AHA PALS Actual Exam Questions and
Correct Detailed Answers with Rationales
(Verified Answers) Already Graded A+
Newest Version
1. A 5-year-old child presents with lethargy, increased work
of breathing, and pale color. The primary assessment reveals
that the airway is open and the respiratory rate is 30/min,
with crackles heard on auscultation. The cardiac monitor
shows sinus tachycardia at a rate of 165/min. The pulse
oximeter displays an oxygen saturation of 95% and a pulse
rate of 93/min. On the basis of this information, which of the
following provides the best interpretation of the oxygen
saturation of 95% by pulse oximetry?
A. Reliable; no supplementary oxygen is indicated B.
Reliable; supplementary oxygen should be administered
C. Unreliable; no supplementary oxygen is indicated
D. Unreliable; supplementary oxygen should be administered
Unreliable; supplementary oxygen should be administered
2. A 3-year-old child was recently diagnosed with leukemia
and has been treated with chemotherapy. The child presents
with lethargy and a high fever. Heart rate is 195/min,
respiratory rate is 36/min, blood pressure is 85/40 mm Hg,
and capillary refill time is less than 2 seconds. What is the
child's most likely condition?
A. Septic shock
B. Hypovolemic shock
C. Significant bradycardia
D. Cardiogenic shock
Septic shock
3. 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
Hypotensive
4. 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
Respectfully ask the team leader to clarify the dose
5. 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
Inadequate oxygenation and/or ventilation
6. 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
Lower airway obstruction
7. 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
Control of breathing
8. 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
Decreased oxygen saturation
9. 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
Respiratory distress
10. 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
Correct Detailed Answers with Rationales
(Verified Answers) Already Graded A+
Newest Version
1. A 5-year-old child presents with lethargy, increased work
of breathing, and pale color. The primary assessment reveals
that the airway is open and the respiratory rate is 30/min,
with crackles heard on auscultation. The cardiac monitor
shows sinus tachycardia at a rate of 165/min. The pulse
oximeter displays an oxygen saturation of 95% and a pulse
rate of 93/min. On the basis of this information, which of the
following provides the best interpretation of the oxygen
saturation of 95% by pulse oximetry?
A. Reliable; no supplementary oxygen is indicated B.
Reliable; supplementary oxygen should be administered
C. Unreliable; no supplementary oxygen is indicated
D. Unreliable; supplementary oxygen should be administered
Unreliable; supplementary oxygen should be administered
2. A 3-year-old child was recently diagnosed with leukemia
and has been treated with chemotherapy. The child presents
with lethargy and a high fever. Heart rate is 195/min,
respiratory rate is 36/min, blood pressure is 85/40 mm Hg,
and capillary refill time is less than 2 seconds. What is the
child's most likely condition?
A. Septic shock
B. Hypovolemic shock
C. Significant bradycardia
D. Cardiogenic shock
Septic shock
3. 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
Hypotensive
4. 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
Respectfully ask the team leader to clarify the dose
5. 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
Inadequate oxygenation and/or ventilation
6. 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
Lower airway obstruction
7. 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
Control of breathing
8. 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
Decreased oxygen saturation
9. 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
Respiratory distress
10. 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
