Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Provider
Examination DEFINED ANSWERS LATEST
ALREADY GRADED A+ (2025/2026)
1. In the ACLS Adult Cardiac Arrest algorithm, the first step after verifying the
patient is unresponsive and not breathing normally is to:
A) Open the airway and give two rescue breaths.
B) Activate the emergency response system and obtain an AED/defibrillator.
C) Begin chest compressions immediately at a rate of 60/min.
D) Check for a carotid pulse for at least 30 seconds.
Answer: B
Rationale: The Chain of Survival begins with immediate recognition and activation
of the emergency response system. The bystander/rescuer should call for help
and get the AED while a second rescuer begins high-quality CPR.
2. High-quality CPR for adults includes a chest compression rate of:
A) 60 to 80 compressions per minute.
B) 80 to 100 compressions per minute.
C) 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
D) At least 140 compressions per minute.
Answer: C
,Rationale: The 2020 AHA Guidelines specify a compression rate of 100-120/min.
Rates slower than 100 provide insufficient perfusion; rates faster than 120 may
not allow full chest recoil and reduce cardiac output.
3. The correct compression depth for an adult during CPR is at least:
A) 1 inch (2.5 cm).
B) 1.5 inches (4 cm).
C) 2 inches (5 cm) but not greater than 2.4 inches (6 cm).
D) 3 inches (7.5 cm).
Answer: C
Rationale: Adequate depth is critical for generating blood flow. The guideline is at
least 2 inches (5 cm) and no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm) to balance perfusion and
risk of injury.
4. After delivering a shock with a defibrillator, the rescuer should:
A) Immediately check the pulse to see if a perfusing rhythm has returned.
B) Immediately resume chest compressions, beginning with compressions, for
another 2 minutes.
C) Wait for the AED to reanalyze the rhythm before doing anything.
D) Provide two rescue breaths before starting compressions.
Answer: B
Rationale: Minimizing interruptions in chest compressions is crucial. The rescuer
resumes CPR immediately after a shock without a pulse check or rhythm analysis,
starting with compressions.
5. The recommended ratio of compressions to ventilations for adult CPR with an
advanced airway in place is:
, A) 15 compressions to 2 breaths.
B) 30 compressions to 2 breaths.
C) Continuous compressions at 100-120/min with 1 breath every 6 seconds (10
breaths/min).
D) Asynchronous compressions and breaths with no specific rate.
Answer: C
Rationale: Once an advanced airway (ET tube, supraglottic airway) is placed,
ventilations are given asynchronously—one breath every 6 seconds—while
compressions are continuous.
6. The energy dose for the first biphasic defibrillation shock is typically:
A) 100 Joules.
B) 120-200 Joules as per the manufacturer's recommendation (usually 120-200J).
C) 300 Joules.
D) 360 Joules.
Answer: B
Rationale: Biphasic waveforms are effective at lower energies. The initial dose is
typically 120-200J. If the specific dose is unknown, use the maximum available
setting.
7. The drug Epinephrine is administered during cardiac arrest to:
A) Increase heart rate and correct bradycardia.
B) Reverse the effects of narcotics.
C) Increase cerebral and coronary perfusion pressure through peripheral
vasoconstriction.
D) Terminate ventricular fibrillation.
Examination DEFINED ANSWERS LATEST
ALREADY GRADED A+ (2025/2026)
1. In the ACLS Adult Cardiac Arrest algorithm, the first step after verifying the
patient is unresponsive and not breathing normally is to:
A) Open the airway and give two rescue breaths.
B) Activate the emergency response system and obtain an AED/defibrillator.
C) Begin chest compressions immediately at a rate of 60/min.
D) Check for a carotid pulse for at least 30 seconds.
Answer: B
Rationale: The Chain of Survival begins with immediate recognition and activation
of the emergency response system. The bystander/rescuer should call for help
and get the AED while a second rescuer begins high-quality CPR.
2. High-quality CPR for adults includes a chest compression rate of:
A) 60 to 80 compressions per minute.
B) 80 to 100 compressions per minute.
C) 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
D) At least 140 compressions per minute.
Answer: C
,Rationale: The 2020 AHA Guidelines specify a compression rate of 100-120/min.
Rates slower than 100 provide insufficient perfusion; rates faster than 120 may
not allow full chest recoil and reduce cardiac output.
3. The correct compression depth for an adult during CPR is at least:
A) 1 inch (2.5 cm).
B) 1.5 inches (4 cm).
C) 2 inches (5 cm) but not greater than 2.4 inches (6 cm).
D) 3 inches (7.5 cm).
Answer: C
Rationale: Adequate depth is critical for generating blood flow. The guideline is at
least 2 inches (5 cm) and no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm) to balance perfusion and
risk of injury.
4. After delivering a shock with a defibrillator, the rescuer should:
A) Immediately check the pulse to see if a perfusing rhythm has returned.
B) Immediately resume chest compressions, beginning with compressions, for
another 2 minutes.
C) Wait for the AED to reanalyze the rhythm before doing anything.
D) Provide two rescue breaths before starting compressions.
Answer: B
Rationale: Minimizing interruptions in chest compressions is crucial. The rescuer
resumes CPR immediately after a shock without a pulse check or rhythm analysis,
starting with compressions.
5. The recommended ratio of compressions to ventilations for adult CPR with an
advanced airway in place is:
, A) 15 compressions to 2 breaths.
B) 30 compressions to 2 breaths.
C) Continuous compressions at 100-120/min with 1 breath every 6 seconds (10
breaths/min).
D) Asynchronous compressions and breaths with no specific rate.
Answer: C
Rationale: Once an advanced airway (ET tube, supraglottic airway) is placed,
ventilations are given asynchronously—one breath every 6 seconds—while
compressions are continuous.
6. The energy dose for the first biphasic defibrillation shock is typically:
A) 100 Joules.
B) 120-200 Joules as per the manufacturer's recommendation (usually 120-200J).
C) 300 Joules.
D) 360 Joules.
Answer: B
Rationale: Biphasic waveforms are effective at lower energies. The initial dose is
typically 120-200J. If the specific dose is unknown, use the maximum available
setting.
7. The drug Epinephrine is administered during cardiac arrest to:
A) Increase heart rate and correct bradycardia.
B) Reverse the effects of narcotics.
C) Increase cerebral and coronary perfusion pressure through peripheral
vasoconstriction.
D) Terminate ventricular fibrillation.
