AHA PALS Practice Exam; Questions

AHA PALS Practice Exam; Questions & Answers

• 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?

• Reliable; no supplementary oxygen is indicated B. Reliable; supplementary

oxygen should be administered

• Unreliable; no supplementary oxygen is indicated
• Unreliable; supplementary oxygen should be administered

(Ans- Unreliable; supplementary oxygen should be administered

• 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?

• Septic shock
• Hypovolemic shock
• Significant bradycardia
• Cardiogenic shock

(Ans- Septic shock

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• 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?

• Hypotensive
• Normal
• Hypertensive
• Compensated

(Ans- Hypotensive

• 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?

• Administer the drug as ordered
• Administer 0.01 mg/kg of epinephrine
• Respectfully ask the team leader to clarify the dose
• Refuse to administer the drug

(Ans- Respectfully ask the team leader to clarify the dose

• Which of the following is a characteristic of respiratory failure?
• Inadequate oxygenation and/or ventilation
• Hypotension
• An increase in serum pH (alkalosis)
• Abnormal respiratory sounds

(Ans- Inadequate oxygenation and/or ventilation

• Which of the following is most likely to produce a prolonged expiratory phase

and wheezing?

• Disordered control of breathing
• Hypovolemic shock 2 / 3

• Lower airway obstruction
• Upper airway obstruction

(Ans- Lower airway obstruction

• 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?

• Vascular resistance
• Pulse rate
• Lung compliance
• Control of breathing

(Ans- Control of breathing

• What abnormality is most likely to be present in children with acute respiratory

distress caused by lung tissue disease?

• Decreased oxygen saturation
• Stridor
• Normal respiratory rate
• Decreased respiratory effort

(Ans- Decreased oxygen saturation

• 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

• Respiratory arrest
• Respiratory failure
• Disordered control of breathing

(Ans- Respiratory distress

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