ADVANCED CARDIAC LIFE SUPPORT (ACLS) EXAM PRACTICE
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS)
PLUS RATIONALES Q&A INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
130 QUESTIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
# TOPIC
1 Integrate hemodynamic and electrical components of cardiac arrest to optimize resuscitation
2 Differentiate between shockable and non-shockable rhythms and select appropriate interventions
3 Apply evidence-based pharmacology and airway management in ACLS algorithms
4 Evaluate post-cardiac arrest care and implement targeted temperature management and hemodynamic
optimization
5 Demonstrate leadership and communication in high-performance team dynamics during resuscitation
6 Advanced Cardiac Life Support
7 ACLS
8 Exam Practice Questions And Correct Answers
9 Verified Answers
10 Plus Rationales Q&A Instant Download Pdf
11 Foundations of Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
12 Applied Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
13 Advanced Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
14 Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Review
Page 1
,Q1 INTEGRATE HEMODYNAMIC AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OF CARDIAC ARREST TO
OPTIMIZE RESUSCITATION
During a resuscitation, a patient achieves return of spontaneous circulation
(ROSC) with a systolic blood pressure of 82 mm Hg. The team leader orders a
norepinephrine infusion. Which parameter best titrates this vasopressor to
optimize perfusion without excessive afterload?
A. Titrate to a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 65 mm Hg CORRECT
B. Titrate to a systolic blood pressure of 90 mm Hg
C. Titrate to a diastolic blood pressure of 40 mm Hg
D. Titrate to a central venous pressure of 8 mm Hg
RATIONALE: Current ACLS guidelines recommend targeting a MAP of 65 mm Hg or higher to
ensure adequate organ perfusion after ROSC. Systolic targets are less reliable, and diastolic or
CVP targets do not reflect systemic perfusion adequacy. Titrating to MAP balances perfusion with
avoiding excessive vasoconstriction.
Q2 INTEGRATE HEMODYNAMIC AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OF CARDIAC ARREST TO
OPTIMIZE RESUSCITATION
A patient in cardiac arrest has an advanced airway placed. Two rescuers perform
CPR. What is the recommended ventilation strategy to minimize interruptions and
avoid hyperventilation?
A. One breath every 6 seconds (10 breaths/min) with continuous chest compressions
CORRECT
B. Two breaths every 30 compressions with a pause for each breath
C. One breath every 10 seconds (6 breaths/min) with continuous compressions
D. Two breaths every 15 compressions with a pause for each breath
RATIONALE: With an advanced airway, the AHA recommends one breath every 6 seconds (10
breaths/min) during continuous chest compressions. This avoids hyperventilation and minimizes
interruptions. The 30:2 ratio applies without an advanced airway, and 6 breaths/min is too slow.
Page 2
,Q3 INTEGRATE HEMODYNAMIC AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OF CARDIAC ARREST TO
OPTIMIZE RESUSCITATION
A patient presents with a narrow-complex tachycardia at 180 bpm and is
hemodynamically unstable. Synchronized cardioversion is planned. Which initial
energy dose is appropriate for this rhythm?
A. 100-120 J biphasic
B. 200 J biphasic
C. 50-100 J biphasic CORRECT
D. 360 J monophasic
RATIONALE: For unstable narrow-complex tachycardia, the initial synchronized cardioversion
dose is 50-100 J biphasic (or 100 J monophasic). Higher doses (100-120 J) are for unstable
polymorphic VT, and 200 J is for unstable monomorphic VT. 360 J monophasic is a maximum
dose, not initial.
Q4 INTEGRATE HEMODYNAMIC AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OF CARDIAC ARREST TO
OPTIMIZE RESUSCITATION
Which medication is indicated in the immediate peri-arrest period for a patient with
torsades de pointes who is not responding to defibrillation?
