ADVANCED CARDIOVASCULAR LIFE SUPPORT (ACLS) EXAM
PREDICTION WITH QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS 2026
During cardiac arrest resuscitation, which compression-to-ventilation
ratio should be used when no advanced airway is in place?
A. 15:2
B. 30:2
C. 5:1
D. 10:2
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The 2025 AHA guidelines specify a 30:2 compression-to-
ventilation ratio for adult cardiac arrest when no advanced airway is in
place. This ratio optimizes perfusion while providing adequate
ventilation.
What is the recommended depth for high-quality chest compressions in
adult cardiac arrest?
A. At least 1.5 inches (3.8 cm)
B. At least 2 inches (5 cm) but not more than 2.4 inches (6 cm)
C. At least 2.5 inches (6.3 cm)
D. Exactly 3 inches (7.6 cm)
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The 2025 guidelines recommend compressing at least 2
inches (5 cm) but not more than 2.4 inches (6 cm) to ensure adequate
perfusion while avoiding injury.
,Which medication is the first-line drug for symptomatic bradycardia in
the ACLS algorithm?
A. Epinephrine
B. Dopamine
C. Atropine
D. Amiodarone
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Atropine remains the first-line drug for symptomatic
bradycardia at 1 mg IV bolus, repeated every 3-5 minutes to a
maximum of 3 mg total dose.
What is the initial epinephrine dose for adult cardiac arrest during ACLS
resuscitation?
A. 0.5 mg IV/IO every 3-5 minutes
B. 1 mg IV/IO every 3-5 minutes
C. 2 mg IV/IO every 3-5 minutes
D. 1 mg IV/IO every 1-2 minutes
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The standard epinephrine dose for cardiac arrest is 1 mg
IV/IO every 3-5 minutes according to 2025 AHA guidelines.
For shockable rhythms (VF/pVT), what is the recommended initial
biphasic defibrillation energy dose?
A. 50-100 J
B. 120-200 J (manufacturer recommendation)
C. 300 J
D. 360 J
,Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The 2025 guidelines recommend initial biphasic shock
energy of 120-200 J based on manufacturer recommendation; if
unknown, use maximum available.
What is the first dose of amiodarone for refractory ventricular
fibrillation during cardiac arrest?
A. 150 mg IV/IO bolus
B. 300 mg IV/IO bolus
C. 450 mg IV/IO bolus
D. 5 mg/kg IV/IO bolus
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The first dose of amiodarone for VF/pVT is 300 mg IV/IO
bolus, followed by a second dose of 150 mg if needed.
Which of the following is NOT one of the 6 H's (reversible causes) in
ACLS?
A. Hypovolemia
B. Hypertension
C. Hypoxia
D. Hyperkalemia/Hypokalemia
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Hypertension is not one of the H's. The 6 H's are:
Hypovolemia, Hypoxia, Hydrogen ion (acidosis), Hyper-/hypokalemia,
Hypoglycemia, and Hypothermia.
, After an advanced airway is placed during cardiac arrest, what is the
recommended ventilation rate?
A. 1 breath every 3 seconds (20 breaths/min)
B. 1 breath every 6 seconds (10 breaths/min)
C. 1 breath every 10 seconds (6 breaths/min)
D. 15 breaths per minute
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: With an advanced airway in place, give 1 breath every 6
seconds (10 breaths/min) with continuous chest compressions.
Which of the following is one of the 5 T's (reversible causes) in ACLS?
A. Trauma
B. Tension pneumothorax
C. Thrombocytopenia
D. Toxicology screening
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Tension pneumothorax is one of the 5 T's. The complete list
includes: Tension pneumothorax, Tamponade (cardiac), Toxins,
Thrombosis (pulmonary), and Thrombosis (coronary).
What is the recommended compression rate for high-quality CPR in
adult cardiac arrest?
