ACLS RED CROSS FINAL EXAM 2026
PRACTICE TEST PAPER CARDIAC ARREST AND
ARRHYTHMIA REVIEW SHEET FULL SOLUTIONS
◉ A patient has experienced return of spontaneous circulation
(ROSC) after cardiac arrest. The healthcare team is conducting a
secondary assessment to determine the possible cause of the
patient's cardiac arrest. Before the arrest, the patient exhibited
jugular venous distension, cyanosis, apnea and hyperresonance on
percussion. The patient was also difficult to ventilate during the
response. The team would most likely suspect which condition as
the cause? Answer: Tension Pneumothorax
◉ A patient with suspected stroke arrives at the emergency
department. The patient is diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke
and is a candidate for fibrinolytic therapy. To achieve the best
outcomes, this therapy should be initiated within what time frame?
Answer: Within 1 hour of patient's arrival.
◉ A patient in the telemetry unit is receiving continuous cardiac
monitoring. The patient has a history of myocardial infarction. The
patient's ECG rhythm strip is shown in the following figure. The
provider interprets this strip as indicating which arrhythmia?
Answer: Third-degree AV block
, ◉ A 28-year-old pregnant patient who resides in transitional
housing presents to the emergency department with complaints of
feeling feverish and very faint. The patient tells the emergency nurse
that she does not know when she became pregnant. Upon palpation,
the fundus is not at or above the umbilicus. The patient's condition
quickly deteriorates and she goes into cardiac arrest. If available and
able to be used without impeding or delaying the resuscitation
effort, what diagnostic tool could be used to guide decision-making
in the care of this patient? Answer: Point-of-care ultrasound
◉ Cardiac monitoring indicates that a patient has a ventricular
tachyarrhythmia. The patient has a pulse and is not showing any
signs of hemodynamic compromise. A 12-lead ECG reveals an
irregular rhythm with QRS complexes greater than 0.12 second in
duration. Which action would be appropriate at this time? Answer:
Consider an antiarrhythmic medication
◉ A responsive patient is choking. What method should the provider
use first to clear the obstructed airway? Answer: Back blows
◉ What is the priority intervention for a patient with a narrow-
complex tachycardia (160 bpm) and a blood pressure of 72/48
mmHg? Answer: Perform immediate synchronized cardioversion
◉ A patient is admitted to the emergency department with signs and
symptoms of stroke. The stroke team should complete a
PRACTICE TEST PAPER CARDIAC ARREST AND
ARRHYTHMIA REVIEW SHEET FULL SOLUTIONS
◉ A patient has experienced return of spontaneous circulation
(ROSC) after cardiac arrest. The healthcare team is conducting a
secondary assessment to determine the possible cause of the
patient's cardiac arrest. Before the arrest, the patient exhibited
jugular venous distension, cyanosis, apnea and hyperresonance on
percussion. The patient was also difficult to ventilate during the
response. The team would most likely suspect which condition as
the cause? Answer: Tension Pneumothorax
◉ A patient with suspected stroke arrives at the emergency
department. The patient is diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke
and is a candidate for fibrinolytic therapy. To achieve the best
outcomes, this therapy should be initiated within what time frame?
Answer: Within 1 hour of patient's arrival.
◉ A patient in the telemetry unit is receiving continuous cardiac
monitoring. The patient has a history of myocardial infarction. The
patient's ECG rhythm strip is shown in the following figure. The
provider interprets this strip as indicating which arrhythmia?
Answer: Third-degree AV block
, ◉ A 28-year-old pregnant patient who resides in transitional
housing presents to the emergency department with complaints of
feeling feverish and very faint. The patient tells the emergency nurse
that she does not know when she became pregnant. Upon palpation,
the fundus is not at or above the umbilicus. The patient's condition
quickly deteriorates and she goes into cardiac arrest. If available and
able to be used without impeding or delaying the resuscitation
effort, what diagnostic tool could be used to guide decision-making
in the care of this patient? Answer: Point-of-care ultrasound
◉ Cardiac monitoring indicates that a patient has a ventricular
tachyarrhythmia. The patient has a pulse and is not showing any
signs of hemodynamic compromise. A 12-lead ECG reveals an
irregular rhythm with QRS complexes greater than 0.12 second in
duration. Which action would be appropriate at this time? Answer:
Consider an antiarrhythmic medication
◉ A responsive patient is choking. What method should the provider
use first to clear the obstructed airway? Answer: Back blows
◉ What is the priority intervention for a patient with a narrow-
complex tachycardia (160 bpm) and a blood pressure of 72/48
mmHg? Answer: Perform immediate synchronized cardioversion
◉ A patient is admitted to the emergency department with signs and
symptoms of stroke. The stroke team should complete a
