• 105 questions

PALS Practice Test

Unofficial Pediatric Advanced Life Support questions, with weight-based dose cases, written from the 2025 guidelines.

For infants and children in cardiac arrest, a pause in chest compressions should last less than how long?

Pick an answer, then press Check answer. Then you see Correct or Not quite, with the reason. Keys: A to D pick, Enter checks.

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Exam mode: 25 questions, no time limit, 21 right to pass (84%).

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Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the American Heart Association, which runs the PALS course. Bank checked October 9, 2026.

Spotted a mistake? Report a wrong answer. Every question has this link under its explanation.

The real course, as the American Heart Association describes it

To pass
84% right
To complete the course
Complete every learning station, score at least 84% on the written exam, pass the child and infant BLS skills tests, and pass 2 core case scenarios (1 cardiac,
Exam rules
The FAQ calls the written exam open resource.
Question count
Not given in the FAQ or on the course pages.
What is taught
A systematic pediatric assessment; 4 types each of acute respiratory, circulatory and cardiac problems, cardiac arrest among them; airway, IO access, defibrilla
Course length
Instructor-led full course about 12.5 hours with breaks; update course about 8 hours 45 minutes with breaks.
Card
A PALS Provider Course Completion eCard, valid for two years.

Checked October 9, 2026 against PALS Provider Course (Instructor-Led Training) 2025 Guidelines FAQ, American Heart Association, as of October 22, 2025. Rules change, so confirm with the agency itself before your test.

The Association's own PALS course page

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All 105 questions

Child and infant CPR 12

  • A 6-year-old has an arterial line in place during CPR. What diastolic blood pressure may it be reasonable to target? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 9, Measuring CPR Physiology and Quality. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, child and infant CPR.
  • A child in cardiac arrest has an advanced airway. How often is a breath given while compressions continue? 2025 AHA Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, High-Quality CPR. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, child and infant CPR.
  • A child shows no signs of life. For up to how long is it reasonable for a healthcare professional to check for a pulse? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 6: Pediatric Basic Life Support, section 7.1, Initiation of CPR. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, child and infant CPR.
Show all 105 questions (102 more)

Child and infant CPR, continued

  • An infant has an arterial line in place during CPR. What diastolic blood pressure may it be reasonable to target? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 9, Measuring CPR Physiology and Quality. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, child and infant CPR.
  • Echocardiography during pediatric CPR may identify treatable causes such as cardiac tamponade. Against what must its benefit be weighed? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 9, Measuring CPR Physiology and Quality. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, child and infant CPR.
  • For infants and children in cardiac arrest, a pause in chest compressions should last less than how long? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 6: Pediatric Basic Life Support, section 7.2, Components of High-Quality CPR. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, child and infant CPR.
  • How deep should chest compressions be on the pediatric cardiac arrest algorithm? 2025 AHA Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, High-Quality CPR. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, child and infant CPR.
  • How may a specific ETCO2 cutoff value be used in deciding to end resuscitation of an infant or child? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 9, Measuring CPR Physiology and Quality. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, child and infant CPR.
  • Most pediatric cardiac arrests follow a period of physiologic deterioration. What usually drives it? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 5, Major Concepts. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute cardiac problems, including cardiac arrest.
  • One-third of the chest's depth equates to about how much in an infant? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 6: Pediatric Basic Life Support, section 7.2, Components of High-Quality CPR. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, child and infant CPR.
  • Two rescuers give CPR to a child who has not reached puberty, with no advanced airway. Which ratio does the algorithm give? 2025 AHA Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, High-Quality CPR. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, child and infant CPR.
  • Which compression-to-ventilation ratio does the pediatric algorithm give for 2 rescuers once puberty has begun? 2025 AHA Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, High-Quality CPR. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, child and infant CPR.

