AHA ACLS Written Test Exam Questions & Answers 2026 Verified by
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SECTION I: BLS and High-Quality CPR
Question 1
During adult BLS, what is the recommended rate for chest compressions?
A. 80 to 100 compressions per minute
B. 100 to 120 compressions per minute
C. 120 to 140 compressions per minute
D. At least 140 compressions per minute
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Option B is correct because the AHA guidelines specify an adult chest
compression rate of 100 to 120 per minute. Rates below 100 are insufficient for
adequate perfusion, and rates above 120 may compromise compression depth and
recoil.
Question 2
A 62-year-old male collapses in the hospital corridor. A single rescuer arrives with an
AED. After confirming unresponsiveness and activating the emergency response
system, what is the next immediate action?
A. Open the airway and provide two rescue breaths
B. Check the carotid pulse for no more than 10 seconds
C. Begin high-quality chest compressions
D. Apply the AED pads and analyze the rhythm
Correct Answer: C
,Rationale: Option C is correct because the AHA adult BLS sequence for a single rescuer
emphasizes immediate initiation of high-quality CPR for a collapsed, unresponsive
adult. Pulse checks should not delay compressions; the AED is applied as soon as it is
available without interrupting compressions for more than a few seconds.
Question 3
When performing two-rescuer BLS on an adult without an advanced airway, what is the
correct compression-to-ventilation ratio?
A. 15 compressions to 2 breaths
B. 30 compressions to 2 breaths
C. 30 compressions to 1 breath
D. Continuous compressions with asynchronous breaths
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Option B is correct because the adult BLS compression-to-ventilation ratio
remains 30:2 for both single-rescuer and two-rescuer scenarios when an advanced
airway is not in place. The 15:2 ratio applies to two-rescuer pediatric BLS.
Question 4
After placement of an advanced airway (endotracheal tube) during cardiac arrest, what
is the recommended ventilation strategy?
A. 1 breath every 3 seconds (20 breaths per minute)
B. 1 breath every 6 seconds (10 breaths per minute) with continuous compressions
C. 2 breaths every 30 compressions with a 30:2 ratio
D. 1 breath every 10 seconds (6 breaths per minute) with continuous compressions
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Option B is correct because once an advanced airway is established, the AHA
recommends delivering 1 breath every 6 seconds (10 breaths per minute) while
, compressions continue uninterrupted. This strategy minimizes hyperventilation and
maximizes coronary perfusion.
Question 5
What is the minimum recommended depth of chest compressions for an adult during
CPR?
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
Rationale: Option B is correct because the AHA recommends compressing the adult
chest at least 2 inches (5 cm) but not more than 2.4 inches (6 cm). Depths less than 2
inches are insufficient to generate adequate cardiac output.
SECTION II: Systematic Assessment and Airway Management
Question 6
During the primary assessment of a critically ill patient, which component is evaluated
first?
A. Circulation and pulse check
B. Airway patency
C. Level of consciousness and responsiveness
D. Exposure and environmental control
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Option C is correct because the AHA systematic approach begins with
assessing the patient's level of consciousness and responsiveness to determine if they
Expert with Detailed Rationales | Complete Exam-Style Questions |
Graded A+ Pass Guaranteed
SECTION I: BLS and High-Quality CPR
Question 1
During adult BLS, what is the recommended rate for chest compressions?
A. 80 to 100 compressions per minute
B. 100 to 120 compressions per minute
C. 120 to 140 compressions per minute
D. At least 140 compressions per minute
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Option B is correct because the AHA guidelines specify an adult chest
compression rate of 100 to 120 per minute. Rates below 100 are insufficient for
adequate perfusion, and rates above 120 may compromise compression depth and
recoil.
Question 2
A 62-year-old male collapses in the hospital corridor. A single rescuer arrives with an
AED. After confirming unresponsiveness and activating the emergency response
system, what is the next immediate action?
A. Open the airway and provide two rescue breaths
B. Check the carotid pulse for no more than 10 seconds
C. Begin high-quality chest compressions
D. Apply the AED pads and analyze the rhythm
Correct Answer: C
,Rationale: Option C is correct because the AHA adult BLS sequence for a single rescuer
emphasizes immediate initiation of high-quality CPR for a collapsed, unresponsive
adult. Pulse checks should not delay compressions; the AED is applied as soon as it is
available without interrupting compressions for more than a few seconds.
Question 3
When performing two-rescuer BLS on an adult without an advanced airway, what is the
correct compression-to-ventilation ratio?
A. 15 compressions to 2 breaths
B. 30 compressions to 2 breaths
C. 30 compressions to 1 breath
D. Continuous compressions with asynchronous breaths
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Option B is correct because the adult BLS compression-to-ventilation ratio
remains 30:2 for both single-rescuer and two-rescuer scenarios when an advanced
airway is not in place. The 15:2 ratio applies to two-rescuer pediatric BLS.
Question 4
After placement of an advanced airway (endotracheal tube) during cardiac arrest, what
is the recommended ventilation strategy?
A. 1 breath every 3 seconds (20 breaths per minute)
B. 1 breath every 6 seconds (10 breaths per minute) with continuous compressions
C. 2 breaths every 30 compressions with a 30:2 ratio
D. 1 breath every 10 seconds (6 breaths per minute) with continuous compressions
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Option B is correct because once an advanced airway is established, the AHA
recommends delivering 1 breath every 6 seconds (10 breaths per minute) while
, compressions continue uninterrupted. This strategy minimizes hyperventilation and
maximizes coronary perfusion.
Question 5
What is the minimum recommended depth of chest compressions for an adult during
CPR?
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
Rationale: Option B is correct because the AHA recommends compressing the adult
chest at least 2 inches (5 cm) but not more than 2.4 inches (6 cm). Depths less than 2
inches are insufficient to generate adequate cardiac output.
SECTION II: Systematic Assessment and Airway Management
Question 6
During the primary assessment of a critically ill patient, which component is evaluated
first?
A. Circulation and pulse check
B. Airway patency
C. Level of consciousness and responsiveness
D. Exposure and environmental control
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Option C is correct because the AHA systematic approach begins with
assessing the patient's level of consciousness and responsiveness to determine if they
