ACLS POST TEST
Actual Questions and Answers
Expert-Verified Explanation
This ACLS Post Test contains:
❖ The Test has passing score of 90%
❖ 50 Questions and Answers
❖ Format Set of Multiple-choice
❖ Expert-Verified Explanation
❖ Verified with Trusted Textbooks
,### 1. To properly ventilate a patient with a perfusing rhythm, how often do you
squeeze the bag?
A. Once every 10 seconds
B. Once every 12 seconds
C. Once every 6 seconds
D. Once every 3 seconds
**Answer: C. Once every 6 seconds**
**Expert Explanation:** In the management of a patient with a perfusing
rhythm, the recommended rate for positive pressure ventilation is typically every 6
seconds (10 breaths per minute). This rhythm helps optimize ventilation and
oxygenation while allowing adequate time for exhalation. Over-ventilating (e.g.,
squeezing the bag too frequently) can lead to increased intrathoracic pressure and
impede venous return to the heart, which could compromise cardiac output.
Reference textbooks like "Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Provider
Manual" emphasize the importance of appropriate ventilation rates to ensure
effective CPR and patient outcomes.
### 2. Which of the following signs is a likely indicator of cardiac arrest in an
unresponsive patient?
A. Agonal gasps
B. Cyanosis
C. Slow, weak pulse rate
D. Irregular, weak pulse rate
**Answer: A. Agonal gasps**
**Expert Explanation:** Agonal gasps, which can be present during early cardiac
arrest, describe infrequent and ineffective gasps that serve as an indication of
critical brain function. Although other signs such as cyanosis and weak pulse rates
indicate serious issues, agonal gasps specifically suggest a patient is in desperate
need of resuscitation efforts. It reflects continued brain attempts to gain oxygen
, despite severe hypoxia, thus necessitating immediate action. According to the "2015
American Heart Association Guidelines for CPR and ECC," recognizing agonal
gasps is crucial for effective resuscitation interventions.
### 3. Which is the recommended first intravenous dose of amiodarone for a patient
with refractory ventricular fibrillation?
A. 250 mg
B. 150 mg
C. 300 mg
D. 100 mg
**Answer: C. 300 mg**
**Expert Explanation:** For patients experiencing refractory ventricular
fibrillation, the advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) guidelines recommend the
first intravenous dose of amiodarone to be 300 mg. This is immediately followed by
a second dose of 150 mg if the patient continues to be non-responsive to initial
defibrillation attempts. Amiodarone is a class III antiarrhythmic that stabilizes
ventricular rhythms and can significantly improve chances of successful
resuscitation. Such guidelines are well-documented in clinical resources, including
"ACLS Provider Manual" and "The ECG in Emergency Medicine" by Amal Mattu.
### 4. Three minutes into a cardiac arrest resuscitation attempt, one member of
your team inserts an endotracheal tube while another performs chest compressions.
Capnography shows a persistent waveform and a PETCO2 of 8 mm Hg. What is the
significance of this finding?
A. The team is ventilating the patient too often (hyperventilation)
B. Chest compressions may not be effective
C. The endotracheal tube is in the esophagus
D. The patient meets criteria for termination of efforts
**Answer: B. Chest compressions may not be effective**
Actual Questions and Answers
Expert-Verified Explanation
This ACLS Post Test contains:
❖ The Test has passing score of 90%
❖ 50 Questions and Answers
❖ Format Set of Multiple-choice
❖ Expert-Verified Explanation
❖ Verified with Trusted Textbooks
,### 1. To properly ventilate a patient with a perfusing rhythm, how often do you
squeeze the bag?
A. Once every 10 seconds
B. Once every 12 seconds
C. Once every 6 seconds
D. Once every 3 seconds
**Answer: C. Once every 6 seconds**
**Expert Explanation:** In the management of a patient with a perfusing
rhythm, the recommended rate for positive pressure ventilation is typically every 6
seconds (10 breaths per minute). This rhythm helps optimize ventilation and
oxygenation while allowing adequate time for exhalation. Over-ventilating (e.g.,
squeezing the bag too frequently) can lead to increased intrathoracic pressure and
impede venous return to the heart, which could compromise cardiac output.
Reference textbooks like "Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Provider
Manual" emphasize the importance of appropriate ventilation rates to ensure
effective CPR and patient outcomes.
### 2. Which of the following signs is a likely indicator of cardiac arrest in an
unresponsive patient?
A. Agonal gasps
B. Cyanosis
C. Slow, weak pulse rate
D. Irregular, weak pulse rate
**Answer: A. Agonal gasps**
**Expert Explanation:** Agonal gasps, which can be present during early cardiac
arrest, describe infrequent and ineffective gasps that serve as an indication of
critical brain function. Although other signs such as cyanosis and weak pulse rates
indicate serious issues, agonal gasps specifically suggest a patient is in desperate
need of resuscitation efforts. It reflects continued brain attempts to gain oxygen
, despite severe hypoxia, thus necessitating immediate action. According to the "2015
American Heart Association Guidelines for CPR and ECC," recognizing agonal
gasps is crucial for effective resuscitation interventions.
### 3. Which is the recommended first intravenous dose of amiodarone for a patient
with refractory ventricular fibrillation?
A. 250 mg
B. 150 mg
C. 300 mg
D. 100 mg
**Answer: C. 300 mg**
**Expert Explanation:** For patients experiencing refractory ventricular
fibrillation, the advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) guidelines recommend the
first intravenous dose of amiodarone to be 300 mg. This is immediately followed by
a second dose of 150 mg if the patient continues to be non-responsive to initial
defibrillation attempts. Amiodarone is a class III antiarrhythmic that stabilizes
ventricular rhythms and can significantly improve chances of successful
resuscitation. Such guidelines are well-documented in clinical resources, including
"ACLS Provider Manual" and "The ECG in Emergency Medicine" by Amal Mattu.
### 4. Three minutes into a cardiac arrest resuscitation attempt, one member of
your team inserts an endotracheal tube while another performs chest compressions.
Capnography shows a persistent waveform and a PETCO2 of 8 mm Hg. What is the
significance of this finding?
A. The team is ventilating the patient too often (hyperventilation)
B. Chest compressions may not be effective
C. The endotracheal tube is in the esophagus
D. The patient meets criteria for termination of efforts
**Answer: B. Chest compressions may not be effective**