Breathing, airway and intubation 13

  • A child has a pulse but absent or inadequate respiratory effort. What breath rate is reasonable? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 6: Pediatric Basic Life Support, section 6.2, Treatment of Inadequate Breathing With a Pulse. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute respiratory problems.
  • A responsive child has severe foreign-body airway obstruction. Which cycle is performed? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 6: Pediatric Basic Life Support, section 6.3, Foreign-Body Airway Obstruction. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute respiratory problems.
  • A responsive infant has severe foreign-body airway obstruction. Which cycle is performed? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 6: Pediatric Basic Life Support, section 6.3, Foreign-Body Airway Obstruction. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute respiratory problems.
  • Cricoid pressure is being used and it interferes with ventilation or with intubation. What should be done? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 17.2, Use of Cricoid Pressure During Intubation. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, oxygen delivery and airway management.
  • For a child with a perfusing rhythm, what should confirm endotracheal tube placement in all settings? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 17.4, Monitoring Exhaled CO2 in Patients With Advanced Airways. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, oxygen delivery and airway management.
  • For out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in infants and children, which airway approach is reasonable? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 6, Ventilation and Advanced Airway Strategies During CPR. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, oxygen delivery and airway management.
  • What cuff inflation pressure is usual for a cuffed endotracheal tube in infants and children? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 17.1, Use of Cuffed Endotracheal Tubes for Intubation. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, oxygen delivery and airway management.
  • When atropine is used as premedication for emergency intubation, what dose may be considered? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 17.3, Atropine Use for Emergency Intubation. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, oxygen delivery and airway management.
  • Which activity do the guidelines name as a time when monitoring exhaled CO2 is beneficial in an intubated child with a perfusing rhythm? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 17.4, Monitoring Exhaled CO2 in Patients With Advanced Airways. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, oxygen delivery and airway management.
  • Which endotracheal tube is it reasonable to choose when intubating infants and children? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 17.1, Use of Cuffed Endotracheal Tubes for Intubation. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, oxygen delivery and airway management.
  • Which maneuver opens the airway of a child with a suspected cervical spinal injury? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 6: Pediatric Basic Life Support, section 6.1, Opening the Airway. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, oxygen delivery and airway management.
  • Which of these is one reason the guidelines give for bradycardia around emergency intubation, particularly in infants? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 17.3, Atropine Use for Emergency Intubation. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, oxygen delivery and airway management.
  • Why do the guidelines warn against hyperventilation during CPR with an advanced airway? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 6, Ventilation and Advanced Airway Strategies During CPR. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, oxygen delivery and airway management.

Shock 13

  • A child has hypotensive hemorrhagic shock after trauma. What is reasonable for ongoing volume resuscitation, when available? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 16.3, Management of Traumatic Hemorrhagic Shock. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute circulatory problems.
  • A child in septic shock is unresponsive to fluids and needs vasoactive support. What may it be reasonable to consider? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 16.1, Fluid Resuscitation and Management of Septic Shock. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute circulatory problems.
  • How do the guidelines define shock? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 16, Management of Shock. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute circulatory problems.
  • In septic shock, in what aliquots is it reasonable to give fluid? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 16.1, Fluid Resuscitation and Management of Septic Shock. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, IO access and fluid boluses.
  • Septic shock does not respond to fluid. Which initial vasoactive infusion is reasonable? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 16.1, Fluid Resuscitation and Management of Septic Shock. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute circulatory problems.
  • Shock runs on a continuum from compensated to decompensated. Which finding marks the decompensated state? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 16, Management of Shock. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute circulatory problems.
  • What is recommended early for an infant or child with cardiogenic shock? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 16.2, Management of Cardiogenic Shock. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute circulatory problems.
  • What should healthcare professionals do after every fluid bolus? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 16.1, Fluid Resuscitation and Management of Septic Shock. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, IO access and fluid boluses.
  • When may dopamine be considered in fluid-refractory septic shock? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 16.1, Fluid Resuscitation and Management of Septic Shock. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute circulatory problems.
  • Which drugs may be reasonable as an inotropic infusion in cardiogenic shock? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 16.2, Management of Cardiogenic Shock. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute circulatory problems.
  • Which pair do the guidelines name as compensatory mechanisms in shock? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 16, Management of Shock. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute circulatory problems.
  • Which statement matches the guidelines on the initial fluid for resuscitation? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 16.1, Fluid Resuscitation and Management of Septic Shock. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, IO access and fluid boluses.
  • Which type of shock is most common in children? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 16, Management of Shock. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute circulatory problems.

