PALS Chapter 7: Bradycardia Practice Test 2026

Last Updated on October 1, 2026

Pediatric Advanced Life Support PALS Chapter 7: Bradycardia Practice Test 2026 Questions and Answers Quiz. Bradycardia is a heart rate slower than usual for a child’s age. Bradycardia in children and infants should be evaluated, but not all bradycardia needs to be medically managed.

Intervention is required when bradycardia is symptomatic and compromises cardiovascular function. This commonly means the heart is beating too slowly to maintain blood pressure, leading to shock, poor tissue perfusion, and/or a change in mental status.

Symptomatic bradycardia may present with several signs and symptoms, including low blood pressure, pulmonary edema or congestion, abnormal heart rhythm, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, confusion, and/or syncope. Bradycardia most commonly becomes symptomatic when it is new to the person (acute heart rate slowing).

PALS Chapter 7: Bradycardia Practice Test

PALS Chapter 7: Bradycardia

PALS Practice Test
Chapter 7: Bradycardia
Total Items: 20 MCQs
Time Limit: N/A

1 / 20

1) In bradycardia with a pulse, which treatment is started before considering pacing?

A) Defibrillation

B) Adenosine

C) Sodium bicarbonate

D) Epinephrine and atropine

2 / 20

2) In bradycardia due to toxin ingestion, which agency might help guide treatment?

A) Poison Control

B) American Heart Association

C) Department of Transportation

D) CDC

3 / 20

3) What is the maximum recommended IV dose of atropine for a child?

A) 1.0 mg

B) 0.5 mg

C) 0.1 mg

D) 0.3 mg

4 / 20

4) What physical finding supports a diagnosis of symptomatic bradycardia?

A) Irregular respiratory pattern

B) Weak or absent pulses

C) Sweating

D) High blood pressure

5 / 20

5) Which of the following is NOT typically a cause of bradycardia in children?

A) Hypothermia

B) Hyperthermia

C) Hypoxia

D) Severe infection

6 / 20

6) What dose of epinephrine is recommended for pediatric bradycardia?

A) 0.5 mg/kg

B) 1 mg/kg

C) 0.01 mg/kg

D) 0.1 mg/kg

7 / 20

7) Which of the following is most often the cause of bradycardia in children?

A) Primary cardiac disease

B) Genetic mutation

C) Hypoxia

D) Drug overdose

8 / 20

8) A child has symptomatic bradycardia unresponsive to both epinephrine and atropine. What is the next most appropriate step?

A) High-dose epinephrine

B) Chest tube insertion

C) Transthoracic pacing

D) Defibrillation

9 / 20

9) Why should atropine not be given in doses less than 0.1 mg in children?

A) Induces apnea

B) Causes rebound tachycardia

C) May worsen bradycardia

D) Raises blood pressure too quickly

10 / 20

10) What is one key goal when managing pediatric bradycardia?

A) Decrease blood pressure

B) Slow down heart rate

C) Improve oxygenation and perfusion

D) Give fluids continuously

11 / 20

11) Which rhythm is commonly seen before a pediatric cardiac arrest?

A) Symptomatic bradycardia

B) Atrial fibrillation

C) Ventricular fibrillation

D) Sinus tachycardia

12 / 20

12) A child’s heart rate drops to 30 bpm with poor perfusion despite oxygen and CPR. What is the next step?

A) Deliver a shock

B) Wait and reassess in 5 minutes

C) Apply a cold compress

D) Administer epinephrine

13 / 20

13) If CPR is started due to severe bradycardia, what is the compression rate per minute?

A) 80–100

B) 60–80

C) 140–160

D) 100–120

14 / 20

14) When should CPR be started in a child with bradycardia?

A) When the child is unresponsive

B) At any heart rate below 100

C) Only if the heart stops

D) If the heart rate is under 60 bpm with signs of poor perfusion

15 / 20

15) What type of pacing is recommended when bradycardia does not respond to medications?

A) Transesophageal pacing

B) Transcutaneous pacing

C) Overdrive pacing

D) Permanent pacing

16 / 20

16) What intervention improves oxygenation and may help reverse bradycardia in hypoxic patients?

A) Atropine

B) Sedation

C) Fluid bolus

D) High-flow oxygen

17 / 20

17) What is considered symptomatic bradycardia in pediatric patients?

A) Bradycardia with signs of poor perfusion

B) Bradycardia without chest pain

C) Mild fatigue with normal HR

D) Any HR <100

18 / 20

18) A child with a heart rate of 50 bpm is alert and breathing normally. What is the best next step?

A) Start CPR

B) Monitor and reassess

C) Give atropine

D) Begin pacing

19 / 20

19) Which drug may be effective in bradycardia due to vagal stimulation?

A) Atropine

B) Sodium bicarbonate

C) Adenosine

D) Amiodarone

20 / 20

20) What is the primary medication used to treat symptomatic bradycardia in children?

A) Atropine

B) Dopamine

C) Lidocaine

D) Epinephrine

Your score is

See also:

Free PALS Practice Test 2026 Official Study Guide [PDF]

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