ACLS & PALS Assessment Exam UCLA Center for Prehospital Care - Pediatric Advanced Life Support Pre-Assessment Exam

Sep 23, 2026

Uploaded by hdkawk

Self-assessment pre-test for ACLS and PALS program participants from UCLA Center for Prehospital Care, requiring prior understanding of ECG and pharmacology before attending training. The exam consists of pediatric-focused scenario questions covering airway management, ventilation effectiveness, epinephrine rationale and dosing, first-line antiarrhythmics, medication routes during pediatric cardiac arrest, and defibrillation indications. It also tests peri-arrest rhythm response planning, compression rate targets, intraosseous access success criteria, and acute management steps for bradycardia, asthma symptoms, and upper airway presentations.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages8

Reading Time20 min

AccessFree to download

Pre-Test Instructions

Questions 1-14

TO: ACLS and PALS Participants FROM: UCLA Center for Prehospital Care Welcome to the ACLS and PALS programs sponsored by UCLA Center for Prehospital Care. ACLS and PALS courses require students to have a good understanding of ECG and Pharmacology prior to attending the course. In an effort to ensure proper understanding and successful completion of the programs, we have included a self-assessment Pre-Test for ACLS and PALS. This Pre-Test should be taken before attending the class. This test is a self-administered/self-graded exam that will allow you to gauge your knowledge inpatient assessment and follow up diagnostic treatment. It is highly recommended by UCLA to review the appropriate materials in advance if you do not do well on this test. All students must bring the completed Pretest and the AHA ACLS/PALS Textbook to class. You may purchase the ACLS or PALS Textbooks online at [www.UCLACPCBOOKS.org](www.UCLACPCBOOKS.org). We also offer an ECG and Pharmacology (ACLS preparation) course that is specifically designed to address the key knowledge gap in electrocardiography and pharmacology frequently encountered in ACLS/PALS courses. You can register for this class online at [http://www.cpc.mednet.ucla.edu](http://www.cpc.mednet.ucla.edu. Our goal)[.](http://www.cpc.mednet.ucla.edu. Our goal)[ Our goal](http://www.cpc.mednet.ucla.edu. Our goal) is to assist you in becoming an ACLS or PALS Provider. We strongly encourage you to take advantage of this self-assessment program. Under the American Heart Association and UCLA guidelines, any student who does not successfully complete the class will not be certified and therefore must repeat the program. All EMT’s must have either an EKG course or Paramedic Prep course as a prerequisite. Good luck and we look forward to seeing everyone in class. Thank you. Copyright ACLS & PALS Assessment Exam UCLA Center for Prehospital Care Pediatric Advanced Life Support Pre-Assessment Exam 1. How can a rescuer assess the effectiveness of positive pressure ventilations? a. The stomach rises b. The chest rises c. The ventilation bag is completely compressed d. There is no air leaking around the mask 2. A foreign body airway obstruction is relieved on a responsive infant by: a. kneeling behind the infant and performing abdominal thrusts. b. beginning cycles of 5 back blows and 5 chest compressions. [c. giving 2 breaths](c. giving 2 breaths), repositioning the airway after each breath. d. starting CPR immediately. 3. Pediatric Epinephrine doses recommended for cardiac arrest: a. neutralizes acid buildup during cardiac arrest. b. can cause significant vasoconstriction. c. increases conduction through the A-V node of the heart. d. causes significant vasodilation. 4. The first antiarrythmic given in the management of a pediatric cardiac arrest in Ventricular Fibrillation or Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia is: a. Amiodorone. b. Lidocaine. c. Atropine. d. Epinephrine. 5. Medications given during a pediatric cardiac arrest should be given: a. via continuous IV Drip infusion. b. via endotrachial tube c. via slow IV bolus to prevent adverse reactions. d. via rapid IV bolus followed by a flush. 6. Attempts to establish a peripheral IV on your pediatric patient have been unsuccessful. Your best course of action would be to: a. continue peripheral IV access until successful. b. insert a central IV line. c. attempt an intraosseous line. UCLA Center for Prehospital Care 10990 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1450, Los Angeles, CA 90024 Tel [310-267-5959 / www.cpc.mednet.ucla.edu](310-267-5959 / www.cpc.mednet.ucla.edu) d. terminate resuscitation and pronounce the patient. 7. Defibrillation is indicated in the management of: a. Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia and Ventricular Fibrillation. b. Asystole and PEA. c. PEA and Ventricular Fibrillation. d. SVT and Ventricular Tachycardia with Pulses. 8. The rate of compressions for a v

FAQs

What should participants do before attending the ACLS and PALS programs?

Complete the self-assessment pre-test before class. Students are required to bring the completed pre-test and the AHA ACLS/PALS textbook to class.

How is ventilation effectiveness assessed in the pre-test?

Effectiveness is assessed by observing that the chest rises, indicating proper positive pressure ventilation.

What is the best indication of successful intraosseous insertion?

Successful intraosseous insertion is indicated when fluid can be given freely without causing tissue swelling.

Sep 23, 2026

Uploaded by hdkawk