider written exam consists of exactly 50 multiple-choice questions with a
required passing score of 84%. This exam is aligned with the AHA 2020 Guidelines, updated for 2026.
Answer Format
All correct answers are presented in bold and green. Each question appears in bold, and all
rationales explaining clinical algorithms, pharmacologic principles, team dynamics, and scenario-
based interventions are written in italic font.
Page 2 of 19
, HeartCode PALS Exam – 2026/2027
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 2
Answer Format ............................................................................................................................................. 2
Pediatric Assessment & Recognition of Respiratory/Shock/Cardiac Arrest ............................................ 4
High-Quality CPR & Team Dynamics ..........................................................................................................5
Airway Management & Ventilation Strategies ............................................................................................ 6
Rhythm Identification & Electrical Therapy ............................................................................................... 8
Pharmacology & Medication Dosing ........................................................................................................... 9
Post-Cardiac Arrest Care ............................................................................................................................. 11
Effective Communication & Leadership .................................................................................................... 12
Systematic Approach Algorithms (Evaluate-Identify-Intervene) ............................................................. 14
Ethical/Legal Considerations in Pediatric Emergencies ........................................................................... 15
Scenario-Based Clinical Decision-Making ................................................................................................. 17
Page 3 of 19
, HeartCode PALS Exam – 2026/2027
Pediatric Assessment & Recognition of Respiratory/Shock/Cardiac Arrest
1. What is the correct sequence for the pediatric assessment framework used in PALS?
A. Assessment, Intervention, Identification, Evaluation
B. Evaluate-Identify-Intervene (Evaluate-Identify-Intervene sequence)
C. Treat first, assess later
D. Airway, Breathing, Circulation only
Rationale: The PALS systematic approach uses the Evaluate-Identify-Intervene sequence.
During evaluation, the provider performs a primary assessment (ABCDE) and secondary
assessment (SAMPLE history, physical exam, diagnostic tests). Identification involves
categorizing the problem (respiratory, shock, cardiac arrest). Intervention addresses the
identified problem using appropriate algorithms. This systematic approach ensures
comprehensive, organized pediatric emergency care.
2. In pediatric patients, what is the most common cause of cardiac arrest?
A. Primary cardiac arrhythmia
B. Respiratory failure or shock leading to cardiac arrest
C. Myocardial infarction
D. Electrolyte imbalances
Rationale: In pediatric patients, the most common cause of cardiac arrest is respiratory
failure or shock that progresses to cardiac arrest, rather than primary cardiac causes. This
differs from adults where primary cardiac events are more common. This distinction
emphasizes the importance of early recognition and treatment of respiratory distress and shock
in children to prevent progression to cardiac arrest.
3. What is the appropriate method for opening the airway in an unconscious pediatric
patient with no suspected cervical spine injury?
A. Jaw thrust maneuver
B. Head tilt-chin lift maneuver
C. Nasopharyngeal airway insertion only
D. Cricothyrotomy
Rationale: For an unconscious pediatric patient with no suspected cervical spine injury, the
head tilt-chin lift maneuver is the appropriate method for opening the airway. This technique
extends the head and lifts the chin, moving the tongue away from the posterior pharynx. If
cervical spine injury is suspected, the jaw thrust maneuver should be used instead to minimize
neck movement.
4. What are the classic signs of severe respiratory distress that indicate impending
respiratory failure?
A. Normal respiratory rate, normal skin color, calm behavior
B. Decreased level of consciousness, inadequate ventilation, cyanosis, abnormal
respiratory patterns
Page 4 of 19
HEARTCODE PALS EXAM
2026/2027 Edition
50 Questions | AHA Updated | Verified Questions and Answers | 100% Correct | Graded A+
Pediatric Advanced Life Support – American Heart Association
Core Domains:
Pediatric Assessment & Recognition | High-Quality CPR & Team Dynamics
Airway Management & Ventilation | Rhythm Identification & Electrical Therapy
Pharmacology & Medication Dosing | Post-Cardiac Arrest Care
Effective Communication & Leadership | Systematic Approach Algorithms
Ethical/Legal Considerations | Scenario-Based Clinical Decision-Making
Exam Information:
50 Multiple-Choice Questions | Passing Score: 84% | AHA 2020 Guidelines (Updated 2026)
Page 1 of 19
, HeartCode PALS Exam – 2026/2027
Introduction
This HeartCode PALS Exam format for 2026/2027 reflects the standardized American Heart
Association assessment used to evaluate competency in pediatric advanced life support. The exam
measures knowledge of pediatric assessment, respiratory and shock management, cardiac arrest
algorithms, rhythm recognition, pharmacology, and scenario-based clinical decision-making essential
for safe, effective emergency care of infants and children.
