(ACLS) ADVANCED CARDIOVASCULAR LIFE SUPPORT EXAM
VERSION B | QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | A+ GRADE 2026
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM PREPARATION DOCUMENT | 2026 EDITION | 50
VERIFIED QUESTIONS
Abstract:
This comprehensive examination preparation resource has been meticulously
developed for the American Heart Association (AHA) Advanced Cardiovascular
Life Support (ACLS) Exam Version B for the 2026 academic year. The document
contains 50 verified questions and answers, each graded A+ by subject matter
experts, covering all essential domains of the ACLS Provider Course including high-
quality CPR, airway management, cardiac arrest algorithms, acute coronary
syndromes, stroke management, bradycardia and tachycardia management, post-
cardiac arrest care, team dynamics, and pharmacological interventions. Each
question is accompanied by detailed rationales that elucidate correct answers and
provide comprehensive explanations of distractor options, promoting deep
clinical understanding and ensuring exam readiness. The resource reflects the
most current AHA Guidelines for CPR & ECC and the ACLS Provider Manual.
Keywords include ACLS, Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, resuscitation,
cardiac arrest, AHA certification, and Version B exam.
,ACLS EXAM VERSION B — QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Important Note: This document simulates the structure and content of the ACLS Exam Version
B. Questions and answers are based on publicly available practice materials aligned with
current AHA guidelines.
Question 1:
What should be done to minimize interruptions in chest compressions during CPR?
A. Perform pulse checks only after defibrillation.
B. Continue CPR while the defibrillator is charging.
C. Administer IV medications only when breaths are given.
D. Continue to use AED even after the arrival of a manual defibrillator.
Answer: B. Continue CPR while the defibrillator is charging.
Rationale: Minimizing interruptions in chest compressions is critical to maintain coronary and
cerebral perfusion pressures. The 2025 ACLS guidelines emphasize continuing high-quality chest
compressions throughout resuscitation efforts, including while the defibrillator is charging, to
reduce pauses to less than 10 seconds. This leads to improved outcomes. Pulse checks should
be brief and only performed when indicated, typically after shocks or at rhythm checks.
Distractor Explanations:
• A) Pulse checks only after defibrillation: Pulse checks should be brief and performed as
indicated, but compressions should continue during charging.
• C) IV medications during breaths: IV medication timing is independent of ventilation
cycles.
• D) Continue AED after manual defibrillator arrives: AED use is typically discontinued
once a manual defibrillator is available.
Question 2:
Which condition is an indication to stop or withhold resuscitative efforts?
A. Unwitnessed arrest
B. Safety threat to providers
C. Patient age greater than 85 years
D. No return of spontaneous circulation after 10 minutes of CPR
Answer: B. Safety threat to providers.
, Rationale: The safety of rescuers always takes precedence. Resuscitation should be stopped or
withheld if the scene becomes unsafe (e.g., fire, toxic fumes, active violence). Other indications
include a valid DNR order or unmistakable signs of irreversible death (e.g., rigor mortis,
dependent lividity).
Distractor Explanations:
• A) Unwitnessed arrest: This is a consideration but does not alone mandate stopping
efforts.
• C) Patient age >85: Age alone is not a contraindication to resuscitation.
• D) No ROSC after 10 minutes of CPR: Decisions about termination typically consider
multiple factors including clinical context and local protocols; 10 minutes alone is not a
sole indicator.
Question 3:
After verifying the absence of a pulse, you initiate CPR with adequate bag-mask ventilation. The
patient's lead II ECG shows asystole. What is your next action?
A. IV or IO access
B. Endotracheal tube placement
C. Consultation with cardiology for possible PCI
D. Application of a transcutaneous pacemaker
Answer: A. IV or IO access.
Rationale: In asystole, the initial steps include high-quality CPR and ensuring airway and
ventilation, followed promptly by establishing IV or IO access to administer medications
(epinephrine). Endotracheal intubation may be performed after initial resuscitation efforts to
ensure airway control but is not the immediate next step. PCI and pacing are not indicated for
asystole.
Distractor Explanations:
• B) Endotracheal tube placement: Intubation may be performed after initial efforts but is
not the immediate next step.
• C) PCI consultation: Not indicated for asystole.
