ACLS & BLS Certification Exam AHA 2026/2027
Questions And Answers With Verified Solutions &
Expert Rationales
QUESTION 1
A 55-year-old man collapses and is unresponsive. No breathing is detected. What
is the correct rate for delivering chest compressions?
A. 60-80 per minute
B. 100-120 per minute
C. 140-160 per minute
D. As fast as possible
Correct Answer: B. 100-120 per minute
Expert Rationale: High-quality CPR requires compressions at a rate of 100-120 per
minute. Rates above 120 reduce compression depth and recoil, while rates below 100 do
not generate adequate coronary perfusion pressure. This rate is standard for all adult
cardiac arrest patients.
Test-Taking Strategy: Memorize the range—100 to 120 is the "sweet spot." Too fast =
poor depth/recoil; too slow = poor perfusion.
QUESTION 2
What is the recommended compression depth for an adult during CPR?
A. At least 1 inch (2.5 cm)
B. At least 2 inches (5 cm) but not more than 2.4 inches (6 cm)
C. At least 3 inches (7.5 cm)
D. 1.5 inches (4 cm)
Correct Answer: B. At least 2 inches (5 cm) but not more than 2.4 inches (6 cm)
,Expert Rationale: AHA guidelines recommend adult chest compression depth of at
least 2 inches (5 cm) but not more than 2.4 inches (6 cm). Excessive depth (>2.4 inches)
increases the risk of injury without improving outcomes. In 2026, high-fidelity manikins
with feedback devices are used to ensure correct depth .
Test-Taking Strategy: Remember 2-2.4 inches for adults. Think of the depth as about
the width of two adult fingers.
QUESTION 3
What is the recommended chest compression fraction (CCF) for optimal outcomes?
A. Less than 50%
B. At least 60%
C. At least 80%
D. 100%
Correct Answer: B. At least 60%
Expert Rationale: A CCF of at least 60% is recommended, with a target of 80% or
higher. Minimizing interruptions to chest compressions increases coronary and cerebral
perfusion, improving survival outcomes .
Test-Taking Strategy: Aim for 60% minimum, 80% target. Think: "Keep pushing!" High
CCF = better survival.
QUESTION 4
Which action is most critical to minimize interruptions in chest compressions?
A. Pulse checks every 30 seconds
B. Rhythm checks every 2 minutes (after 5 cycles of CPR)
C. Intubation during CPR without pausing compressions
D. Defibrillation without resuming compressions first
Correct Answer: B. Rhythm checks every 2 minutes (after 5 cycles of CPR)
, Expert Rationale: Rhythm checks should occur every 2 minutes (after 5 cycles of CPR)
and be as brief as possible (<10 seconds). Intubation should not interrupt compressions.
Pulse checks every 30 seconds (A) are too frequent and would reduce CCF .
Test-Taking Strategy: Rhythm checks = every 2 minutes. Interruptions ≤ 10 seconds.
"Push hard, push fast, minimize pauses."
QUESTION 5
A patient is in cardiac arrest. A second rescuer arrives with a bag-valve-mask
(BVM). What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for two-rescuer adult
CPR?
A. 30:2
B. 15:2
C. 30:1
D. Continuous compressions with asynchronous breaths at 10 breaths/minute
Correct Answer: A. 30:2
Expert Rationale: For adult CPR (one or two rescuers), the ratio is 30:2 unless an
advanced airway is in place. With an advanced airway (ETT or supraglottic), give 1 breath
every 6 seconds (10 breaths/min) without pausing compressions .
Test-Taking Strategy: Adults = 30:2 regardless of rescuer count (unless advanced
airway). Children = 15:2 for two rescuers.
QUESTION 6
A patient is in cardiac arrest and has an advanced airway (endotracheal tube) in
place. What is the correct ventilation rate?
