PALS Systematic Assessment 4

Question 1

A 5-year-old is unresponsive with absent breathing and no pulse. In the PALS systematic approach, what is the correct categorization of this presentation?

Accepted Answer

Cardiopulmonary arrest

Answer

Unresponsiveness with absent breathing and no pulse meets criteria for cardiopulmonary arrest, requiring immediate CPR.

Question 2

Which auscultatory finding during the primary assessment indicates air trapping and lower airway obstruction in a pediatric patient?

Accepted Answer

Expiratory wheezing

Answer

Expiratory wheezing indicates lower airway obstruction with air trapping, as in bronchospasm or asthma.

Question 3

During systematic assessment of a 4-year-old with suspected increased intracranial pressure, which pupillary finding is most concerning?

Accepted Answer

Unilateral fixed and dilated pupil

Answer

A unilateral fixed and dilated pupil (blown pupil) suggests uncal herniation from unilateral mass effect or severe ICP elevation.

Question 4

In the PALS assessment framework, the term 'identify and treat' means providers should:

Accepted Answer

Identify and treat life threats as they are discovered during assessment

Answer

PALS uses an 'identify and treat' approach, meaning life-threatening conditions are managed immediately as found rather than waiting for a complete assessment.

Question 5

A 9-year-old has a blood pressure of 70/40 mmHg, tachycardia, and altered mental status after a motor vehicle collision. Which type of shock is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Hypovolemic

Answer

Trauma with hypotension and tachycardia most commonly indicates hypovolemic shock from hemorrhage.

PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support Practice Test

PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support Practice Test

PALS Systematic Assessment 4