Cardiac arrest: shocks and drugs 18

  • A child's cardiac arrest begins with a nonshockable rhythm. When is it reasonable to give the first dose of epinephrine? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 7.2, Drug Administration During Cardiac Arrest. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute cardiac problems, including cardiac arrest.
  • A child's cardiac arrest begins with a shockable rhythm and a defibrillator is at hand. When may it be reasonable to give epinephrine? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 7.2, Drug Administration During Cardiac Arrest. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute cardiac problems, including cardiac arrest.
  • A trained healthcare professional identifies a shockable rhythm in an infant. Which defibrillator is it reasonable to use? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 6: Pediatric Basic Life Support, section 8.2, Type of Defibrillator. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, defibrillation and cardioversion.
  • The algorithm lists lidocaine as the alternative to amiodarone. What is its IV or IO dose? 2025 AHA Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, Drug Therapy. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute cardiac problems, including cardiac arrest.
  • Calcium is not recommended routinely in pediatric cardiac arrest. Which of these is a named exception? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 7.2, Drug Administration During Cardiac Arrest. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute cardiac problems, including cardiac arrest.
  • For refractory VF or pulseless VT in a child, which shock approach may be considered? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 8, Energy Doses for Defibrillation in Cardiac Arrest. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, defibrillation and cardioversion.
  • For which pediatric cardiac arrests may ECPR be considered? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 10, Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute cardiac problems, including cardiac arrest.
  • How often may it be reasonable to repeat epinephrine during pediatric cardiac arrest? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 7.2, Drug Administration During Cardiac Arrest. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute cardiac problems, including cardiac arrest.
  • In infants and children, which initial arrest rhythm carries better outcomes? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 8, Energy Doses for Defibrillation in Cardiac Arrest. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, ECG monitoring.
  • On what basis should the first vascular access route, IV or IO, be chosen in pediatric cardiac arrest? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 7.1, Drug Administration Methods During Cardiac Arrest. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, IO access and fluid boluses.
  • Shocks after the second are at least 4 J/kg. What is the upper limit on the algorithm? 2025 AHA Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, Shock Energy for Defibrillation. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, defibrillation and cardioversion.
  • Sodium bicarbonate is not recommended routinely in pediatric cardiac arrest. Which special circumstances do the guidelines name? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 7.2, Drug Administration During Cardiac Arrest. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute cardiac problems, including cardiac arrest.
  • What is the amiodarone bolus dose on the pediatric cardiac arrest algorithm? 2025 AHA Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, Drug Therapy. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute cardiac problems, including cardiac arrest.
  • What is the first shock energy on the pediatric cardiac arrest algorithm? 2025 AHA Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, Shock Energy for Defibrillation. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, defibrillation and cardioversion.
  • What is the IV or IO dose of epinephrine on the pediatric cardiac arrest algorithm? 2025 AHA Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, Drug Therapy. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute cardiac problems, including cardiac arrest.
  • What is the second shock energy on the pediatric cardiac arrest algorithm? 2025 AHA Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, Shock Energy for Defibrillation. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, defibrillation and cardioversion.
  • Which reversible cause is on the pediatric cardiac arrest algorithm's list? 2025 AHA Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, Reversible Causes. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute cardiac problems, including cardiac arrest.
  • Why are the IV and IO routes preferred over the endotracheal route for drugs during CPR? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 7.1, Drug Administration Methods During Cardiac Arrest. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, IO access and fluid boluses.

