American Red Cross ACLS
Comprehensive Examination
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. A 58-year-old adult suddenly collapses, is unresponsive, and is not
breathing normally. After confirming scene safety and
unresponsiveness, what is the most appropriate immediate action?
A. Obtain a 12-lead ECG before beginning treatment
B. Begin high-quality CPR and activate the emergency response
system
C. Administer oxygen by nasal cannula
D. Place the patient in the recovery position
Answer: B. Begin high-quality CPR and activate the emergency
response system
Rationale: In an unresponsive adult who is not breathing normally,
cardiac arrest should be presumed. Immediate activation of the
emergency response system and initiation of high-quality CPR are
critical. CPR should emphasize adequate chest compression depth and
rate, complete chest recoil, minimal interruptions, and appropriate
ventilation.
2. Which finding most strongly indicates that an adult is in cardiac
arrest?
,A. Slow but regular respirations
B. Chest discomfort with diaphoresis
C. A weak peripheral pulse
D. Unresponsiveness with absent or abnormal breathing and no
definite pulse
Answer: D. Unresponsiveness with absent or abnormal breathing and
no definite pulse
Rationale: Cardiac arrest is characterized by unresponsiveness, absent
normal breathing or agonal respirations, and absence of a definite
pulse. Agonal gasping should not be mistaken for effective breathing.
A trained rescuer should assess the pulse while simultaneously
assessing breathing and should not delay CPR unnecessarily.
3. What chest compression rate should generally be maintained
during adult CPR?
A. 100 to 120 compressions per minute
B. 60 to 80 compressions per minute
C. 80 to 90 compressions per minute
D. 130 to 150 compressions per minute
Answer: A. 100 to 120 compressions per minute
Rationale: Adult CPR should use a compression rate of approximately
100 to 120 compressions per minute. Rates substantially below this
range may provide inadequate circulation, while excessively rapid
compressions can reduce chest recoil and compromise cardiac filling.
Consistent rate and quality are essential.
4. What is the recommended adult chest compression depth during
high-quality CPR?
,A. Approximately 1 cm
B. Approximately 3 cm
C. At least 5 cm while avoiding excessive depth
D. More than 8 cm in every adult
Answer: C. At least 5 cm while avoiding excessive depth
Rationale: Adult chest compressions should generally be at least 5 cm
deep while avoiding excessive depth. The rescuer should allow
complete recoil after every compression and avoid leaning on the
chest. Adequate depth produces better forward blood flow during CPR.
5. Two trained rescuers are performing CPR on an adult with no
advanced airway. What compression-to-ventilation ratio should
they use?
A. 15:1
B. 30:2
C. 30:1
D. 50:2
Answer: B. 30:2
Rationale: For adult CPR without an advanced airway, the standard
compression-to-ventilation ratio is 30 compressions followed by 2
breaths. The priority remains maintaining effective chest compressions
and minimizing interruptions. When an advanced airway is
established, ventilation is provided independently of continuous
compressions.
6. Which action best promotes effective chest recoil during CPR?
A. Keeping both hands pressed firmly against the chest between
compressions
B. Increasing compression rate above 140 per minute
, C. Pausing after every compression
D. Allowing the chest to return completely to its normal position
after each compression
Answer: D. Allowing the chest to return completely to its normal
position after each compression
Rationale: Complete chest recoil allows the heart to refill between
compressions. Leaning on the chest or failing to release pressure can
decrease venous return and reduce CPR effectiveness. Rescuers
should maintain hand position but release pressure sufficiently to
permit full recoil.
7. During adult CPR, which action should be minimized because it
can reduce coronary and cerebral perfusion?
A. Interruptions in chest compressions
B. Monitoring chest rise
C. Switching compressors approximately every 2 minutes
D. Using an automated external defibrillator when indicated
Answer: A. Interruptions in chest compressions
Rationale: Frequent or prolonged interruptions in compressions
reduce blood flow generated by CPR. Teams should plan procedures
such as rhythm analysis, defibrillation, airway management, and
compressor changes so that interruptions are as short as reasonably
possible.
8. An AED announces that it is analyzing the patient's rhythm. What
should rescuers do?
