1|Page
AHA PALS EXAM 2025/2026 QUESTIONS AND 100%
CORRECT ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) | PROFESSOR VERIFIED | (NEWEST
UPDATE)
14. An 8-year-old child presents with a history of vomiting
and diarrhea. The child has the following vital signs: heart
rate 168/min, respiratory rate 15/min, blood pressure 9060
mm Hg, and temperature 98.6°F (37°C). The child's
capillary refill time is 4 seconds. After 2 IV boluses of
normal saline (20 mL/kg each), the child's vital signs are
now as follows: heart rate 130/min, respiratory rate
16/min, blood pressure 94/62 mm Hg, capillary refill 2
seconds, and temperature 98.6°F (37°C). The child's urine
output is 1 to 2 mL/kg in the past hour. The child is still
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lethargic. What diagnostic tests or information should be
obtained first?
A. Arterial blood gas
B. Serum potassium concentration
C. Glucose
D. A 12-lead ECG - ANSWER-C. Glucose
15. A 15-year-old boy presents with acute onset of severe
respiratory distress, with retractions and an oxygen
saturation of 85%. His trachea is deviated to the right, and
there are no breath sounds on the left. His heart rate is
140/min, his blood pressure is 84/60 mm Hg, and his
capillary refill time is 3 seconds. What is the most
appropriate intervention?
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A. Obtain a chest x-ray
B. Perform needle decompression on the left chest
C. Insert a chest tube on the left side
D. Insert an IV and administer 20 mL/kg of normal saline -
ANSWER-B. Perform needle decompression on the left
chest
16. A 4-year-old is being treated for hypovolemic shock
and has received a single fluid bolus of 20 mL/kg of
normal saline. On reevaluation the child remains anxious,
with a heart rate of 140/min, a blood pressure of 84/54 mm
Hg, and a capillary refill time of 4 seconds. What describes
this patient's condition?
A. Hypotensive shock
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B. Compensated shock
C. No longer in shock
D. Cardiogenic shock - ANSWER-B. Compensated shock
17. An 8-year-old child had a sudden onset of palpitations
and light-headedness. At the time of evaluation the child is
alert. His respiratory rate is 26/ min, and his blood
pressure is 104/70 mm Hg. A cardiac monitor is applied,
and the rhythm below is noted. What is the most
appropriate initial intervention?
A. Provide synchronized cardioversion at 0.5 to 1 J/kg
B. Attempt vagal maneuvers
AHA PALS EXAM 2025/2026 QUESTIONS AND 100%
CORRECT ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) | PROFESSOR VERIFIED | (NEWEST
UPDATE)
14. An 8-year-old child presents with a history of vomiting
and diarrhea. The child has the following vital signs: heart
rate 168/min, respiratory rate 15/min, blood pressure 9060
mm Hg, and temperature 98.6°F (37°C). The child's
capillary refill time is 4 seconds. After 2 IV boluses of
normal saline (20 mL/kg each), the child's vital signs are
now as follows: heart rate 130/min, respiratory rate
16/min, blood pressure 94/62 mm Hg, capillary refill 2
seconds, and temperature 98.6°F (37°C). The child's urine
output is 1 to 2 mL/kg in the past hour. The child is still
,2|Page
lethargic. What diagnostic tests or information should be
obtained first?
A. Arterial blood gas
B. Serum potassium concentration
C. Glucose
D. A 12-lead ECG - ANSWER-C. Glucose
15. A 15-year-old boy presents with acute onset of severe
respiratory distress, with retractions and an oxygen
saturation of 85%. His trachea is deviated to the right, and
there are no breath sounds on the left. His heart rate is
140/min, his blood pressure is 84/60 mm Hg, and his
capillary refill time is 3 seconds. What is the most
appropriate intervention?
,3|Page
A. Obtain a chest x-ray
B. Perform needle decompression on the left chest
C. Insert a chest tube on the left side
D. Insert an IV and administer 20 mL/kg of normal saline -
ANSWER-B. Perform needle decompression on the left
chest
16. A 4-year-old is being treated for hypovolemic shock
and has received a single fluid bolus of 20 mL/kg of
normal saline. On reevaluation the child remains anxious,
with a heart rate of 140/min, a blood pressure of 84/54 mm
Hg, and a capillary refill time of 4 seconds. What describes
this patient's condition?
A. Hypotensive shock
, 4|Page
B. Compensated shock
C. No longer in shock
D. Cardiogenic shock - ANSWER-B. Compensated shock
17. An 8-year-old child had a sudden onset of palpitations
and light-headedness. At the time of evaluation the child is
alert. His respiratory rate is 26/ min, and his blood
pressure is 104/70 mm Hg. A cardiac monitor is applied,
and the rhythm below is noted. What is the most
appropriate initial intervention?
A. Provide synchronized cardioversion at 0.5 to 1 J/kg
B. Attempt vagal maneuvers