Bradycardia 8

  • A child has cardiopulmonary compromise despite effective ventilation with oxygen. Below what heart rate should CPR be started? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 18, Management of Bradycardia. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute cardiac problems, including cardiac arrest.
  • Bradycardia with cardiopulmonary compromise persists after hypoxia and other factors are corrected. Which drug is given IV or IO? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 18, Management of Bradycardia. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute cardiac problems, including cardiac arrest.
  • During CPR for bradycardia, how often does the pediatric bradycardia algorithm check for a pulse? 2025 AHA Pediatric Bradycardia With a Pulse Algorithm (accessible version), box 7. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute cardiac problems, including cardiac arrest.
  • For which causes of bradycardia may emergency transcutaneous pacing be considered? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 18, Management of Bradycardia. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, defibrillation and cardioversion.
  • For which causes of bradycardia with cardiopulmonary compromise is atropine recommended? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 18, Management of Bradycardia. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute cardiac problems, including cardiac arrest.
  • On the pediatric bradycardia algorithm, what are atropine's minimum dose and maximum single dose? 2025 AHA Pediatric Bradycardia With a Pulse Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, Doses and Details. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute cardiac problems, including cardiac arrest.
  • What is the IV or IO dose of atropine on the pediatric bradycardia algorithm? 2025 AHA Pediatric Bradycardia With a Pulse Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, Doses and Details. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute cardiac problems, including cardiac arrest.
  • Which of these is on the pediatric bradycardia algorithm's list of possible causes? 2025 AHA Pediatric Bradycardia With a Pulse Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, Possible Causes. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute cardiac problems, including cardiac arrest.

Tachyarrhythmias 13

  • A child has a wide-QRS tachycardia with hypotension and acutely altered mental status. What does the algorithm call for? 2025 AHA Pediatric Tachyarrhythmia With a Pulse Algorithm (accessible version), boxes 6 to 11. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, defibrillation and cardioversion.
  • A child has SVT without cardiopulmonary compromise. What is useful to attempt first? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 19.1, Treatment of Supraventricular Tachycardia With a Pulse. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute cardiac problems, including cardiac arrest.
  • A child has wide-complex tachycardia without cardiopulmonary compromise. What is recommended before antiarrhythmic agents are given? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 19.2, Treatment of Wide-Complex Tachycardia With a Pulse. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute cardiac problems, including cardiac arrest.
  • The first dose of adenosine fails. What repeat dose does the pediatric algorithm give? 2025 AHA Pediatric Tachyarrhythmia With a Pulse Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, Doses and Details. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute cardiac problems, including cardiac arrest.
  • How wide is a 'narrow' QRS on the pediatric tachyarrhythmia algorithm? 2025 AHA Pediatric Tachyarrhythmia With a Pulse Algorithm (accessible version), boxes 7 and 12. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, ECG monitoring.
  • In probable sinus tachycardia, a child's heart rate is usually below what? 2025 AHA Pediatric Tachyarrhythmia With a Pulse Algorithm (accessible version), box 4. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, ECG monitoring.
  • In probable supraventricular tachycardia, an infant's heart rate is usually at least what? 2025 AHA Pediatric Tachyarrhythmia With a Pulse Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, Probable Supraventricular Tachycardia. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, ECG monitoring.
  • SVT with compromise does not respond to vagal maneuvers, adenosine or cardioversion, and no expert is available. Which IV drugs may be considered? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 19.1, Treatment of Supraventricular Tachycardia With a Pulse. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute cardiac problems, including cardiac arrest.
  • What does the pediatric algorithm say about sedation before synchronized cardioversion? 2025 AHA Pediatric Tachyarrhythmia With a Pulse Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, Doses and Details. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, defibrillation and cardioversion.
  • What energy does the pediatric algorithm give for synchronized cardioversion? 2025 AHA Pediatric Tachyarrhythmia With a Pulse Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, Doses and Details. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, defibrillation and cardioversion.
  • What is the first IV or IO dose of adenosine on the pediatric tachyarrhythmia algorithm? 2025 AHA Pediatric Tachyarrhythmia With a Pulse Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, Doses and Details. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute cardiac problems, including cardiac arrest.
  • What is the most common cause of wide-complex tachycardia in infants and children? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 19, Tachyarrhythmias. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, ECG monitoring.
  • Which finding points to probable sinus tachycardia and away from supraventricular tachycardia? 2025 AHA Pediatric Tachyarrhythmia With a Pulse Algorithm (accessible version), box 4 and sidebar. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, ECG monitoring.