A. Amiodarone 300 mg IV push
B. Lidocaine 1-1.5 mg/kg IV push
C. Magnesium sulfate 1-2 g IV push CORRECT
D. Epinephrine 1 mg IV push
RATIONALE: Magnesium sulfate is the treatment of choice for torsades de pointes, even in the
absence of hypomagnesemia. Amiodarone and lidocaine are antiarrhythmics for shockable
rhythms but not specifically for torsades. Epinephrine is a vasopressor and does not treat the
underlying prolonged QT.
Page 3
, Q5 INTEGRATE HEMODYNAMIC AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OF CARDIAC ARREST TO
OPTIMIZE RESUSCITATION
A patient with suspected acute coronary syndrome has a 12-lead ECG showing
ST-segment elevation in leads II, III, and aVF. Which intervention is most
appropriate if the patient has no contraindications?
A. Administer nitroglycerin sublingually
B. Give aspirin 162-325 mg chewed
C. Prepare for immediate coronary angiography CORRECT
D. Start heparin infusion and admit to ICU
RATIONALE: This ECG is consistent with an inferior STEMI. Immediate reperfusion via primary
PCI is the standard of care if available, with a goal of <90 minutes. Aspirin and nitroglycerin are
adjuncts, but the definitive intervention is PCI. Heparin is used but not the primary intervention.
Q6 INTEGRATE HEMODYNAMIC AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OF CARDIAC ARREST TO
OPTIMIZE RESUSCITATION
During cardiac arrest, a patient's waveform capnography shows a sudden increase
from 15 mm Hg to 45 mm Hg. What is the most likely interpretation?
A. Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) CORRECT
B. Improvement in chest compression quality
C. Accidental hyperventilation
D. Pulmonary embolism causing obstruction
RATIONALE: A sudden, sustained increase in ETCO2 during CPR often indicates ROSC, as
cardiac output improves and CO2 is delivered to the lungs. While improved compressions can
increase ETCO2, the abrupt rise from 15 to 45 mm Hg is classic for ROSC. Hyperventilation
would lower ETCO2, and PE would cause a decrease.
Page 4
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS)
PLUS RATIONALES Q&A INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
130 QUESTIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
# TOPIC
1 Integrate hemodynamic and electrical components of cardiac arrest to optimize resuscitation
2 Differentiate between shockable and non-shockable rhythms and select appropriate interventions
3 Apply evidence-based pharmacology and airway management in ACLS algorithms
4 Evaluate post-cardiac arrest care and implement targeted temperature management and hemodynamic
optimization
5 Demonstrate leadership and communication in high-performance team dynamics during resuscitation
6 Advanced Cardiac Life Support
7 ACLS
8 Exam Practice Questions And Correct Answers
9 Verified Answers
10 Plus Rationales Q&A Instant Download Pdf
11 Foundations of Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
12 Applied Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
13 Advanced Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
14 Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Review
Page 1
,Q1 INTEGRATE HEMODYNAMIC AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OF CARDIAC ARREST TO
OPTIMIZE RESUSCITATION
During a resuscitation, a patient achieves return of spontaneous circulation
(ROSC) with a systolic blood pressure of 82 mm Hg. The team leader orders a
norepinephrine infusion. Which parameter best titrates this vasopressor to
optimize perfusion without excessive afterload?
A. Titrate to a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 65 mm Hg CORRECT
B. Titrate to a systolic blood pressure of 90 mm Hg
C. Titrate to a diastolic blood pressure of 40 mm Hg
D. Titrate to a central venous pressure of 8 mm Hg
RATIONALE: Current ACLS guidelines recommend targeting a MAP of 65 mm Hg or higher to
ensure adequate organ perfusion after ROSC. Systolic targets are less reliable, and diastolic or
CVP targets do not reflect systemic perfusion adequacy. Titrating to MAP balances perfusion with
avoiding excessive vasoconstriction.
