Comprehensive AHA PALS
Exam 2024-2025 Test Bank
| Verified Questions &
Detailed Rationales
,Question 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. Hypertensive
B. Normal
C. Hypertensive
D. Hypotensive CORRECT ANSWER Hypotensive
Rationale: Neonatal blood pressure is normally higher; 55/40 mm Hg indicates hypotension,
which may signal shock or cardiovascular compromise.
Question 2: During a resuscitation attempt, the team leader orders an initial dose of epinephrine
at 0.1 mg/kg to be given IV. 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 CORRECT ANSWER Respectfully ask
the team leader to clarify the dose
D. Refuse to administer the drug
Rationale: The correct dose is 0.01 mg/kg IV; 0.1 mg/kg is a tenfold overdose and potentially
harmful.
Question 3: Which of the following is a characteristic of respiratory failure?
, A. Inadequate oxygenation and/or ventilation CORRECT ANSWER Inadequate oxygenation
and/or ventilation
B. Hypotension
C. An increase in serum pH (alkalosis)
D. Bronchial respiratory sounds
Rationale: Respiratory failure is defined by inadequate oxygenation and/or ventilation.
Question 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 CORRECT ANSWER Lower airway obstruction
D. Upper airway obstruction
Rationale: Lower airway obstruction (e.g., asthma) causes wheezing and prolonged expiration.
Question 5: A 4yearold child presents with seizures and irregular respirations. The seizures
stopped a few minutes ago. Which of the following is most likely abnormal?
A. Vascular resistance
B. Pulse rate
C. Lung compliance
D. Control of breathing CORRECT ANSWER Control of breathing
Rationale: Postictal irregular respirations suggest impaired respiratory control.
, Question 6: What abnormality is most likely to be present in children with acute respiratory
distress caused by lung tissue disease?
A. Decreased oxygen saturation CORRECT ANSWER Decreased oxygen saturation
B. Stridor
C. Normal respiratory rate
D. Decreased respiratory effort
Rationale: Lung tissue disease impairs gas exchange, causing hypoxemia.
Question 7: An alert 7yearold child with increased work of breathing and pink color is being
evaluated. Heart rate is 110/min, respiratory rate is 45/min. What best describes this patient's
condition?
A. Respiratory distress CORRECT ANSWER Respiratory distress
B. Respiratory arrest
C. Respiratory failure
D. Disordered control of breathing
Rationale: Increased work of breathing with maintained oxygenation and alertness defines
respiratory distress.
Question 8: The parents of a 7yearold child undergoing chemotherapy report fever and lethargy.
The child is difficult to arouse, pale, heart rate 160/min, respiratory rate 30/min, blood pressure
Exam 2024-2025 Test Bank
| Verified Questions &
Detailed Rationales
,Question 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. Hypertensive
B. Normal
C. Hypertensive
D. Hypotensive CORRECT ANSWER Hypotensive
Rationale: Neonatal blood pressure is normally higher; 55/40 mm Hg indicates hypotension,
which may signal shock or cardiovascular compromise.
Question 2: During a resuscitation attempt, the team leader orders an initial dose of epinephrine
at 0.1 mg/kg to be given IV. 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 CORRECT ANSWER Respectfully ask
the team leader to clarify the dose
D. Refuse to administer the drug
Rationale: The correct dose is 0.01 mg/kg IV; 0.1 mg/kg is a tenfold overdose and potentially
harmful.
Question 3: Which of the following is a characteristic of respiratory failure?
, A. Inadequate oxygenation and/or ventilation CORRECT ANSWER Inadequate oxygenation
and/or ventilation
B. Hypotension
C. An increase in serum pH (alkalosis)
D. Bronchial respiratory sounds
Rationale: Respiratory failure is defined by inadequate oxygenation and/or ventilation.
Question 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 CORRECT ANSWER Lower airway obstruction
D. Upper airway obstruction
Rationale: Lower airway obstruction (e.g., asthma) causes wheezing and prolonged expiration.
Question 5: A 4yearold child presents with seizures and irregular respirations. The seizures
stopped a few minutes ago. Which of the following is most likely abnormal?
A. Vascular resistance
B. Pulse rate
C. Lung compliance
D. Control of breathing CORRECT ANSWER Control of breathing
Rationale: Postictal irregular respirations suggest impaired respiratory control.
, Question 6: What abnormality is most likely to be present in children with acute respiratory
distress caused by lung tissue disease?
A. Decreased oxygen saturation CORRECT ANSWER Decreased oxygen saturation
B. Stridor
C. Normal respiratory rate
D. Decreased respiratory effort
Rationale: Lung tissue disease impairs gas exchange, causing hypoxemia.
Question 7: An alert 7yearold child with increased work of breathing and pink color is being
evaluated. Heart rate is 110/min, respiratory rate is 45/min. What best describes this patient's
condition?
A. Respiratory distress CORRECT ANSWER Respiratory distress
B. Respiratory arrest
C. Respiratory failure
D. Disordered control of breathing
Rationale: Increased work of breathing with maintained oxygenation and alertness defines
respiratory distress.
Question 8: The parents of a 7yearold child undergoing chemotherapy report fever and lethargy.
The child is difficult to arouse, pale, heart rate 160/min, respiratory rate 30/min, blood pressure
