ACLS Post Test (Latest 2026/2027
Update) Complete Questions and Guide
Answers, 100% Verified Graded A+
1. Which rhythm requires synchronized cardioversion?
A. Sinus tachycardia
B. Stable supraventricular tachycardia
C. Unstable supraventricular tachycardia
D. Ventricular fibrillation
Correct Answer: C. Unstable supraventricular
tachycardia
Rationale:
Unstable SVT with a pulse requires immediate synchronized
cardioversion. Hemodynamic instability may be indicated by
hypotension, altered mental status, signs of shock, ischemic
chest discomfort, or acute heart failure. Synchronization
allows the shock to be delivered with the QRS complex,
reducing the risk of inducing ventricular fibrillation.
,2. Which action is a component of high-quality chest
compressions?
A. Allowing complete chest recoil
B. Pausing frequently to reassess the patient
C. Compressing at less than 80/min
D. Leaning on the chest between compressions
Correct Answer: A. Allowing complete chest recoil
Rationale:
Complete chest recoil allows the heart to refill with blood
between compressions and promotes adequate venous return.
Rescuers should avoid leaning on the patient's chest because
incomplete recoil decreases cardiac filling and can reduce
coronary and cerebral perfusion.
3. What is the potential danger of using ties that pass
circumferentially around the patient's neck when securing
an advanced airway?
A. Increased pulmonary perfusion
B. Obstruction of venous return to the brain
,C. Increased oxygen saturation
D. Improved airway stability without complications
Correct Answer: B. Obstruction of venous return to the
brain
Rationale:
Circumferential ties around the neck can compress the jugular
veins and impair venous drainage from the brain. This can
increase intracranial venous pressure and potentially
compromise cerebral circulation. Airway-securing devices
should stabilize the tube without excessive compression of the
neck.
4. A monitored patient in the ICU develops sudden-onset
narrow-complex tachycardia at a rate of 220/min. The
patient's BP is 128/58 mmHg, PETCO₂ is 38 mmHg, and
pulse oximetry is 98%. Vascular access is present, and a
12-lead ECG confirms SVT without evidence of ischemia
or infarction. The heart rate has not responded to vagal
maneuvers. What is the next recommended intervention?
, A. Defibrillation
B. Adenosine
C. Atropine
D. Immediate CPR
Correct Answer: B. Adenosine
Rationale:
The patient has a regular narrow-complex SVT and remains
hemodynamically stable. Because vagal maneuvers were
unsuccessful, adenosine is the recommended next intervention
when appropriate. Adenosine transiently blocks AV nodal
conduction and can terminate AV node–dependent reentrant
tachycardias.
5. What action is recommended to help minimize
interruptions in chest compressions during CPR?
A. Stop CPR while charging the defibrillator
B. Continue CPR while charging the defibrillator
C. Stop compressions for a prolonged rhythm analysis
D. Perform a pulse check every minute
Update) Complete Questions and Guide
Answers, 100% Verified Graded A+
1. Which rhythm requires synchronized cardioversion?
A. Sinus tachycardia
B. Stable supraventricular tachycardia
C. Unstable supraventricular tachycardia
D. Ventricular fibrillation
Correct Answer: C. Unstable supraventricular
tachycardia
Rationale:
Unstable SVT with a pulse requires immediate synchronized
cardioversion. Hemodynamic instability may be indicated by
hypotension, altered mental status, signs of shock, ischemic
chest discomfort, or acute heart failure. Synchronization
allows the shock to be delivered with the QRS complex,
reducing the risk of inducing ventricular fibrillation.
,2. Which action is a component of high-quality chest
compressions?
A. Allowing complete chest recoil
B. Pausing frequently to reassess the patient
C. Compressing at less than 80/min
D. Leaning on the chest between compressions
Correct Answer: A. Allowing complete chest recoil
Rationale:
Complete chest recoil allows the heart to refill with blood
between compressions and promotes adequate venous return.
Rescuers should avoid leaning on the patient's chest because
incomplete recoil decreases cardiac filling and can reduce
coronary and cerebral perfusion.
3. What is the potential danger of using ties that pass
circumferentially around the patient's neck when securing
an advanced airway?
A. Increased pulmonary perfusion
B. Obstruction of venous return to the brain
,C. Increased oxygen saturation
D. Improved airway stability without complications
Correct Answer: B. Obstruction of venous return to the
brain
Rationale:
Circumferential ties around the neck can compress the jugular
veins and impair venous drainage from the brain. This can
increase intracranial venous pressure and potentially
compromise cerebral circulation. Airway-securing devices
should stabilize the tube without excessive compression of the
neck.
4. A monitored patient in the ICU develops sudden-onset
narrow-complex tachycardia at a rate of 220/min. The
patient's BP is 128/58 mmHg, PETCO₂ is 38 mmHg, and
pulse oximetry is 98%. Vascular access is present, and a
12-lead ECG confirms SVT without evidence of ischemia
or infarction. The heart rate has not responded to vagal
maneuvers. What is the next recommended intervention?
, A. Defibrillation
B. Adenosine
C. Atropine
D. Immediate CPR
Correct Answer: B. Adenosine
Rationale:
The patient has a regular narrow-complex SVT and remains
hemodynamically stable. Because vagal maneuvers were
unsuccessful, adenosine is the recommended next intervention
when appropriate. Adenosine transiently blocks AV nodal
conduction and can terminate AV node–dependent reentrant
tachycardias.
5. What action is recommended to help minimize
interruptions in chest compressions during CPR?
A. Stop CPR while charging the defibrillator
B. Continue CPR while charging the defibrillator
C. Stop compressions for a prolonged rhythm analysis
D. Perform a pulse check every minute