Q2 INTEGRATE HEMODYNAMIC AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OF CARDIAC ARREST TO
OPTIMIZE RESUSCITATION
A patient in cardiac arrest has an advanced airway placed. Two rescuers perform
CPR. What is the recommended ventilation strategy to minimize interruptions and
avoid hyperventilation?
A. One breath every 6 seconds (10 breaths/min) with continuous chest compressions
CORRECT
B. Two breaths every 30 compressions with a pause for each breath
C. One breath every 10 seconds (6 breaths/min) with continuous compressions
D. Two breaths every 15 compressions with a pause for each breath
RATIONALE: With an advanced airway, the AHA recommends one breath every 6 seconds (10
breaths/min) during continuous chest compressions. This avoids hyperventilation and minimizes
interruptions. The 30:2 ratio applies without an advanced airway, and 6 breaths/min is too slow.
Page 2
,Q3 INTEGRATE HEMODYNAMIC AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OF CARDIAC ARREST TO
OPTIMIZE RESUSCITATION
A patient presents with a narrow-complex tachycardia at 180 bpm and is
hemodynamically unstable. Synchronized cardioversion is planned. Which initial
energy dose is appropriate for this rhythm?
A. 100-120 J biphasic
B. 200 J biphasic
C. 50-100 J biphasic CORRECT
D. 360 J monophasic
RATIONALE: For unstable narrow-complex tachycardia, the initial synchronized cardioversion
dose is 50-100 J biphasic (or 100 J monophasic). Higher doses (100-120 J) are for unstable
polymorphic VT, and 200 J is for unstable monomorphic VT. 360 J monophasic is a maximum
dose, not initial.
Q4 INTEGRATE HEMODYNAMIC AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OF CARDIAC ARREST TO
OPTIMIZE RESUSCITATION
Which medication is indicated in the immediate peri-arrest period for a patient with
torsades de pointes who is not responding to defibrillation?
A. Amiodarone 300 mg IV push
B. Lidocaine 1-1.5 mg/kg IV push
C. Magnesium sulfate 1-2 g IV push CORRECT
D. Epinephrine 1 mg IV push
RATIONALE: Magnesium sulfate is the treatment of choice for torsades de pointes, even in the
absence of hypomagnesemia. Amiodarone and lidocaine are antiarrhythmics for shockable
rhythms but not specifically for torsades. Epinephrine is a vasopressor and does not treat the
underlying prolonged QT.
Page 3
, Q5 INTEGRATE HEMODYNAMIC AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OF CARDIAC ARREST TO
OPTIMIZE RESUSCITATION
A patient with suspected acute coronary syndrome has a 12-lead ECG showing
ST-segment elevation in leads II, III, and aVF. Which intervention is most
appropriate if the patient has no contraindications?
A. Administer nitroglycerin sublingually
B. Give aspirin 162-325 mg chewed
C. Prepare for immediate coronary angiography CORRECT
D. Start heparin infusion and admit to ICU
RATIONALE: This ECG is consistent with an inferior STEMI. Immediate reperfusion via primary
PCI is the standard of care if available, with a goal of <90 minutes. Aspirin and nitroglycerin are
adjuncts, but the definitive intervention is PCI. Heparin is used but not the primary intervention.
Q6 INTEGRATE HEMODYNAMIC AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OF CARDIAC ARREST TO
OPTIMIZE RESUSCITATION
During cardiac arrest, a patient's waveform capnography shows a sudden increase
from 15 mm Hg to 45 mm Hg. What is the most likely interpretation?
A. Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) CORRECT
B. Improvement in chest compression quality
C. Accidental hyperventilation
D. Pulmonary embolism causing obstruction
RATIONALE: A sudden, sustained increase in ETCO2 during CPR often indicates ROSC, as
cardiac output improves and CO2 is delivered to the lungs. While improved compressions can
increase ETCO2, the abrupt rise from 15 to 45 mm Hg is classic for ROSC. Hyperventilation
would lower ETCO2, and PE would cause a decrease.
Page 4