The official AHA PALS Provider written exam consists of exactly 50 multiple-choice questions with a
required passing score of 84%. This exam is aligned with the AHA 2020 Guidelines, updated for 2026.
Answer Format
All correct answers are presented in bold and green. Each question appears in bold, and all
rationales explaining clinical algorithms, pharmacologic principles, team dynamics, and scenario-
based interventions are written in italic font.
Page 2 of 19
, HeartCode PALS Exam – 2026/2027
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 2
Answer Format ............................................................................................................................................. 2
Pediatric Assessment & Recognition of Respiratory/Shock/Cardiac Arrest ............................................ 4
High-Quality CPR & Team Dynamics ..........................................................................................................5
Airway Management & Ventilation Strategies ............................................................................................ 6
Rhythm Identification & Electrical Therapy ............................................................................................... 8
Pharmacology & Medication Dosing ........................................................................................................... 9
Post-Cardiac Arrest Care ............................................................................................................................. 11
Effective Communication & Leadership .................................................................................................... 12
Systematic Approach Algorithms (Evaluate-Identify-Intervene) ............................................................. 14
Ethical/Legal Considerations in Pediatric Emergencies ........................................................................... 15
Scenario-Based Clinical Decision-Making ................................................................................................. 17
Page 3 of 19
, HeartCode PALS Exam – 2026/2027
Pediatric Assessment & Recognition of Respiratory/Shock/Cardiac Arrest
1. What is the correct sequence for the pediatric assessment framework used in PALS?
A. Assessment, Intervention, Identification, Evaluation
B. Evaluate-Identify-Intervene (Evaluate-Identify-Intervene sequence)
C. Treat first, assess later
D. Airway, Breathing, Circulation only
Rationale: The PALS systematic approach uses the Evaluate-Identify-Intervene sequence.
During evaluation, the provider performs a primary assessment (ABCDE) and secondary
assessment (SAMPLE history, physical exam, diagnostic tests). Identification involves
categorizing the problem (respiratory, shock, cardiac arrest). Intervention addresses the
identified problem using appropriate algorithms. This systematic approach ensures
comprehensive, organized pediatric emergency care.
2. In pediatric patients, what is the most common cause of cardiac arrest?
A. Primary cardiac arrhythmia
B. Respiratory failure or shock leading to cardiac arrest
C. Myocardial infarction
D. Electrolyte imbalances
Rationale: In pediatric patients, the most common cause of cardiac arrest is respiratory
failure or shock that progresses to cardiac arrest, rather than primary cardiac causes. This
differs from adults where primary cardiac events are more common. This distinction
emphasizes the importance of early recognition and treatment of respiratory distress and shock
in children to prevent progression to cardiac arrest.
3. What is the appropriate method for opening the airway in an unconscious pediatric
patient with no suspected cervical spine injury?
A. Jaw thrust maneuver
B. Head tilt-chin lift maneuver
C. Nasopharyngeal airway insertion only
D. Cricothyrotomy
Rationale: For an unconscious pediatric patient with no suspected cervical spine injury, the
head tilt-chin lift maneuver is the appropriate method for opening the airway. This technique
extends the head and lifts the chin, moving the tongue away from the posterior pharynx. If
cervical spine injury is suspected, the jaw thrust maneuver should be used instead to minimize
neck movement.
4. What are the classic signs of severe respiratory distress that indicate impending
respiratory failure?
A. Normal respiratory rate, normal skin color, calm behavior
B. Decreased level of consciousness, inadequate ventilation, cyanosis, abnormal
respiratory patterns
Page 4 of 19
