PALS Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield PALS facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the correct IV/IO dose of atropine for a pediatric patient with symptomatic bradycardia according to the PALS guidelines? → 0.02 mg/kg, with a maximum single dose of 0.5 mg
2. For adults, children, and newborns, what is the appropriate rate of chest compressions per minute? → 100-120 compressions/min
3. Which of the following arrhythmias would be indicated by typical sawtooth P-wave activity on the ECG monitor, using the ILCOR PALS Provider Manual? → Atrial flutter
4. On ECG, a child has a regular rhythm at 40 bpm with P waves that bear no relationship to QRS complexes. What is this rhythm? → Third-degree (complete) AV block
5. Which presentation rhythm is most frequently seen in kids going into cardiac arrest? → PEA/asystole
6. Which arrhythmia in a child with a pulse is treated with adenosine as the first-line pharmacologic therapy? → Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
7. What maximum fluid volume (in mL/kg) should be given before reassessing a child in septic shock and considering vasopressors? → 40–60 mL/kg
8. Which of the following rhythms requires immediate defibrillation rather than synchronized cardioversion? → Pulseless ventricular fibrillation
9. What is the goal SpO2 before performing rapid sequence intubation (RSI) in a pediatric patient if clinical conditions permit? → SpO2 greater than 99%
10. You are assigned the role of recorder/timer during a pediatric resuscitation. A critical function of your role is to: → Announce when 2-minute cycles of CPR are complete for a rhythm check.
11. Which of the following assessments are considered essential components of the initial evaluation and management in the immediate post-ROSC period? → Obtaining a 12-lead ECG and monitoring blood glucose levels.
12. Which of these imbalances in electrolytes wouldn't cause ventricular tachycardia? → Hyponatremia
13. Which oxygen delivery device provides the highest concentration of supplemental oxygen to a spontaneously breathing child in respiratory distress? → Non-rebreather mask at 10–15 L/min
14. Which arrhythmias below have a QRS complex lasting longer than 0.09 seconds? → Supraventricular tachycardia with aberrant intraventricular conduction
15. In which clinical situation should a jaw thrust be used instead of a head-tilt chin-lift for airway management? → When cervical spine injury is suspected
16. In a child with hemorrhagic shock, which fluid is preferred over isotonic crystalloid once available? → Packed red blood cells (pRBCs)
17. A child in cardiac arrest has a rhythm showing organized electrical activity on the monitor but no pulse. What rhythm is this? → Pulseless electrical activity (PEA)
18. During pediatric bag-mask ventilation, which finding most suggests the child has a gastric air leak causing ventilation difficulty? → Epigastric distension with each ventilation
19. Which of the following is considered a late and ominous sign of shock in a pediatric patient? → Hypotension
20. Which rhythm is most commonly associated with pulseless cardiac arrest in children? → Asystole or pulseless electrical activity (PEA)
21. To ensure high-quality CPR and maximize coronary perfusion pressure, interruptions in chest compressions should be limited to no more than: → 10 seconds
22. Which of the following is considered the MOST common cause of bradycardia in infants and children? → Hypoxia
23. What is the correct method for sizing an oropharyngeal airway (OPA) in a pediatric patient? → Measure from the center of the mouth to the angle of the jaw
24. Which of the following best describes second-degree AV block Mobitz type II? → Consistent PR interval with sudden dropped QRS complexes
25. What does the E-C clamp technique accomplish during pediatric bag-mask ventilation? → It maintains a tight seal between the mask and the patient's face
26. In a child who is not responding, where on the body is the best place to feel their pulse? → Carotid
27. A 10 kg child in septic shock requires a fluid bolus. What is the correct isotonic fluid dose per PALS guidelines? → 10–20 mL/kg of isotonic crystalloid over 10–20 minutes
28. Atropine is used in PALS for bradycardia primarily in which situation? → Bradycardia caused by increased vagal tone or AV block
29. Using the rule of 3, what is the estimated endotracheal tube insertion depth at the lip for a child receiving a 5.0 mm (ID) tube? → 15 cm
30. Which of the following is a contraindication to IO placement at a specific site? → Fracture of the bone proximal to the intended site