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ACLS FINAL EXAM
Actual Questions and Answers
Expert-Verified explanation
This ACLS Certification Exam contains:
Ë• The ACLS Certification Exam has passing score of 90/
Ë• 50 Questions and Answers
Ë• format set of multiple-choice
Ë• Expert-Verified explanation
Ë• Verified with trusted textbooks
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### 1 . Your patient is in cardiac arrest and has been intubated. To assess CPR quality, which should you
do?
A. Monitor the patient's PETC02
B. 0btain a 1 2-lead ECG
C. Check the patient's pulse
D. 0btain a chest X-Ray
**Answer: A. Monitor the patient's PETC02**
**Expert Explanation:** Monitoring end-tidal carbon dioxide (PETC02) during CPR is a crucial method to
assess the effectiveness of chest compressions and ventilation quality. PETC02 levels provide real-time
feedback on the adequacy of cardiac output during resuscitation efforts. A PETC02 reading lower than 1 0
mmHg indicates poor perfusion, prompting immediate adjustment to CPR techniques. This practice is well -
supported in the literature, including the American Heart Association guidelines which underscore the
importance of capnography in cardiac arrest scenarios for monitoring CPR quality (Source: AHA Guidelines
for CPR and ECC).
---
### 2. Which facility is the most appropriate EMS destination for a patient with sudden cardiac arrest who
achieved return of spontaneous circulation in the field?
A. Comprehensive stroke care unit
B. Acute rehabilitation care unit
C. Acute long-term care unit
D. Coronary reperfusion-capable medical center
**Answer: D. Coronary reperfusion-capable medical center**
**Expert Explanation:** For patients who have experienced cardiac arrest and achieved return of
spontaneous circulation (R0SC), the priority is to address potential underlying cardiac issues, primarily
coronary artery disease. Transporting the patient to a facility equipped with coronary reperfusion
capabilities (such as PCI) is critical, as it allows for timely management of potential myocardial ischemia,
which can significantly improve survival and neurological outcomes. The AHA emphasizes that swift access
to such a facility is vital for post-arrest care (Source: AHA Post-Arrest Care Guidelines).
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### 3. Which of the following signs is a likely indicator of cardiac arrest in an unresponsive patient?
A. Slow, weak pulse rate
B. Cyanosis
C. Agonal gasps
D. Irregular, weak pulse rate
**Answer: C. Agonal gasps**
**Expert Explanation:** Agonal gasps are ineffective, irregular breaths that can occur in an unresponsive
patient and are a significant indicator of cardiac arrest. They indicate that the brainstem is still attempting to
maintain a respiratory drive in the absence of adequate cardiopulmonary function. Recognizing agonal
gasps allows healthcare providers to initiate resuscitation efforts promptly, as their presence signifies critical
respiratory failure potentially due to cardiac arrest (Source: AHA Guidelines).
### 4. To properly ventilate a patient with a perfusing rhythm, how often do you squeeze the bag?
A. Once every 3 to 4 seconds
B. Once every 5 to 6 seconds
C. Once every 1 0 seconds
D. Once every 1 2 seconds
**Answer: B. Once every 5 to 6 seconds**
**Expert Explanation:** When a patient has a perfusing rhythm, the recommended ventilation frequency is
one breath every 5 to 6 seconds, which equates to 1 0 to 1 2 breaths per minute. This rate is crucial to avoid
hyperventilation, which can lead to increased intrathoracic pressure, reduced venous return, and potentially
decreased cardiac output. The AHA provides clear directives for ventilation rates during advanced airway
management to ensure effective oxygenation without causing respiratory complications (Source: AHAALS
Guidelines).
ACLS FINAL EXAM
Actual Questions and Answers
Expert-Verified explanation
This ACLS Certification Exam contains:
Ë• The ACLS Certification Exam has passing score of 90/
Ë• 50 Questions and Answers
Ë• format set of multiple-choice
Ë• Expert-Verified explanation
Ë• Verified with trusted textbooks
, 2
### 1 . Your patient is in cardiac arrest and has been intubated. To assess CPR quality, which should you
do?
A. Monitor the patient's PETC02
B. 0btain a 1 2-lead ECG
C. Check the patient's pulse
D. 0btain a chest X-Ray
**Answer: A. Monitor the patient's PETC02**
**Expert Explanation:** Monitoring end-tidal carbon dioxide (PETC02) during CPR is a crucial method to
assess the effectiveness of chest compressions and ventilation quality. PETC02 levels provide real-time
feedback on the adequacy of cardiac output during resuscitation efforts. A PETC02 reading lower than 1 0
mmHg indicates poor perfusion, prompting immediate adjustment to CPR techniques. This practice is well -
supported in the literature, including the American Heart Association guidelines which underscore the
importance of capnography in cardiac arrest scenarios for monitoring CPR quality (Source: AHA Guidelines
for CPR and ECC).
---
### 2. Which facility is the most appropriate EMS destination for a patient with sudden cardiac arrest who
achieved return of spontaneous circulation in the field?
A. Comprehensive stroke care unit
B. Acute rehabilitation care unit
C. Acute long-term care unit
D. Coronary reperfusion-capable medical center
**Answer: D. Coronary reperfusion-capable medical center**
**Expert Explanation:** For patients who have experienced cardiac arrest and achieved return of
spontaneous circulation (R0SC), the priority is to address potential underlying cardiac issues, primarily
coronary artery disease. Transporting the patient to a facility equipped with coronary reperfusion
capabilities (such as PCI) is critical, as it allows for timely management of potential myocardial ischemia,
which can significantly improve survival and neurological outcomes. The AHA emphasizes that swift access
to such a facility is vital for post-arrest care (Source: AHA Post-Arrest Care Guidelines).
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### 3. Which of the following signs is a likely indicator of cardiac arrest in an unresponsive patient?
A. Slow, weak pulse rate
B. Cyanosis
C. Agonal gasps
D. Irregular, weak pulse rate
**Answer: C. Agonal gasps**
**Expert Explanation:** Agonal gasps are ineffective, irregular breaths that can occur in an unresponsive
patient and are a significant indicator of cardiac arrest. They indicate that the brainstem is still attempting to
maintain a respiratory drive in the absence of adequate cardiopulmonary function. Recognizing agonal
gasps allows healthcare providers to initiate resuscitation efforts promptly, as their presence signifies critical
respiratory failure potentially due to cardiac arrest (Source: AHA Guidelines).
### 4. To properly ventilate a patient with a perfusing rhythm, how often do you squeeze the bag?
A. Once every 3 to 4 seconds
B. Once every 5 to 6 seconds
C. Once every 1 0 seconds
D. Once every 1 2 seconds
**Answer: B. Once every 5 to 6 seconds**
**Expert Explanation:** When a patient has a perfusing rhythm, the recommended ventilation frequency is
one breath every 5 to 6 seconds, which equates to 1 0 to 1 2 breaths per minute. This rate is crucial to avoid
hyperventilation, which can lead to increased intrathoracic pressure, reduced venous return, and potentially
decreased cardiac output. The AHA provides clear directives for ventilation rates during advanced airway
management to ensure effective oxygenation without causing respiratory complications (Source: AHAALS
Guidelines).
