ACLS Provider Certification Exam
Versions A (2026) | Complete Practice
Exam Bundle | Latest Edition | American
Heart Association (AHA)
1.
Question:
You find an unresponsive patient who is not breathing. After
activating the emergency response system, you determine that
there is no pulse. What is your next action?
A. Open the patient's airway
B. Give 2 rescue breaths
C. Start chest compressions at a rate of at least 100/min
D. Apply the AED and wait for rhythm analysis
Correct Answer:
Start chest compressions at a rate of at least 100/min
Rationale:
An unresponsive patient who is not breathing normally and
has no pulse is in cardiac arrest. Immediate high-quality CPR
,is required, beginning with chest compressions. Adult chest
compressions should be delivered at 100–120
compressions/min, with adequate depth, complete chest
recoil, and minimal interruptions. Early CPR helps maintain
coronary and cerebral perfusion until defibrillation and
advanced interventions can be provided.
2.
Question:
You are evaluating a 58-year-old man with chest pain. The
blood pressure is 92/50 mm Hg, the heart rate is 92/min, the
non-labored respiratory rate is 14/min, and the pulse oximetry
is 97%. What assessment step is most important now?
A. Obtain a chest x-ray
B. Request laboratory testing
C. Obtain a 12-lead ECG
D. Evaluate the PETCO₂ reading
Correct Answer:
Obtaining a 12-lead ECG
,Rationale:
A 12-lead ECG is a priority in a patient with acute chest pain
because it can rapidly identify myocardial ischemia or
infarction, including STEMI. Early ECG acquisition allows
the healthcare team to determine whether immediate
reperfusion or other emergency cardiac treatment is necessary.
The patient's relatively low blood pressure further increases
the need for prompt cardiovascular evaluation.
3.
Question:
What is the preferred method of access for epinephrine
administration during cardiac arrest in most patients?
A. Central venous access
B. Peripheral intravenous access
C. Endotracheal administration
D. Intramuscular access
Correct Answer:
Peripheral intravenous access
, Rationale:
Peripheral IV access is generally the preferred initial route for
medication administration during cardiac arrest because it can
be obtained rapidly without interrupting CPR. If IV access
cannot be established promptly, intraosseous access is an
appropriate alternative. Central venous access is not routinely
required solely for administration of cardiac-arrest
medications.
4.
Question:
An activated AED does not promptly analyze the rhythm.
What is your next action?
A. Remove the AED pads
B. Begin chest compressions
C. Check the carotid pulse for 30 seconds
D. Deliver a shock immediately
Correct Answer:
Begin chest compressions
Versions A (2026) | Complete Practice
Exam Bundle | Latest Edition | American
Heart Association (AHA)
1.
Question:
You find an unresponsive patient who is not breathing. After
activating the emergency response system, you determine that
there is no pulse. What is your next action?
A. Open the patient's airway
B. Give 2 rescue breaths
C. Start chest compressions at a rate of at least 100/min
D. Apply the AED and wait for rhythm analysis
Correct Answer:
Start chest compressions at a rate of at least 100/min
Rationale:
An unresponsive patient who is not breathing normally and
has no pulse is in cardiac arrest. Immediate high-quality CPR
,is required, beginning with chest compressions. Adult chest
compressions should be delivered at 100–120
compressions/min, with adequate depth, complete chest
recoil, and minimal interruptions. Early CPR helps maintain
coronary and cerebral perfusion until defibrillation and
advanced interventions can be provided.
2.
Question:
You are evaluating a 58-year-old man with chest pain. The
blood pressure is 92/50 mm Hg, the heart rate is 92/min, the
non-labored respiratory rate is 14/min, and the pulse oximetry
is 97%. What assessment step is most important now?
A. Obtain a chest x-ray
B. Request laboratory testing
C. Obtain a 12-lead ECG
D. Evaluate the PETCO₂ reading
Correct Answer:
Obtaining a 12-lead ECG
,Rationale:
A 12-lead ECG is a priority in a patient with acute chest pain
because it can rapidly identify myocardial ischemia or
infarction, including STEMI. Early ECG acquisition allows
the healthcare team to determine whether immediate
reperfusion or other emergency cardiac treatment is necessary.
The patient's relatively low blood pressure further increases
the need for prompt cardiovascular evaluation.
3.
Question:
What is the preferred method of access for epinephrine
administration during cardiac arrest in most patients?
A. Central venous access
B. Peripheral intravenous access
C. Endotracheal administration
D. Intramuscular access
Correct Answer:
Peripheral intravenous access
, Rationale:
Peripheral IV access is generally the preferred initial route for
medication administration during cardiac arrest because it can
be obtained rapidly without interrupting CPR. If IV access
cannot be established promptly, intraosseous access is an
appropriate alternative. Central venous access is not routinely
required solely for administration of cardiac-arrest
medications.
4.
Question:
An activated AED does not promptly analyze the rhythm.
What is your next action?
A. Remove the AED pads
B. Begin chest compressions
C. Check the carotid pulse for 30 seconds
D. Deliver a shock immediately
Correct Answer:
Begin chest compressions
