PALS Chapter 4 Practice Test 2025

Last Updated on June 28, 2025

Pediatric Advanced Life Support PALS Chapter 4 Practice Test 2025 Questions and Answers Quiz. Understanding normal cardiac anatomy and physiology is an essential component of performing PALS.

The heart is a hollow muscle comprised of four chambers surrounded by thick walls of tissue (septum). The atria are the two upper chambers, and the ventricles are the two lower chambers.

The left and right halves of the heart work together to pump blood throughout the body. The right atrium (RA) and the right ventricle (RV) pump deoxygenated blood to the lungs, where it becomes oxygenated. This oxygen-rich blood returns to the left atrium (LA) and enters the left ventricle (LV). The LV is the main pump that delivers the newly oxygenated blood to the rest of the body.

PALS Chapter 4 Practice Test

PALS Pediatric Advanced Life Support Practice Test

PALS Practice Test
Chapter 4: Pediatric Advanced Life Support
Total Items: 20 MCQs
Time Limit: N/A

1 / 20

1) True or False: The verbal response criteria in the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) are exactly the same for infants and adults.

A) True

B) False

2 / 20

2) What is the best immediate action for an unresponsive child with inadequate breathing and no pulse?

A) Start chest compressions

B) Give oxygen and observe

C) Apply a cold compress

D) Check glucose levels

3 / 20

3) What does “P” in SPAM refer to?

A) Past medical history

B) Pupillary response

C) Pain level

D) Pulse rate

4 / 20

4) What does the “C” stand for in the primary PALS survey?

A) Chest rise

B) Circulation

C) Consciousness

D) Capillary refill

5 / 20

5) What is the purpose of using the SPAM mnemonic in a pediatric emergency?

A) To evaluate CPR technique

B) To decide oxygen delivery method

C) To guide history taking during secondary assessment

D) To assess primary life-threatening conditions

6 / 20

6) Which of the following is part of the primary assessment in PALS?

A) Glasgow Coma Scale

B) Airway, Breathing, Circulation

C) SPAM history

D) Medication review

7 / 20

7) Why is SAMPLE history important in pediatric emergencies?

A) Helps identify allergies and medications

B) Guides defibrillator settings

C) Determines oxygen saturation

D) Assesses only physical injuries

8 / 20

8) In AVPU, what condition corresponds to “U”?

A) Urgent medical attention needed

B) Upright and alert

C) Under observation

D) Unconscious and unresponsive to stimuli

9 / 20

9) The “D” in AVPU is used to indicate a patient who responds to:

A) Verbal stimuli

B) Painful stimuli

C) Direct commands

D) Deep pressure

10 / 20

10) Which of the following indicates a life-threatening issue during the “Breathing” check?

A) Severe retractions and cyanosis

B) Mild tachypnea

C) Clear breath sounds

D) Slight wheeze

11 / 20

11) What is assessed in the “Disability” part of the ABCDE assessment?

A) Oxygen level

B) Blood glucose and mental status

C) Blood pressure

D) Infection signs

12 / 20

12) A child who opens eyes to speech, speaks confusedly, and withdraws from pain has a GCS score that indicates:

A) Mild brain injury

B) Moderate brain injury

C) Normal function

D) Unresponsiveness

13 / 20

13) What does “SAMPLE” help assess during a secondary survey?

A) Focused physical exam

B) Patient history

C) Vital signs

D) Mental status

14 / 20

14) Which component of the secondary assessment checks for medications the child is taking?

A) GCS

B) ABCDE

C) AVPU

D) SAMPLE

15 / 20

15) What does the “A” in the AVPU mnemonic stand for when assessing mental status?

A) Alert

B) Active

C) Apnea

D) Airway

16 / 20

16) During initial diagnosis and treatment, what should be assessed immediately after confirming the airway is open?

A) Breathing

B) Temperature

C) Circulation

D) Mental status

17 / 20

17) Which of the following is NOT part of the “ABCDE” approach in pediatric assessment?

A) Exposure

B) Emergency medications

C) Airway

D) Disability

18 / 20

18) In the “ABCDE” assessment approach, what does “D” stand for?

A) Diagnosis

B) Defibrillation

C) Disability

D) Discharge

19 / 20

19) What is the primary goal of the "Systematic Approach" in PALS?

A) Determine heart rate ranges

B) Identify and treat life-threatening problems early

C) Choose the correct drug quickly

D) Predict length of hospital stay

20 / 20

20) Which tool is used for a quick mental status assessment in children?

A) APGAR

B) PALS

C) SAMPLE

D) AVPU

Your score is

See also:

Free PALS Practice Test 2025 Official Study Guide [PDF]

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