PALS Chapter 4 Practice Test 2025

Last Updated on October 1, 2026

Pediatric Advanced Life Support PALS Chapter 4 Practice Test 2026 Questions and Answers Quiz. Understanding normal cardiac anatomy and physiology is an essential component of performing PALS.

The heart is a hollow muscle composed of four chambers, each 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 is the purpose of using the SPAM mnemonic in a pediatric emergency?

A) To assess primary life-threatening conditions

B) To guide history taking during secondary assessment

C) To decide oxygen delivery method

D) To evaluate CPR technique

2 / 20

2) What does “P” in SPAM refer to?

A) Past medical history

B) Pain level

C) Pupillary response

D) Pulse rate

3 / 20

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

A) SPAM history

B) Glasgow Coma Scale

C) Medication review

D) Airway, Breathing, Circulation

4 / 20

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

A) Temperature

B) Mental status

C) Breathing

D) Circulation

5 / 20

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

A) Capillary refill

B) Circulation

C) Consciousness

D) Chest rise

6 / 20

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

A) Blood glucose and mental status

B) Blood pressure

C) Infection signs

D) Oxygen level

7 / 20

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

A) Moderate brain injury

B) Normal function

C) Mild brain injury

D) Unresponsiveness

8 / 20

8) 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) Predict length of hospital stay

D) Choose the correct drug quickly

9 / 20

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

A) Airway

B) Apnea

C) Alert

D) Active

10 / 20

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

A) Emergency medications

B) Disability

C) Exposure

D) Airway

11 / 20

11) Why is SAMPLE history important in pediatric emergencies?

A) Helps identify allergies and medications

B) Assesses only physical injuries

C) Determines oxygen saturation

D) Guides defibrillator settings

12 / 20

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

A) APGAR

B) AVPU

C) PALS

D) SAMPLE

13 / 20

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

A) Mild tachypnea

B) Slight wheeze

C) Clear breath sounds

D) Severe retractions and cyanosis

14 / 20

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

A) Disability

B) Discharge

C) Diagnosis

D) Defibrillation

15 / 20

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

A) Under observation

B) Unconscious and unresponsive to stimuli

C) Urgent medical attention needed

D) Upright and alert

16 / 20

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

A) Vital signs

B) Focused physical exam

C) Mental status

D) Patient history

17 / 20

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

A) Give oxygen and observe

B) Start chest compressions

C) Apply a cold compress

D) Check glucose levels

18 / 20

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

A) Verbal stimuli

B) Direct commands

C) Deep pressure

D) Painful stimuli

19 / 20

19) 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

20 / 20

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

A) GCS

B) ABCDE

C) SAMPLE

D) AVPU

Your score is

See also:

Free PALS Practice Test 2026 Official Study Guide [PDF]

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