• D) Transcutaneous pacing: Not recommended in current ACLS for asystole.
VERSION B | QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | A+ GRADE 2026
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM PREPARATION DOCUMENT | 2026 EDITION | 50
VERIFIED QUESTIONS
Abstract:
This comprehensive examination preparation resource has been meticulously
developed for the American Heart Association (AHA) Advanced Cardiovascular
Life Support (ACLS) Exam Version B for the 2026 academic year. The document
contains 50 verified questions and answers, each graded A+ by subject matter
experts, covering all essential domains of the ACLS Provider Course including high-
quality CPR, airway management, cardiac arrest algorithms, acute coronary
syndromes, stroke management, bradycardia and tachycardia management, post-
cardiac arrest care, team dynamics, and pharmacological interventions. Each
question is accompanied by detailed rationales that elucidate correct answers and
provide comprehensive explanations of distractor options, promoting deep
clinical understanding and ensuring exam readiness. The resource reflects the
most current AHA Guidelines for CPR & ECC and the ACLS Provider Manual.
Keywords include ACLS, Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, resuscitation,
cardiac arrest, AHA certification, and Version B exam.
,ACLS EXAM VERSION B — QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Important Note: This document simulates the structure and content of the ACLS Exam Version
B. Questions and answers are based on publicly available practice materials aligned with
current AHA guidelines.
Question 1:
What should be done to minimize interruptions in chest compressions during CPR?
A. Perform pulse checks only after defibrillation.
B. Continue CPR while the defibrillator is charging.
C. Administer IV medications only when breaths are given.
D. Continue to use AED even after the arrival of a manual defibrillator.
Answer: B. Continue CPR while the defibrillator is charging.
Rationale: Minimizing interruptions in chest compressions is critical to maintain coronary and
cerebral perfusion pressures. The 2025 ACLS guidelines emphasize continuing high-quality chest
compressions throughout resuscitation efforts, including while the defibrillator is charging, to
reduce pauses to less than 10 seconds. This leads to improved outcomes. Pulse checks should
be brief and only performed when indicated, typically after shocks or at rhythm checks.
Distractor Explanations:
• A) Pulse checks only after defibrillation: Pulse checks should be brief and performed as
indicated, but compressions should continue during charging.
• C) IV medications during breaths: IV medication timing is independent of ventilation
cycles.
• D) Continue AED after manual defibrillator arrives: AED use is typically discontinued
once a manual defibrillator is available.
Question 2:
Which condition is an indication to stop or withhold resuscitative efforts?
A. Unwitnessed arrest
B. Safety threat to providers
C. Patient age greater than 85 years
D. No return of spontaneous circulation after 10 minutes of CPR
Answer: B. Safety threat to providers.
, Rationale: The safety of rescuers always takes precedence. Resuscitation should be stopped or
withheld if the scene becomes unsafe (e.g., fire, toxic fumes, active violence). Other indications
include a valid DNR order or unmistakable signs of irreversible death (e.g., rigor mortis,
dependent lividity).
Distractor Explanations:
• A) Unwitnessed arrest: This is a consideration but does not alone mandate stopping
efforts.
• C) Patient age >85: Age alone is not a contraindication to resuscitation.
• D) No ROSC after 10 minutes of CPR: Decisions about termination typically consider
multiple factors including clinical context and local protocols; 10 minutes alone is not a
sole indicator.
Question 3:
After verifying the absence of a pulse, you initiate CPR with adequate bag-mask ventilation. The
patient's lead II ECG shows asystole. What is your next action?
A. IV or IO access
B. Endotracheal tube placement
C. Consultation with cardiology for possible PCI
D. Application of a transcutaneous pacemaker
Answer: A. IV or IO access.
Rationale: In asystole, the initial steps include high-quality CPR and ensuring airway and
ventilation, followed promptly by establishing IV or IO access to administer medications
(epinephrine). Endotracheal intubation may be performed after initial resuscitation efforts to
ensure airway control but is not the immediate next step. PCI and pacing are not indicated for
asystole.
Distractor Explanations:
• B) Endotracheal tube placement: Intubation may be performed after initial efforts but is
not the immediate next step.
• C) PCI consultation: Not indicated for asystole.
• D) Transcutaneous pacing: Not recommended in current ACLS for asystole.