A. Continue chest compressions while the AED analyzes
B. Check the patient's temperature
Comprehensive Examination
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. A 58-year-old adult suddenly collapses, is unresponsive, and is not
breathing normally. After confirming scene safety and
unresponsiveness, what is the most appropriate immediate action?
A. Obtain a 12-lead ECG before beginning treatment
B. Begin high-quality CPR and activate the emergency response
system
C. Administer oxygen by nasal cannula
D. Place the patient in the recovery position
Answer: B. Begin high-quality CPR and activate the emergency
response system
Rationale: In an unresponsive adult who is not breathing normally,
cardiac arrest should be presumed. Immediate activation of the
emergency response system and initiation of high-quality CPR are
critical. CPR should emphasize adequate chest compression depth and
rate, complete chest recoil, minimal interruptions, and appropriate
ventilation.
2. Which finding most strongly indicates that an adult is in cardiac
arrest?
,A. Slow but regular respirations
B. Chest discomfort with diaphoresis
C. A weak peripheral pulse
D. Unresponsiveness with absent or abnormal breathing and no
definite pulse
Answer: D. Unresponsiveness with absent or abnormal breathing and
no definite pulse
Rationale: Cardiac arrest is characterized by unresponsiveness, absent
normal breathing or agonal respirations, and absence of a definite
pulse. Agonal gasping should not be mistaken for effective breathing.
A trained rescuer should assess the pulse while simultaneously
assessing breathing and should not delay CPR unnecessarily.
3. What chest compression rate should generally be maintained
during adult CPR?
A. 100 to 120 compressions per minute
B. 60 to 80 compressions per minute
C. 80 to 90 compressions per minute
D. 130 to 150 compressions per minute
Answer: A. 100 to 120 compressions per minute
Rationale: Adult CPR should use a compression rate of approximately
100 to 120 compressions per minute. Rates substantially below this
range may provide inadequate circulation, while excessively rapid
compressions can reduce chest recoil and compromise cardiac filling.
Consistent rate and quality are essential.
4. What is the recommended adult chest compression depth during
high-quality CPR?
,A. Approximately 1 cm
B. Approximately 3 cm
C. At least 5 cm while avoiding excessive depth
D. More than 8 cm in every adult
Answer: C. At least 5 cm while avoiding excessive depth
Rationale: Adult chest compressions should generally be at least 5 cm
deep while avoiding excessive depth. The rescuer should allow
complete recoil after every compression and avoid leaning on the
chest. Adequate depth produces better forward blood flow during CPR.
5. Two trained rescuers are performing CPR on an adult with no
advanced airway. What compression-to-ventilation ratio should
they use?
A. 15:1
B. 30:2
C. 30:1
D. 50:2
Answer: B. 30:2
Rationale: For adult CPR without an advanced airway, the standard
compression-to-ventilation ratio is 30 compressions followed by 2
breaths. The priority remains maintaining effective chest compressions
and minimizing interruptions. When an advanced airway is
established, ventilation is provided independently of continuous
compressions.
6. Which action best promotes effective chest recoil during CPR?
A. Keeping both hands pressed firmly against the chest between
compressions
B. Increasing compression rate above 140 per minute
, C. Pausing after every compression
D. Allowing the chest to return completely to its normal position
after each compression
Answer: D. Allowing the chest to return completely to its normal
position after each compression
Rationale: Complete chest recoil allows the heart to refill between
compressions. Leaning on the chest or failing to release pressure can
decrease venous return and reduce CPR effectiveness. Rescuers
should maintain hand position but release pressure sufficiently to
permit full recoil.
7. During adult CPR, which action should be minimized because it
can reduce coronary and cerebral perfusion?
A. Interruptions in chest compressions
B. Monitoring chest rise
C. Switching compressors approximately every 2 minutes
D. Using an automated external defibrillator when indicated
Answer: A. Interruptions in chest compressions
Rationale: Frequent or prolonged interruptions in compressions
reduce blood flow generated by CPR. Teams should plan procedures
such as rhythm analysis, defibrillation, airway management, and
compressor changes so that interruptions are as short as reasonably
possible.
8. An AED announces that it is analyzing the patient's rhythm. What
should rescuers do?
A. Continue chest compressions while the AED analyzes
B. Check the patient's temperature