Post-cardiac arrest care 10

  • A child remains comatose after cardiac arrest. Central temperatures above what value should be avoided? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 11.1, Post-Cardiac Arrest Targeted Temperature Management. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, post-cardiac arrest management.
  • After cardiac arrest, systolic and mean arterial pressure should be kept above which percentile for age? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 11.2, Post-Cardiac Arrest Blood Pressure Management. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, post-cardiac arrest management.
  • After cardiac arrest, to what oxyhemoglobin saturation may it be reasonable to wean oxygen? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 11.3, Post-Cardiac Arrest Oxygenation and Ventilation Management. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, post-cardiac arrest management.
  • How do the guidelines define hypotension after return of circulation? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 11.2, Post-Cardiac Arrest Blood Pressure Management. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, post-cardiac arrest management.
  • How long a course of targeted temperature management is reasonable for a comatose child after cardiac arrest? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 11.1, Post-Cardiac Arrest Targeted Temperature Management. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, post-cardiac arrest management.
  • In these guidelines, what does 'return of circulation' (ROC) cover that ROSC does not? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 5, Major Concepts. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, post-cardiac arrest management.
  • What evaluation is recommended for infants and children who survive cardiac arrest? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 13, Post-Cardiac Arrest Recovery and Survivorship. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, post-cardiac arrest management.
  • What is recommended when predicting neurological outcome after pediatric cardiac arrest? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 12.2, Multimodal Prognostication. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, post-cardiac arrest management.
  • What is recommended, when resources allow, to detect seizures in a child with persistent encephalopathy after cardiac arrest? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 11.4, Post-Cardiac Arrest EEG Monitoring and Seizure Treatment. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, post-cardiac arrest management.
  • What kind of temperature monitoring is recommended for a child who remains comatose after cardiac arrest? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 11.1, Post-Cardiac Arrest Targeted Temperature Management. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, post-cardiac arrest management.

Special cases and family 8

  • A child cannot be weighed in an emergency. What do cognitive aids such as length-based tapes help approximate? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 7.3, Weight-Based Dosing of Resuscitation Medications. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute cardiac problems, including cardiac arrest.
  • A child with myocarditis shows arrhythmias, heart block, ST-segment changes or low cardiac output. What is recommended? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 20, Treatment of Myocarditis and Cardiomyopathy. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute cardiac problems, including cardiac arrest.
  • A child with sepsis goes into cardiac arrest. Which approach is reasonable? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 16.1, Fluid Resuscitation and Management of Septic Shock. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute cardiac problems, including cardiac arrest.
  • Family members are present during a resuscitation. What is recommended for them? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 14, Family Presence During Resuscitation. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, team dynamics.
  • The single Cardiac Arrest Chain of Survival is now standardized across which groups? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 5.1, Chain of Survival. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, team dynamics.
  • What should family members be offered during the resuscitation of their infant or child? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 14, Family Presence During Resuscitation. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, team dynamics.
  • Which initial pulmonary vasodilator therapy should be used in a pulmonary hypertensive crisis? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 22.2, Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertensive Crises. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute cardiac problems, including cardiac arrest.
  • Which reversible causes do the guidelines name for evaluation in pediatric traumatic cardiac arrest? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 23, Management of Traumatic Cardiac Arrest. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute cardiac problems, including cardiac arrest.

