ACLS Algorithms and Advanced Cardiac
Life Support Practice Exam questions and
correct answers– Updated 2026 (Graded A+)
instant download pdf
Subject: Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
Subtopic: Basic Life Support and High-Quality CPR
Question 1: During a witnessed adult cardiac arrest in the hospital, a nurse immediately activates
the emergency response system and begins CPR. Which action best reflects high-quality CPR
according to AHA ACLS guidelines?
A) Deliver chest compressions at a rate of 80–100/min with minimal depth
B) Deliver compressions at a rate of 100–120/min while allowing complete chest recoil
C) Interrupt compressions every 30 seconds to reassess the pulse
D) Perform compressions at a depth greater than 3 inches in all adults
Correct Answer: B - Deliver compressions at a rate of 100–120/min while allowing
complete chest recoil
Rationale: High-quality CPR requires compression rates of 100–120/min, compression depth of
at least 2 inches (5 cm) but not more than 2.4 inches (6 cm), complete chest recoil, and minimal
interruptions. Option A uses an inadequate rate and depth. Option C introduces excessive
interruptions, reducing coronary perfusion pressure. Option D exceeds recommended
compression depth and may increase injury risk.
Question 2: During resuscitation, what is the maximum recommended interruption in chest
compressions?
A) 5 seconds
B) 10 seconds
C) 20 seconds
D) 30 seconds
Correct Answer: B - 10 seconds
Rationale: ACLS emphasizes minimizing interruptions in chest compressions, ideally limiting
pauses to less than 10 seconds. Longer interruptions reduce coronary and cerebral perfusion
and are associated with poorer outcomes. The other options either underestimate practical needs
or exceed guideline recommendations.
Question 3: A team leader notes poor chest compression quality during a resuscitation attempt.
Which intervention is most appropriate?
A) Continue because interruptions should always be avoided
B) Rotate compressors approximately every 2 minutes
C) Reduce compression depth to prevent fatigue
D) Delay compressor changes until return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) occurs
Correct Answer: B - Rotate compressors approximately every 2 minutes
,Rationale: Compression quality declines as rescuers fatigue. ACLS recommends rotating
compressors every 2 minutes or sooner if quality deteriorates. Option A ignores declining
quality. Option C compromises effective CPR. Option D allows prolonged ineffective
compressions.
Subtopic: Cardiac Arrest Rhythms**
,
, Question 4: A patient is unresponsive, pulseless, and the monitor displays ventricular fibrillation.
What is the priority intervention?
A) Administer atropine immediately
B) Deliver unsynchronized defibrillation as soon as possible
C) Initiate transcutaneous pacing
D) Administer adenosine before CPR
Correct Answer: B - Deliver unsynchronized defibrillation as soon as possible
Rationale: Ventricular fibrillation is a shockable rhythm requiring immediate defibrillation
along with high-quality CPR. Atropine is not recommended for cardiac arrest. Pacing is
ineffective in VF. Adenosine is indicated for certain tachyarrhythmias, not cardiac arrest.
Question 5: Which rhythm is classified as non-shockable during ACLS management?
A) Pulseless ventricular tachycardia
B) Ventricular fibrillation
C) Asystole
D) Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia
Correct Answer: C - Asystole
Rationale: Asystole and pulseless electrical activity (PEA) are non-shockable rhythms managed
with CPR, epinephrine, and identification of reversible causes. Ventricular fibrillation and
pulseless ventricular tachycardia are shockable rhythms.
Question 6: During cardiac arrest management for pulseless electrical activity (PEA), which
intervention should occur as early as possible?
Life Support Practice Exam questions and
correct answers– Updated 2026 (Graded A+)
instant download pdf
Subject: Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
Subtopic: Basic Life Support and High-Quality CPR
Question 1: During a witnessed adult cardiac arrest in the hospital, a nurse immediately activates
the emergency response system and begins CPR. Which action best reflects high-quality CPR
according to AHA ACLS guidelines?
A) Deliver chest compressions at a rate of 80–100/min with minimal depth
B) Deliver compressions at a rate of 100–120/min while allowing complete chest recoil
C) Interrupt compressions every 30 seconds to reassess the pulse
D) Perform compressions at a depth greater than 3 inches in all adults
Correct Answer: B - Deliver compressions at a rate of 100–120/min while allowing
complete chest recoil
Rationale: High-quality CPR requires compression rates of 100–120/min, compression depth of
at least 2 inches (5 cm) but not more than 2.4 inches (6 cm), complete chest recoil, and minimal
interruptions. Option A uses an inadequate rate and depth. Option C introduces excessive
interruptions, reducing coronary perfusion pressure. Option D exceeds recommended
compression depth and may increase injury risk.
Question 2: During resuscitation, what is the maximum recommended interruption in chest
compressions?
A) 5 seconds
B) 10 seconds
C) 20 seconds
D) 30 seconds
Correct Answer: B - 10 seconds
Rationale: ACLS emphasizes minimizing interruptions in chest compressions, ideally limiting
pauses to less than 10 seconds. Longer interruptions reduce coronary and cerebral perfusion
and are associated with poorer outcomes. The other options either underestimate practical needs
or exceed guideline recommendations.
Question 3: A team leader notes poor chest compression quality during a resuscitation attempt.
Which intervention is most appropriate?
A) Continue because interruptions should always be avoided
B) Rotate compressors approximately every 2 minutes
C) Reduce compression depth to prevent fatigue
D) Delay compressor changes until return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) occurs
Correct Answer: B - Rotate compressors approximately every 2 minutes
,Rationale: Compression quality declines as rescuers fatigue. ACLS recommends rotating
compressors every 2 minutes or sooner if quality deteriorates. Option A ignores declining
quality. Option C compromises effective CPR. Option D allows prolonged ineffective
compressions.
Subtopic: Cardiac Arrest Rhythms**
,
, Question 4: A patient is unresponsive, pulseless, and the monitor displays ventricular fibrillation.
What is the priority intervention?
A) Administer atropine immediately
B) Deliver unsynchronized defibrillation as soon as possible
C) Initiate transcutaneous pacing
D) Administer adenosine before CPR
Correct Answer: B - Deliver unsynchronized defibrillation as soon as possible
Rationale: Ventricular fibrillation is a shockable rhythm requiring immediate defibrillation
along with high-quality CPR. Atropine is not recommended for cardiac arrest. Pacing is
ineffective in VF. Adenosine is indicated for certain tachyarrhythmias, not cardiac arrest.
Question 5: Which rhythm is classified as non-shockable during ACLS management?
A) Pulseless ventricular tachycardia
B) Ventricular fibrillation
C) Asystole
D) Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia
Correct Answer: C - Asystole
Rationale: Asystole and pulseless electrical activity (PEA) are non-shockable rhythms managed
with CPR, epinephrine, and identification of reversible causes. Ventricular fibrillation and
pulseless ventricular tachycardia are shockable rhythms.
Question 6: During cardiac arrest management for pulseless electrical activity (PEA), which
intervention should occur as early as possible?