A. 1 breath every 6 seconds (10 breaths/min)
B. 2 breaths every 30 compressions
C. 1 breath every 3 seconds (20 breaths/min)
D. 10 breaths/min synchronized with compressions
Questions And Answers With Verified Solutions &
Expert Rationales
QUESTION 1
A 55-year-old man collapses and is unresponsive. No breathing is detected. What
is the correct rate for delivering chest compressions?
A. 60-80 per minute
B. 100-120 per minute
C. 140-160 per minute
D. As fast as possible
Correct Answer: B. 100-120 per minute
Expert Rationale: High-quality CPR requires compressions at a rate of 100-120 per
minute. Rates above 120 reduce compression depth and recoil, while rates below 100 do
not generate adequate coronary perfusion pressure. This rate is standard for all adult
cardiac arrest patients.
Test-Taking Strategy: Memorize the range—100 to 120 is the "sweet spot." Too fast =
poor depth/recoil; too slow = poor perfusion.
QUESTION 2
What is the recommended compression depth for an adult during CPR?
A. At least 1 inch (2.5 cm)
B. At least 2 inches (5 cm) but not more than 2.4 inches (6 cm)
C. At least 3 inches (7.5 cm)
D. 1.5 inches (4 cm)
Correct Answer: B. At least 2 inches (5 cm) but not more than 2.4 inches (6 cm)
,Expert Rationale: AHA guidelines recommend adult chest compression depth of at
least 2 inches (5 cm) but not more than 2.4 inches (6 cm). Excessive depth (>2.4 inches)
increases the risk of injury without improving outcomes. In 2026, high-fidelity manikins
with feedback devices are used to ensure correct depth .
Test-Taking Strategy: Remember 2-2.4 inches for adults. Think of the depth as about
the width of two adult fingers.
QUESTION 3
What is the recommended chest compression fraction (CCF) for optimal outcomes?
A. Less than 50%
B. At least 60%
C. At least 80%
D. 100%
Correct Answer: B. At least 60%
Expert Rationale: A CCF of at least 60% is recommended, with a target of 80% or
higher. Minimizing interruptions to chest compressions increases coronary and cerebral
perfusion, improving survival outcomes .
Test-Taking Strategy: Aim for 60% minimum, 80% target. Think: "Keep pushing!" High
CCF = better survival.
QUESTION 4
Which action is most critical to minimize interruptions in chest compressions?
A. Pulse checks every 30 seconds
B. Rhythm checks every 2 minutes (after 5 cycles of CPR)
C. Intubation during CPR without pausing compressions
D. Defibrillation without resuming compressions first
Correct Answer: B. Rhythm checks every 2 minutes (after 5 cycles of CPR)
, Expert Rationale: Rhythm checks should occur every 2 minutes (after 5 cycles of CPR)
and be as brief as possible (<10 seconds). Intubation should not interrupt compressions.
Pulse checks every 30 seconds (A) are too frequent and would reduce CCF .
Test-Taking Strategy: Rhythm checks = every 2 minutes. Interruptions ≤ 10 seconds.
"Push hard, push fast, minimize pauses."
QUESTION 5
A patient is in cardiac arrest. A second rescuer arrives with a bag-valve-mask
(BVM). What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for two-rescuer adult
CPR?
A. 30:2
B. 15:2
C. 30:1
D. Continuous compressions with asynchronous breaths at 10 breaths/minute
Correct Answer: A. 30:2
Expert Rationale: For adult CPR (one or two rescuers), the ratio is 30:2 unless an
advanced airway is in place. With an advanced airway (ETT or supraglottic), give 1 breath
every 6 seconds (10 breaths/min) without pausing compressions .
Test-Taking Strategy: Adults = 30:2 regardless of rescuer count (unless advanced
airway). Children = 15:2 for two rescuers.
QUESTION 6
A patient is in cardiac arrest and has an advanced airway (endotracheal tube) in
place. What is the correct ventilation rate?
A. 1 breath every 6 seconds (10 breaths/min)
B. 2 breaths every 30 compressions
C. 1 breath every 3 seconds (20 breaths/min)
D. 10 breaths/min synchronized with compressions
