AHA ACLS Post-Test Study Guide 2026 | Complete Review |
Graded A+
1. Interruptions between compression cycles (30 compressions, 2 breaths, then
the next cycle starts) should be no longer than how long?
5 seconds
10 seconds
20 seconds
0 seconds
2. What is the maximum recommended duration for interruptions in chest
compressions during CPR?
20 seconds
5 seconds
10 seconds
15 seconds
3. What is the main responsibility of a CPR Coach during a resuscitation effort?
To monitor the patient's vital signs
To ensure high-quality CPR
To perform defibrillation
To administer medications
4. What is the first-line treatment for a patient in cardiac arrest with a shockable
rhythm as indicated by the ECG?
Epinephrine
, Amiodarone
Defibrillation
CPR
5. Which of these tests should be performed for a patient with suspected stroke
within 25 minutes of hospital arrival?
Noncontrast CT scan of the head
Cardiac Enzymes
12-lead ECG
Coagulation studies
6. If a patient is successfully resuscitated after cardiac arrest and reaches the
target temperature of 32°C, what should the medical team do next regarding
targeted temperature management?
Continue targeted temperature management for at least 24 hours.
Discontinue all temperature management interventions.
Monitor the patient for 1 hour before deciding on temperature
management.
Immediately rewarm the patient to normal body temperature.
7. What is one key responsibility of the Team Leader during a resuscitation
attempt?
To perform chest compressions
To monitor the patient's vital signs
To ensure effective communication among team members
To administer medications to the patient
,8. What is the recommended second dose of adenosine for patients in
refractory but stable narrow-complex tachycardia?
6mg
9mg
12mg
3mg
9. Why is obtaining an ECG a critical step after assessing a patient with
symptoms of light-headedness, nausea, and chest discomfort?
Obtaining an ECG is unnecessary if the patient is stable.
Obtaining an ECG is only needed if the patient has a history of heart
disease.
Obtaining an ECG helps identify any underlying cardiac issues that
may require immediate intervention.
Obtaining an ECG can wait until after administering medication.
10. If a 45-year-old man with a history of coronary artery stents suddenly
collapses, what immediate action should be taken to assess his condition?
Perform a detailed medical history assessment.
Administer aspirin immediately.
Call for a family member to assist.
Check for responsiveness and initiate CPR if unresponsive.
11. The primary decision point in the ACLS Bradycardia Algorithm is:
The patient's blood pressure
The determination of adequate perfusion
, The patient's heart rate
The presence of chest pain
12. What is the main goal of a medical emergency team in a hospital setting?
Conducting surgical procedures on patients
Improving patient outcomes by identifying and treating early
clinical deterioration
Administering vaccinations to patients
Providing routine check-ups for patients
13. The nurse observes on the electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor a rhythm that
has no P waves and has wide QRS complexes at a rate of 160 beats per
minute. Upon assessment, it is determined that the pulse is absent. Which
action is the priority for this patient?
Apply oxygen via nasal cannula
Defibrillation
Administration of antiarrhythmics
Cardioversion
14. Why is it important to maintain a minimum systolic blood pressure of 90
mmHg in post-cardiac arrest patients?
To maintain normal body temperature.
To prevent hypoglycemia.
To reduce the risk of arrhythmias.
To ensure adequate perfusion to vital organs.
Graded A+
1. Interruptions between compression cycles (30 compressions, 2 breaths, then
the next cycle starts) should be no longer than how long?
5 seconds
10 seconds
20 seconds
0 seconds
2. What is the maximum recommended duration for interruptions in chest
compressions during CPR?
20 seconds
5 seconds
10 seconds
15 seconds
3. What is the main responsibility of a CPR Coach during a resuscitation effort?
To monitor the patient's vital signs
To ensure high-quality CPR
To perform defibrillation
To administer medications
4. What is the first-line treatment for a patient in cardiac arrest with a shockable
rhythm as indicated by the ECG?
Epinephrine
, Amiodarone
Defibrillation
CPR
5. Which of these tests should be performed for a patient with suspected stroke
within 25 minutes of hospital arrival?
Noncontrast CT scan of the head
Cardiac Enzymes
12-lead ECG
Coagulation studies
6. If a patient is successfully resuscitated after cardiac arrest and reaches the
target temperature of 32°C, what should the medical team do next regarding
targeted temperature management?
Continue targeted temperature management for at least 24 hours.
Discontinue all temperature management interventions.
Monitor the patient for 1 hour before deciding on temperature
management.
Immediately rewarm the patient to normal body temperature.
7. What is one key responsibility of the Team Leader during a resuscitation
attempt?
To perform chest compressions
To monitor the patient's vital signs
To ensure effective communication among team members
To administer medications to the patient
,8. What is the recommended second dose of adenosine for patients in
refractory but stable narrow-complex tachycardia?
6mg
9mg
12mg
3mg
9. Why is obtaining an ECG a critical step after assessing a patient with
symptoms of light-headedness, nausea, and chest discomfort?
Obtaining an ECG is unnecessary if the patient is stable.
Obtaining an ECG is only needed if the patient has a history of heart
disease.
Obtaining an ECG helps identify any underlying cardiac issues that
may require immediate intervention.
Obtaining an ECG can wait until after administering medication.
10. If a 45-year-old man with a history of coronary artery stents suddenly
collapses, what immediate action should be taken to assess his condition?
Perform a detailed medical history assessment.
Administer aspirin immediately.
Call for a family member to assist.
Check for responsiveness and initiate CPR if unresponsive.
11. The primary decision point in the ACLS Bradycardia Algorithm is:
The patient's blood pressure
The determination of adequate perfusion
, The patient's heart rate
The presence of chest pain
12. What is the main goal of a medical emergency team in a hospital setting?
Conducting surgical procedures on patients
Improving patient outcomes by identifying and treating early
clinical deterioration
Administering vaccinations to patients
Providing routine check-ups for patients
13. The nurse observes on the electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor a rhythm that
has no P waves and has wide QRS complexes at a rate of 160 beats per
minute. Upon assessment, it is determined that the pulse is absent. Which
action is the priority for this patient?
Apply oxygen via nasal cannula
Defibrillation
Administration of antiarrhythmics
Cardioversion
14. Why is it important to maintain a minimum systolic blood pressure of 90
mmHg in post-cardiac arrest patients?
To maintain normal body temperature.
To prevent hypoglycemia.
To reduce the risk of arrhythmias.
To ensure adequate perfusion to vital organs.
