Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) algorithms practice
Question and Answers. Updated 2026/2027 and Graded A+.
Instant download PDF.
Section 1: BLS & Fundamental Resuscitation Concepts (Questions 1–20)
1. What is the correct compression depth for an adult victim during high-quality CPR?
• A) At least 1 inch (2.5 cm) but no more than 1.5 inches (3.8 cm)
• B) At least 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) but no more than 2 inches (5 cm)
• C) At least 2 inches (5 cm) but no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm)
• D) At least 2.5 inches (6 cm) but no more than 3 inches (7.5 cm)
2. What is the recommended compression rate for high-quality adult CPR?
• A) 80 to 100 compressions per minute
• B) 100 to 120 compressions per minute
• C) 120 to 140 compressions per minute
• D) 60 to 80 compressions per minute
3. Why is complete chest recoil crucial during chest compressions?
• A) It decreases the chance of rib fractures.
• B) It allows the rescuer to rest their arms briefly.
• C) It permits maximizing blood flow into the heart chambers between compressions.
• D) It reduces the accumulation of gastric air during ventilation.
4. What is the maximum recommended time limit for an interruption in chest
compressions during a pulse or rhythm check?
• A) 5 seconds
• B) 10 seconds
• C) 15 seconds
• D) 20 seconds
5. In an adult with an advanced airway in place, what is the correct ventilation rate during
continuous chest compressions?
• A) 1 breath every 3 to 4 seconds
• B) 1 breath every 6 seconds (10 breaths per minute)
• C) 1 breath every 8 seconds (7.5 breaths per minute)
,Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) algorithms practice
Question and Answers. Updated 2026/2027 and Graded A+.
Instant download PDF.
• D) 2 breaths after every 30 compressions
6. You find an unresponsive adult who is not breathing normally but has a definitive pulse.
What is the correct action?
• A) Begin cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths.
• B) Provide rescue breathing at a rate of 1 breath every 6 seconds.
• C) Provide rescue breathing at a rate of 2 breaths every 5 seconds.
• D) Immediately deliver an unsynchronized shock.
7. Which of the following is the preferred metric for monitoring chest compression depth
and efficiency when quantitative waveform capnography is unavailable?
• A) Palpation of a central pulse during chest compressions
• B) Measuring the patient’s dilated pupils
• C) Tracking arterial blood pressure diastolic values
• D) Observing chest rise during passive recoil
8. During 2-rescuer CPR, how frequently should rescuers switch roles to prevent fatigue?
• A) After every 5 cycles of CPR (approximately every 2 minutes)
• B) Every 10 cycles of CPR (approximately every 4 minutes)
• C) After every delivery of a standard medication bolus
• D) Only when the compressing rescuer explicitly requests a break
9. What is the primary purpose of a baseline BLS assessment before initiating ACLS
interventions?
• A) To determine if an arterial line should be placed
• B) To ensure early recognition of cardiac arrest and immediate high-quality CPR
• C) To identify the specific underlying toxicological cause of the arrest
• D) To decide whether to administer a weight-based dose of antiarrhythmics
10. When checking for a pulse in an unresponsive adult, which site should be used and for
how long?
• A) Radial artery; 5 to 10 seconds
• B) Carotid artery; at least 5 but no more than 10 seconds
, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) algorithms practice
Question and Answers. Updated 2026/2027 and Graded A+.
Instant download PDF.
• C) Femoral artery; exactly 15 seconds
• D) Carotid artery; up to 20 seconds
11. What is the ideal ventilation volume for an adult patient in cardiac arrest?
• A) 200–300 mL (minimal volume to avoid barotrauma)
• B) 500–600 mL (enough to provide visible chest rise)
• C) 800–1000 mL (deep inflation to optimize oxygenation)
• D) 1200 mL (using a fully compressed adult bag-valve mask)
12. Excessive ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation causes which deleterious
physiological effect?
• A) Excessive systemic vasoconstriction from hypercapnia
• B) Increased intrathoracic pressure, which decreases venous return and cardiac
output
• C) Decreased alveolar dead space leading to oxygen toxicity
• D) Decreased coronary perfusion pressure due to selective coronary artery dilation
13. Which of the following correctly describes the "cough CPR" technique within ACLS
guidelines?
• A) It is recommended for all conscious patients experiencing a flatline.
• B) It is not recommended and has no place in standard ACLS algorithms.
• C) It should be used immediately upon identifying fine ventricular fibrillation.
• D) It replaces transcutaneous pacing for patients in third-degree heart block.
14. What device configuration provides the most objective feedback regarding the quality
of chest compressions in real-time?
• A) An automated external defibrillator voice prompt system
• B) A dual-lumen esophageal-tracheal airway detector
• C) A feedback-enabled CPR pad or monitor that measures acceleration and force
• D) A continuous pulse oximeter waveform display
15. If a patient is determined to be in cardiac arrest and a monophasic defibrillator is
available, what is the recommended energy level for the first shock?