Weight-based dose cases 10

  • Case: a 3 kg infant has bradycardia from increased vagal tone. At 0.02 mg/kg, atropine works out to 0.06 mg. What dose does the bradycardia algorithm give? 2025 AHA Pediatric Bradycardia With a Pulse Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, Doses and Details. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute cardiac problems, including cardiac arrest.
  • Case: a 10 kg infant has VF that persists after the third shock. What is the amiodarone bolus? 2025 AHA Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, Drug Therapy. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute cardiac problems, including cardiac arrest.
  • Case: a 12 kg child is in septic shock. How much fluid is one 20 mL/kg aliquot? 2025 AHA and AAP Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, section 16.1, Fluid Resuscitation and Management of Septic Shock. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, IO access and fluid boluses.
  • Case: a 15 kg child is in VF. What is the first shock? 2025 AHA Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, Shock Energy for Defibrillation. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, defibrillation and cardioversion.
  • Case: a 20 kg child is in asystole. What is the epinephrine dose at 0.01 mg/kg? 2025 AHA Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, Drug Therapy. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute cardiac problems, including cardiac arrest.
  • Case: a 25 kg child is still in VF after the first shock and 2 minutes of CPR. What is the second shock? 2025 AHA Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, Shock Energy for Defibrillation. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, defibrillation and cardioversion.
  • Case: a 30 kg child has SVT with cardiopulmonary compromise and no IV access. What energy starts synchronized cardioversion? 2025 AHA Pediatric Tachyarrhythmia With a Pulse Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, Doses and Details. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, defibrillation and cardioversion.
  • Case: a 120 kg adolescent is in cardiac arrest. At 0.01 mg/kg, epinephrine works out to 1.2 mg. What dose does the algorithm allow? 2025 AHA Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, Drug Therapy. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute cardiac problems, including cardiac arrest.
  • Case: an 8 kg infant has SVT without compromise, and vagal maneuvers fail. What is the first adenosine dose? 2025 AHA Pediatric Tachyarrhythmia With a Pulse Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, Doses and Details. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute cardiac problems, including cardiac arrest.
  • Case: an 80 kg adolescent has SVT. At 0.1 mg/kg the first adenosine dose works out to 8 mg. What dose does the algorithm allow? 2025 AHA Pediatric Tachyarrhythmia With a Pulse Algorithm (accessible version), sidebar, Doses and Details. Outline: AHA 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, acute cardiac problems, including cardiac arrest.

How this list was compiled: Our own questions, written to the topics the American Heart Association publishes for its PALS Provider Course (2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, as of October 22, 2025, linked from https://cpr.heart.org/en/courses/pals-course-options, and https://cpr.heart.org/en/cpr-courses-and-kits/healthcare-professional/pediatric, both read 2026-10-09): child and infant CPR, oxygen delivery and airway management, IO access and fluid boluses, defibrillation and cardioversion, acute respiratory, circulatory and cardiac problems including cardiac arrest, team dynamics and post-cardiac arrest management. Every fact was read on 2026-10-09 in the 2025 American Heart Association and American Academy of Pediatrics Guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care on cpr.heart.org (Part 6 and Part 8, published October 22, 2025) or in the accessible text versions of the 2025 pediatric algorithms; each question names its source and section. Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are original work of this site.

How it works

This free PALS practice test has 105 questions of our own on the seriously ill infant and child, with 10 weight-based dose cases. It is unofficial and not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by the American Heart Association.

Read the full guide

What it covers

The topics come from the Association's 2025 PALS Provider Course FAQ, read October 9, 2026: 12 questions on child and infant CPR, 13 on breathing and airway, 13 on shock, 18 on cardiac arrest, 8 on bradycardia, 13 on tachyarrhythmias, 10 on post-cardiac arrest care, 8 on special cases and 10 dose cases.

Where the answers come from

Each answer was read in Part 6 or Part 8 of the 2025 guidelines of the Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, or in a pediatric algorithm. What those do not state, such as the course's four types of respiratory problems, is not asked.

  • Pediatric shock energy goes by weight: 2 J/kg then 4 J/kg for defibrillation; 0.5 to 1 J/kg then 2 J/kg for synchronized cardioversion.
  • For PALS test practice on doses, watch the caps: epinephrine 1 mg, adenosine 6 mg then 12 mg, amiodarone 300 mg.

Questions and answers

Is this the official PALS exam?

No, and nothing here is taken from it. These are practice questions written for this site from the open guidelines. The course exam, the Precourse Self-Assessment, the provider manual and the reference card were not opened.

What score do you need to pass the PALS exam?

A minimum of 84% on the open-resource written exam, by the Association's 2025 PALS course FAQ. Students also pass child and infant BLS skills tests and 2 core case scenarios, 1 cardiac and 1 respiratory or shock.

Are online PALS practice tests enough to earn a card?

No. A PALS card comes only from a course with learning stations, skills testing and case scenarios run by an Instructor. PALS practice tests like this one rehearse the facts behind the written exam.

What does the PALS Precourse Self-Assessment cover?

Three sections: rhythm recognition, pharmacology and practical application. The FAQ says all students must complete it with a score of at least 70% before taking the course, and that it exists online only.

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