Updated 2025

PALS Practice Test with Answers

Advance your Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) skills with our step-by-step practice tests designed for critically ill children. Receive instant feedback, monitor your progress, and retake quizzes until you achieve mastery. Target a score of 84% or higher to feel confident and fully prepared for the AHA PALS Provider Course.

5-starLoved by 1000+ Healthcare Professionals

1. After determining that a child has no pulse, what is the next immediate action?

Next

2. A child is unresponsive and not breathing, but has a pulse. What should you do next?

Next

3. What is NOT a component of assessing the initial impression?

Next

4. Restoring upper airway patency in a child does NOT include:

Next

5. What is NOT a sign of increased respiratory effort?

Next

6. Stridor is a sign of:

Next

7. Hypoxemia in a child is defined as a room air SpO₂ reading of less than:

Next

8. Which of the following is NOT considered a type of shock?

Next

9. The PALS provider must recognize all of the following cardiac rhythms EXCEPT:

Next

10. You arrive at a scene where a child is unresponsive with gasping breaths. After calling for help, what is your next action?

Next

11. An unresponsive infant has a strong pulse but is not breathing. How many rescue breaths should be given per minute?

Next

12. How should chest compressions be performed on an infant during two-person CPR?

Next

13. What is the first-line drug for treating stable supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) in children?

Next

14. Where should you check for a pulse in an unconscious toddler?

Next

15. Which of the following is NOT a sign of complete airway obstruction?

Next

16. What is an appropriate treatment for monomorphic ventricular tachycardia with a pulse?

Next

17. Pediatric cardiac arrest is most often caused by:

Next

18. The most common initial rhythm in pediatric cardiac arrest is:

Next

19. When performing a pulse check in a child, how long should it take?

Next

20. Which of the following is a common cause of seizures in children under 5 years old?

Next

21. During pediatric cardiac arrest with ventricular fibrillation (VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (pVT), what is the first recommended shock dose?

Next

22. A child in VF has just received the first shock. What is the next immediate action?

Next

23. Which drug is first-line for bradycardia caused by increased vagal tone or primary AV block?

Next

24. In a child with bradycardia, which finding indicates the need for immediate intervention?

Next

25. Which acronym is commonly used to recognize possible signs of stroke?

Next

26. After achieving ROSC, oxygen saturation should be maintained at:

Next

27. Which of the following is considered a reversible cause of pediatric cardiac arrest?

Next

28. In pediatric cardiac arrest, epinephrine is recommended every:

Next

29. After identifying a rapid heart rate in a child, what is the first step?

Next

30. To avoid hyperthermia in pediatric post-cardiac arrest care, what is the recommended target temperature range?

Next

RESULT

Congratulations - You’ve completed the practice test.

Your Score: 2/30

Not Bad !

Well Done !

FAQs About PALS Quizzes

How Can a PALS Practice Test Help Me Pass the Real Exam?

A PALS practice test gives you a realistic preview of the actual exam. It familiarizes you with the question format, reinforces your understanding of PALS algorithms, and helps you apply key concepts from the PALS study guide. By taking these tests, you can identify your strengths and pinpoint areas that need improvement. Consistent practice builds confidence, sharpens recall under pressure, and reduces test-day anxiety, turning your exam into a well-practiced performance rather than a stressful challenge.

What are the Best Ways to Identify My Weak Areas Using PALS Practice Tests?

The best way to identify your weak areas with PALS practice tests is to analyze your results after each test. Review the questions you answered incorrectly and look for recurring patterns, such as difficulty with specific algorithms like bradycardia or tachycardia. Note these topics and focus your study sessions on them. Track your performance and timing across multiple tests to pinpoint where you consistently struggle. This active approach helps you study strategically, strengthen weak areas, and build confidence for the actual PALS exam.

How Does Practicing PALS Questions Improve My Emergency Response Skills?

Practicing PALS questions sharpens your ability to think quickly and stay composed during pediatric emergencies. It trains you to follow the correct steps in critical situations such as pediatric cardiac arrest, CPR, and defibrillator use. With consistent practice, you build stronger recall and muscle memory, so when an actual emergency occurs, you can respond swiftly, accurately, and with confidence.

PALS Manual: Complete Pediatric Life Support Guide

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Overview: Master Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), a comprehensive system designed to help healthcare providers recognize and respond to life-threatening pediatric emergencies. PALS protocols guide clinicians in performing high-quality resuscitation, stabilizing vital functions, and improving survival outcomes in infants and children.

Pediatric Post-Resuscitation Care Algorithm: Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC): After achieving Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC), focus on maintaining oxygenation, circulation, and neuroprotection. The Pediatric Post-Resuscitation Care Algorithm ensures that providers stabilize the child, prevent secondary injury, and monitor for complications following cardiac arrest.

Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Algorithm: During pediatric cardiac arrest, providers follow a structured approach emphasizing high-quality CPR, effective airway management, and timely advanced life support interventions. This algorithm guides the resuscitation process and supports post-arrest stabilization to optimize recovery.

PALS Bradycardia Algorithm: The PALS Bradycardia Algorithm helps clinicians quickly assess, stabilize, and treat children with abnormally low heart rates. Early recognition and intervention restore adequate perfusion and prevent progression to cardiac arrest.

PALS Tachycardia Algorithm: When a child presents with a rapid heart rate, the PALS Tachycardia Algorithm guides healthcare providers in distinguishing between stable and unstable rhythms. Prompt recognition and targeted treatment help restore normal cardiac function and prevent deterioration.

PALS Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM): The Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM), also known as an AMBU Bag, allows providers to manually assist or control ventilation during emergencies. Proper BVM use ensures effective oxygen delivery and supports breathing in critically ill or unresponsive pediatric patients.

Pediatric Septic Shock Algorithm: Pediatric septic shock occurs when a severe infection leads to dangerously low blood flow and organ dysfunction. The algorithm directs providers to deliver rapid fluid resuscitation, administer antibiotics, and use vasoactive medications to restore circulation and stabilize the child.

PALS Algorithm: The PALS Algorithm provides a structured framework for managing pediatric emergencies. It emphasizes rapid assessment, airway and breathing support, early defibrillation when needed, and coordinated team-based care to save young lives.