Question and Answers. Updated 2026/2027 and Graded A+.
Instant download PDF.
Section 1: BLS & Fundamental Resuscitation Concepts (Questions 1–20)
1. What is the correct compression depth for an adult victim during high-quality CPR?
• A) At least 1 inch (2.5 cm) but no more than 1.5 inches (3.8 cm)
• B) At least 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) but no more than 2 inches (5 cm)
• C) At least 2 inches (5 cm) but no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm)
• D) At least 2.5 inches (6 cm) but no more than 3 inches (7.5 cm)
2. What is the recommended compression rate for high-quality adult CPR?
• A) 80 to 100 compressions per minute
• B) 100 to 120 compressions per minute
• C) 120 to 140 compressions per minute
• D) 60 to 80 compressions per minute
3. Why is complete chest recoil crucial during chest compressions?
• A) It decreases the chance of rib fractures.
• B) It allows the rescuer to rest their arms briefly.
• C) It permits maximizing blood flow into the heart chambers between compressions.
• D) It reduces the accumulation of gastric air during ventilation.
4. What is the maximum recommended time limit for an interruption in chest
compressions during a pulse or rhythm check?
• A) 5 seconds
• B) 10 seconds
• C) 15 seconds
• D) 20 seconds
5. In an adult with an advanced airway in place, what is the correct ventilation rate during
continuous chest compressions?
• A) 1 breath every 3 to 4 seconds
• B) 1 breath every 6 seconds (10 breaths per minute)
• C) 1 breath every 8 seconds (7.5 breaths per minute)
,Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) algorithms practice
Question and Answers. Updated 2026/2027 and Graded A+.
Instant download PDF.
• D) 2 breaths after every 30 compressions
6. You find an unresponsive adult who is not breathing normally but has a definitive pulse.
What is the correct action?
• A) Begin cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths.
• B) Provide rescue breathing at a rate of 1 breath every 6 seconds.
• C) Provide rescue breathing at a rate of 2 breaths every 5 seconds.
• D) Immediately deliver an unsynchronized shock.
7. Which of the following is the preferred metric for monitoring chest compression depth
and efficiency when quantitative waveform capnography is unavailable?
• A) Palpation of a central pulse during chest compressions
• B) Measuring the patient’s dilated pupils
• C) Tracking arterial blood pressure diastolic values
• D) Observing chest rise during passive recoil
8. During 2-rescuer CPR, how frequently should rescuers switch roles to prevent fatigue?
• A) After every 5 cycles of CPR (approximately every 2 minutes)
• B) Every 10 cycles of CPR (approximately every 4 minutes)
• C) After every delivery of a standard medication bolus
• D) Only when the compressing rescuer explicitly requests a break
9. What is the primary purpose of a baseline BLS assessment before initiating ACLS
interventions?
• A) To determine if an arterial line should be placed
• B) To ensure early recognition of cardiac arrest and immediate high-quality CPR
• C) To identify the specific underlying toxicological cause of the arrest
• D) To decide whether to administer a weight-based dose of antiarrhythmics
10. When checking for a pulse in an unresponsive adult, which site should be used and for
how long?
• A) Radial artery; 5 to 10 seconds
• B) Carotid artery; at least 5 but no more than 10 seconds
, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) algorithms practice
Question and Answers. Updated 2026/2027 and Graded A+.
Instant download PDF.
• C) Femoral artery; exactly 15 seconds
• D) Carotid artery; up to 20 seconds
11. What is the ideal ventilation volume for an adult patient in cardiac arrest?
• A) 200–300 mL (minimal volume to avoid barotrauma)
• B) 500–600 mL (enough to provide visible chest rise)
• C) 800–1000 mL (deep inflation to optimize oxygenation)
• D) 1200 mL (using a fully compressed adult bag-valve mask)
12. Excessive ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation causes which deleterious
physiological effect?
• A) Excessive systemic vasoconstriction from hypercapnia
• B) Increased intrathoracic pressure, which decreases venous return and cardiac
output
• C) Decreased alveolar dead space leading to oxygen toxicity
• D) Decreased coronary perfusion pressure due to selective coronary artery dilation
13. Which of the following correctly describes the "cough CPR" technique within ACLS
guidelines?
• A) It is recommended for all conscious patients experiencing a flatline.
• B) It is not recommended and has no place in standard ACLS algorithms.
• C) It should be used immediately upon identifying fine ventricular fibrillation.
• D) It replaces transcutaneous pacing for patients in third-degree heart block.
14. What device configuration provides the most objective feedback regarding the quality
of chest compressions in real-time?
• A) An automated external defibrillator voice prompt system
• B) A dual-lumen esophageal-tracheal airway detector
• C) A feedback-enabled CPR pad or monitor that measures acceleration and force
• D) A continuous pulse oximeter waveform display
15. If a patient is determined to be in cardiac arrest and a monophasic defibrillator is
available, what is the recommended energy level for the first shock?