A. 80-100/min
B. 100-120/min
C. 120-140/min
D. 90-110/min
Correct Answer: B
PREDICTION WITH QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS 2026
During cardiac arrest resuscitation, which compression-to-ventilation
ratio should be used when no advanced airway is in place?
A. 15:2
B. 30:2
C. 5:1
D. 10:2
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The 2025 AHA guidelines specify a 30:2 compression-to-
ventilation ratio for adult cardiac arrest when no advanced airway is in
place. This ratio optimizes perfusion while providing adequate
ventilation.
What is the recommended depth for high-quality chest compressions in
adult cardiac arrest?
A. At least 1.5 inches (3.8 cm)
B. At least 2 inches (5 cm) but not more than 2.4 inches (6 cm)
C. At least 2.5 inches (6.3 cm)
D. Exactly 3 inches (7.6 cm)
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The 2025 guidelines recommend compressing at least 2
inches (5 cm) but not more than 2.4 inches (6 cm) to ensure adequate
perfusion while avoiding injury.
,Which medication is the first-line drug for symptomatic bradycardia in
the ACLS algorithm?
A. Epinephrine
B. Dopamine
C. Atropine
D. Amiodarone
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Atropine remains the first-line drug for symptomatic
bradycardia at 1 mg IV bolus, repeated every 3-5 minutes to a
maximum of 3 mg total dose.
What is the initial epinephrine dose for adult cardiac arrest during ACLS
resuscitation?
A. 0.5 mg IV/IO every 3-5 minutes
B. 1 mg IV/IO every 3-5 minutes
C. 2 mg IV/IO every 3-5 minutes
D. 1 mg IV/IO every 1-2 minutes
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The standard epinephrine dose for cardiac arrest is 1 mg
IV/IO every 3-5 minutes according to 2025 AHA guidelines.
For shockable rhythms (VF/pVT), what is the recommended initial
biphasic defibrillation energy dose?
A. 50-100 J
B. 120-200 J (manufacturer recommendation)
C. 300 J
D. 360 J
,Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The 2025 guidelines recommend initial biphasic shock
energy of 120-200 J based on manufacturer recommendation; if
unknown, use maximum available.
What is the first dose of amiodarone for refractory ventricular
fibrillation during cardiac arrest?
A. 150 mg IV/IO bolus
B. 300 mg IV/IO bolus
C. 450 mg IV/IO bolus
D. 5 mg/kg IV/IO bolus
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The first dose of amiodarone for VF/pVT is 300 mg IV/IO
bolus, followed by a second dose of 150 mg if needed.
Which of the following is NOT one of the 6 H's (reversible causes) in
ACLS?
A. Hypovolemia
B. Hypertension
C. Hypoxia
D. Hyperkalemia/Hypokalemia
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Hypertension is not one of the H's. The 6 H's are:
Hypovolemia, Hypoxia, Hydrogen ion (acidosis), Hyper-/hypokalemia,
Hypoglycemia, and Hypothermia.
, After an advanced airway is placed during cardiac arrest, what is the
recommended ventilation rate?
A. 1 breath every 3 seconds (20 breaths/min)
B. 1 breath every 6 seconds (10 breaths/min)
C. 1 breath every 10 seconds (6 breaths/min)
D. 15 breaths per minute
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: With an advanced airway in place, give 1 breath every 6
seconds (10 breaths/min) with continuous chest compressions.
Which of the following is one of the 5 T's (reversible causes) in ACLS?
A. Trauma
B. Tension pneumothorax
C. Thrombocytopenia
D. Toxicology screening
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Tension pneumothorax is one of the 5 T's. The complete list
includes: Tension pneumothorax, Tamponade (cardiac), Toxins,
Thrombosis (pulmonary), and Thrombosis (coronary).
What is the recommended compression rate for high-quality CPR in
adult cardiac arrest?
A. 80-100/min
B. 100-120/min
C. 120-140/min
D. 90-110/min
Correct Answer: B
