AHA ACLS FINAL EXAM – QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED
AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES |
GUARANTEED PASS | 2026/27 LATEST UPDATE | EXAM PREP |
STUDY GUIDE | PRACTICE TEST
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–50
1. You find an unresponsive patient who is not breathing. After activating the emergency response system,
you determine there is no pulse. What is your next action?
A. Apply the AED
B. Open the airway
C. Start chest compressions at a rate of at least 100 per minute
D. Check for a medical alert bracelet
Correct Answer: C. Start chest compressions at a rate of at least 100 per minute
,Rationale: The correct sequence for an unresponsive patient with no pulse and no breathing is to activate the
emergency response system, then immediately begin high-quality chest compressions. Early CPR, starting with
compressions, is the priority before applying an AED or checking for other issues. Delaying compressions to
perform other interventions reduces the chance of survival .
2. What is the recommended compression depth for high-quality CPR in an adult?
A. At least 1 inch (2.5 cm)
B. At least 2 inches (5 cm)
C. At least 2.4 inches (6 cm)
D. At least 3 inches (7.5 cm)
Correct Answer: B. At least 2 inches (5 cm)
Rationale: The AHA guidelines specify a compression depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm) but no more than 2.4
inches (6 cm) for adult CPR. Adequate depth is essential for generating sufficient blood flow to vital organs .
3. What is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer during adult CPR
BEFORE placement of an advanced airway?
,A. 30:2
B. 30:1
C. 15:2
D. 15:1
Correct Answer: A. 30:2
Rationale: The standard compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult CPR is 30:2 for a single rescuer. This ratio
balances the need for chest compressions to maintain perfusion with the need for ventilation to provide
oxygenation .
4. What is the recommended compression rate for high-quality CPR?
A. 60 to 80 compressions per minute
B. 80 to 100 compressions per minute
C. 100 to 120 compressions per minute
D. 120 to 140 compressions per minute
Correct Answer: C. 100 to 120 compressions per minute
Rationale: The AHA recommends a compression rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Rates slower than
100/min do not generate adequate blood flow, and rates faster than 120/min reduce compression depth due to
, incomplete chest recoil .
5. A patient has a rapid irregular wide-complex tachycardia. The ventricular rate is 138/min. The patient is
asymptomatic, with a BP of 110/70 mm Hg and a history of angina. What action is recommended next?
A. Administer adenosine 6 mg IV bolus
B. Administer lidocaine 1.5 mg IV bolus
C. Perform synchronized cardioversion
D. Seek expert consultation
Correct Answer: D. Seek expert consultation
Rationale: In a stable patient with a rapid irregular wide-complex tachycardia, the recommended action is to
seek expert consultation. Adenosine is not recommended for irregular wide-complex tachycardias, and
cardioversion is reserved for unstable patients. Expert consultation is appropriate for this complex rhythm .
6. The patient is in cardiac arrest. High-quality chest compressions are being given. The patient is
intubated, and an IV is being started. The rhythm is asystole. What is the first drug/dose to administer?
AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES |
GUARANTEED PASS | 2026/27 LATEST UPDATE | EXAM PREP |
STUDY GUIDE | PRACTICE TEST
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–50
1. You find an unresponsive patient who is not breathing. After activating the emergency response system,
you determine there is no pulse. What is your next action?
A. Apply the AED
B. Open the airway
C. Start chest compressions at a rate of at least 100 per minute
D. Check for a medical alert bracelet
Correct Answer: C. Start chest compressions at a rate of at least 100 per minute
,Rationale: The correct sequence for an unresponsive patient with no pulse and no breathing is to activate the
emergency response system, then immediately begin high-quality chest compressions. Early CPR, starting with
compressions, is the priority before applying an AED or checking for other issues. Delaying compressions to
perform other interventions reduces the chance of survival .
2. What is the recommended compression depth for high-quality CPR in an adult?
A. At least 1 inch (2.5 cm)
B. At least 2 inches (5 cm)
C. At least 2.4 inches (6 cm)
D. At least 3 inches (7.5 cm)
Correct Answer: B. At least 2 inches (5 cm)
Rationale: The AHA guidelines specify a compression depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm) but no more than 2.4
inches (6 cm) for adult CPR. Adequate depth is essential for generating sufficient blood flow to vital organs .
3. What is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer during adult CPR
BEFORE placement of an advanced airway?
,A. 30:2
B. 30:1
C. 15:2
D. 15:1
Correct Answer: A. 30:2
Rationale: The standard compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult CPR is 30:2 for a single rescuer. This ratio
balances the need for chest compressions to maintain perfusion with the need for ventilation to provide
oxygenation .
4. What is the recommended compression rate for high-quality CPR?
A. 60 to 80 compressions per minute
B. 80 to 100 compressions per minute
C. 100 to 120 compressions per minute
D. 120 to 140 compressions per minute
Correct Answer: C. 100 to 120 compressions per minute
Rationale: The AHA recommends a compression rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Rates slower than
100/min do not generate adequate blood flow, and rates faster than 120/min reduce compression depth due to
, incomplete chest recoil .
5. A patient has a rapid irregular wide-complex tachycardia. The ventricular rate is 138/min. The patient is
asymptomatic, with a BP of 110/70 mm Hg and a history of angina. What action is recommended next?
A. Administer adenosine 6 mg IV bolus
B. Administer lidocaine 1.5 mg IV bolus
C. Perform synchronized cardioversion
D. Seek expert consultation
Correct Answer: D. Seek expert consultation
Rationale: In a stable patient with a rapid irregular wide-complex tachycardia, the recommended action is to
seek expert consultation. Adenosine is not recommended for irregular wide-complex tachycardias, and
cardioversion is reserved for unstable patients. Expert consultation is appropriate for this complex rhythm .
6. The patient is in cardiac arrest. High-quality chest compressions are being given. The patient is
intubated, and an IV is being started. The rhythm is asystole. What is the first drug/dose to administer?
