ACLS Exam Questions & Verified Answers
Comprehensive Question Study Guide for Advanced Cardiovascular
Life Support
Cardiac Arrest & CPR (Questions 1-25)
Question 1
What is the first step in the Adult Cardiac Arrest Algorithm? A) Check
pulse B) Start chest compressions C) Verify unresponsiveness and call
for help D) Attach AED/monitor
Answer: C) Verify unresponsiveness and call for help Rationale:
Assessment of unresponsiveness and activation of emergency response
is the critical first step.
Question 2
What is the recommended compression depth for adult CPR? A) At
least 1 inch (2.5 cm) B) At least 2 inches (5 cm) but no more than 2.4
inches (6 cm) C) At least 3 inches (7.5 cm) D) 1.5 inches (3.8 cm)
Answer: B) At least 2 inches (5 cm) but no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm)
Rationale: Current guidelines specify compression depth of at least 2
inches but not exceeding 2.4 inches.
Question 3
What is the compression rate for adult CPR? A) 80-100 compressions
per minute B) 100-120 compressions per minute C) 120-140
compressions per minute D) At least 150 compressions per minute
,Answer: B) 100-120 compressions per minute Rationale: Optimal
compression rate is 100-120 per minute to maximize cardiac output.
Question 4
How often should rhythm analysis occur during CPR? A) Every minute
B) Every 2 minutes C) Every 5 minutes D) Only when pulse check is
performed
Answer: B) Every 2 minutes Rationale: Rhythm should be analyzed
every 2 minutes to minimize interruptions in chest compressions.
Question 5
What is the compression-to-ventilation ratio for 2-rescuer adult CPR
without advanced airway? A) 15:2 B) 30:2 C) 5:1 D) Continuous
compressions
Answer: B) 30:2 Rationale: Standard ratio is 30:2 for adult CPR when
advanced airway is not in place.
Question 6
When should compressors switch during CPR? A) Every minute B)
Every 2 minutes or sooner if fatigued C) Every 5 minutes D) Only when
requested
Answer: B) Every 2 minutes or sooner if fatigued Rationale: Switching
every 2 minutes prevents fatigue and maintains compression quality.
Question 7
What is the maximum time allowed for pulse check? A) 5 seconds B)
10 seconds C) 15 seconds D) 20 seconds
, Answer: B) 10 seconds Rationale: Pulse check should not exceed 10
seconds to minimize delays in compressions.
Question 8
Complete chest recoil between compressions is important because: A)
It allows complete venous return B) It prevents rib fractures C) It
reduces rescuer fatigue D) It improves patient comfort
Answer: A) It allows complete venous return Rationale: Complete
recoil allows the heart to refill with blood between compressions.
Question 9
The heel of the hand should be placed: A) On the upper half of the
breastbone B) On the lower half of the breastbone C) Over the xiphoid
process D) Two finger widths above the xiphoid
Answer: B) On the lower half of the breastbone Rationale: Correct
hand placement is on the lower half of the breastbone (sternum).
Question 10
What percentage of compressions should have complete chest recoil?
A) 50% B) 75% C) 90% D) 100%
Answer: D) 100% Rationale: Complete chest recoil should occur with
every compression for optimal effectiveness.
Question 11
Interruptions in chest compressions should be limited to: A) Less than
5 seconds B) Less than 10 seconds C) Less than 15 seconds D) Less than
20 seconds
Comprehensive Question Study Guide for Advanced Cardiovascular
Life Support
Cardiac Arrest & CPR (Questions 1-25)
Question 1
What is the first step in the Adult Cardiac Arrest Algorithm? A) Check
pulse B) Start chest compressions C) Verify unresponsiveness and call
for help D) Attach AED/monitor
Answer: C) Verify unresponsiveness and call for help Rationale:
Assessment of unresponsiveness and activation of emergency response
is the critical first step.
Question 2
What is the recommended compression depth for adult CPR? A) At
least 1 inch (2.5 cm) B) At least 2 inches (5 cm) but no more than 2.4
inches (6 cm) C) At least 3 inches (7.5 cm) D) 1.5 inches (3.8 cm)
Answer: B) At least 2 inches (5 cm) but no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm)
Rationale: Current guidelines specify compression depth of at least 2
inches but not exceeding 2.4 inches.
Question 3
What is the compression rate for adult CPR? A) 80-100 compressions
per minute B) 100-120 compressions per minute C) 120-140
compressions per minute D) At least 150 compressions per minute
,Answer: B) 100-120 compressions per minute Rationale: Optimal
compression rate is 100-120 per minute to maximize cardiac output.
Question 4
How often should rhythm analysis occur during CPR? A) Every minute
B) Every 2 minutes C) Every 5 minutes D) Only when pulse check is
performed
Answer: B) Every 2 minutes Rationale: Rhythm should be analyzed
every 2 minutes to minimize interruptions in chest compressions.
Question 5
What is the compression-to-ventilation ratio for 2-rescuer adult CPR
without advanced airway? A) 15:2 B) 30:2 C) 5:1 D) Continuous
compressions
Answer: B) 30:2 Rationale: Standard ratio is 30:2 for adult CPR when
advanced airway is not in place.
Question 6
When should compressors switch during CPR? A) Every minute B)
Every 2 minutes or sooner if fatigued C) Every 5 minutes D) Only when
requested
Answer: B) Every 2 minutes or sooner if fatigued Rationale: Switching
every 2 minutes prevents fatigue and maintains compression quality.
Question 7
What is the maximum time allowed for pulse check? A) 5 seconds B)
10 seconds C) 15 seconds D) 20 seconds
, Answer: B) 10 seconds Rationale: Pulse check should not exceed 10
seconds to minimize delays in compressions.
Question 8
Complete chest recoil between compressions is important because: A)
It allows complete venous return B) It prevents rib fractures C) It
reduces rescuer fatigue D) It improves patient comfort
Answer: A) It allows complete venous return Rationale: Complete
recoil allows the heart to refill with blood between compressions.
Question 9
The heel of the hand should be placed: A) On the upper half of the
breastbone B) On the lower half of the breastbone C) Over the xiphoid
process D) Two finger widths above the xiphoid
Answer: B) On the lower half of the breastbone Rationale: Correct
hand placement is on the lower half of the breastbone (sternum).
Question 10
What percentage of compressions should have complete chest recoil?
A) 50% B) 75% C) 90% D) 100%
Answer: D) 100% Rationale: Complete chest recoil should occur with
every compression for optimal effectiveness.
Question 11
Interruptions in chest compressions should be limited to: A) Less than
5 seconds B) Less than 10 seconds C) Less than 15 seconds D) Less than
20 seconds
