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

A) Apnea

B) Airway

C) Active

D) Alert

2 / 20

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

A) Check glucose levels

B) Give oxygen and observe

C) Start chest compressions

D) Apply a cold compress

3 / 20

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

A) Circulation

B) Temperature

C) Mental status

D) Breathing

4 / 20

4) Why is SAMPLE history important in pediatric emergencies?

A) Guides defibrillator settings

B) Determines oxygen saturation

C) Assesses only physical injuries

D) Helps identify allergies and medications

5 / 20

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

A) Glasgow Coma Scale

B) SPAM history

C) Airway, Breathing, Circulation

D) Medication review

6 / 20

6) 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

7 / 20

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

A) Mild brain injury

B) Unresponsiveness

C) Moderate brain injury

D) Normal function

8 / 20

8) What does “P” in SPAM refer to?

A) Pain level

B) Past medical history

C) Pulse rate

D) Pupillary response

9 / 20

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

A) Upright and alert

B) Under observation

C) Urgent medical attention needed

D) Unconscious and unresponsive to stimuli

10 / 20

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

A) Direct commands

B) Painful stimuli

C) Deep pressure

D) Verbal stimuli

11 / 20

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

A) Identify and treat life-threatening problems early

B) Predict length of hospital stay

C) Choose the correct drug quickly

D) Determine heart rate ranges

12 / 20

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

A) Discharge

B) Disability

C) Diagnosis

D) Defibrillation

13 / 20

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

A) Disability

B) Emergency medications

C) Exposure

D) Airway

14 / 20

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

A) Vital signs

B) Mental status

C) Patient history

D) Focused physical exam

15 / 20

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

A) AVPU

B) SAMPLE

C) APGAR

D) PALS

16 / 20

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

A) Blood glucose and mental status

B) Oxygen level

C) Infection signs

D) Blood pressure

17 / 20

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

A) To decide oxygen delivery method

B) To guide history taking during secondary assessment

C) To assess primary life-threatening conditions

D) To evaluate CPR technique

18 / 20

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

A) AVPU

B) ABCDE

C) GCS

D) SAMPLE

19 / 20

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

A) Chest rise

B) Circulation

C) Consciousness

D) Capillary refill

20 / 20

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

A) Severe retractions and cyanosis

B) Clear breath sounds

C) Mild tachypnea

D) Slight wheeze

Your score is

See also:

Free PALS Practice Test 2025 Official Study Guide [PDF]

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