ACLS Provider Certification Exam Versions A
& B – Questions 2026
Question 1
A patient in cardiac arrest has an initial rhythm of ventricular
fibrillation. What is the correct sequence of actions?
A. CPR → Defibrillation → CPR → Rhythm check
B. Defibrillation → CPR → Rhythm check
C. CPR → Epinephrine → Defibrillation
D. Defibrillation → Epinephrine → CPR
Answer: A. CPR → Defibrillation → CPR → Rhythm check.
Rationale: The correct sequence for VF is to start CPR immediately,
defibrillate as soon as possible, resume CPR immediately after shock, and
check rhythm after 2 minutes of CPR. This minimizes interruptions and
maximizes perfusion .
Question 2
What is the recommended depth for adult chest compressions during
CPR?
A. At least 1.5 inches (3.8 cm)
B. At least 2 inches (5 cm)
C. At least 2.5 inches (6.3 cm)
D. At least 3 inches (7.6 cm)
Answer: B. At least 2 inches (5 cm).
,Rationale: The AHA recommends a compression depth of at least 2 inches (5
cm) but not more than 2.4 inches (6 cm) for adult CPR. Adequate depth
ensures sufficient blood flow to vital organs during cardiac arrest .
Question 3
Which of the following rhythms is considered non-shockable?
A. Ventricular fibrillation
B. Pulseless ventricular tachycardia
C. Asystole
D. Torsades de pointes
Answer: C. Asystole.
Rationale: Asystole and pulseless electrical activity (PEA) are non-shockable
rhythms. VF, pulseless VT, and torsades de pointes are shockable rhythms .
Question 4
A patient is in cardiac arrest and has an advanced airway in place.
What is the recommended ventilation rate?
A. 6-8 breaths per minute
B. 8-10 breaths per minute
C. 10-12 breaths per minute
D. 12-15 breaths per minute
Answer: B. 8-10 breaths per minute.
,Rationale: With an advanced airway in place during adult CPR, ventilations
should be delivered at a rate of 8-10 breaths per minute (one breath every 6-
8 seconds) without pausing compressions .
Question 5
Which of the following is a reversible cause of cardiac arrest in the Hs
and Ts mnemonic?
A. Hypovolemia
B. Hypoxia
C. Tension pneumothorax
D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above.
Rationale: The Hs and Ts are potentially reversible causes of cardiac arrest.
The Hs include: Hypovolemia, Hypoxia, Hydrogen ion (acidosis), Hypo-
/hyperkalemia, Hypothermia. The Ts include: Tension pneumothorax,
Tamponade (cardiac), Toxins, Thrombosis (pulmonary), Thrombosis
(coronary) .
Question 6
What is the recommended dose of epinephrine for adult cardiac
arrest?
A. 0.5 mg IV every 5 minutes
B. 1 mg IV every 3-5 minutes
C. 2 mg IV every 3 minutes
D. 0.1 mg/kg IV every 5 minutes
, Answer: B. 1 mg IV every 3-5 minutes.
Rationale: The AHA recommends epinephrine 1 mg IV/IO push every 3-5
minutes during cardiac arrest. Higher doses are not associated with improved
outcomes and may cause harm .
Question 7
A patient presents with ST-segment elevation in leads II, III, and aVF.
Which coronary artery is most likely occluded?
A. Left anterior descending (LAD)
B. Right coronary artery (RCA)
C. Left circumflex artery (LCX)
D. Left main coronary artery
Answer: B. Right coronary artery (RCA).
Rationale: ST-segment elevation in leads II, III, and aVF indicates an inferior
wall MI, most commonly caused by occlusion of the right coronary artery
(RCA). Anterior MI involves leads V1-V4 .
Question 8
What is the recommended treatment for bradycardia with
hemodynamic compromise?
A. Atropine 0.5 mg IV
B. Adenosine 6 mg IV
C. Amiodarone 150 mg IV
D. Lidocaine 1 mg/kg IV
& B – Questions 2026
Question 1
A patient in cardiac arrest has an initial rhythm of ventricular
fibrillation. What is the correct sequence of actions?
A. CPR → Defibrillation → CPR → Rhythm check
B. Defibrillation → CPR → Rhythm check
C. CPR → Epinephrine → Defibrillation
D. Defibrillation → Epinephrine → CPR
Answer: A. CPR → Defibrillation → CPR → Rhythm check.
Rationale: The correct sequence for VF is to start CPR immediately,
defibrillate as soon as possible, resume CPR immediately after shock, and
check rhythm after 2 minutes of CPR. This minimizes interruptions and
maximizes perfusion .
Question 2
What is the recommended depth for adult chest compressions during
CPR?
A. At least 1.5 inches (3.8 cm)
B. At least 2 inches (5 cm)
C. At least 2.5 inches (6.3 cm)
D. At least 3 inches (7.6 cm)
Answer: B. At least 2 inches (5 cm).
,Rationale: The AHA recommends a compression depth of at least 2 inches (5
cm) but not more than 2.4 inches (6 cm) for adult CPR. Adequate depth
ensures sufficient blood flow to vital organs during cardiac arrest .
Question 3
Which of the following rhythms is considered non-shockable?
A. Ventricular fibrillation
B. Pulseless ventricular tachycardia
C. Asystole
D. Torsades de pointes
Answer: C. Asystole.
Rationale: Asystole and pulseless electrical activity (PEA) are non-shockable
rhythms. VF, pulseless VT, and torsades de pointes are shockable rhythms .
Question 4
A patient is in cardiac arrest and has an advanced airway in place.
What is the recommended ventilation rate?
A. 6-8 breaths per minute
B. 8-10 breaths per minute
C. 10-12 breaths per minute
D. 12-15 breaths per minute
Answer: B. 8-10 breaths per minute.
,Rationale: With an advanced airway in place during adult CPR, ventilations
should be delivered at a rate of 8-10 breaths per minute (one breath every 6-
8 seconds) without pausing compressions .
Question 5
Which of the following is a reversible cause of cardiac arrest in the Hs
and Ts mnemonic?
A. Hypovolemia
B. Hypoxia
C. Tension pneumothorax
D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above.
Rationale: The Hs and Ts are potentially reversible causes of cardiac arrest.
The Hs include: Hypovolemia, Hypoxia, Hydrogen ion (acidosis), Hypo-
/hyperkalemia, Hypothermia. The Ts include: Tension pneumothorax,
Tamponade (cardiac), Toxins, Thrombosis (pulmonary), Thrombosis
(coronary) .
Question 6
What is the recommended dose of epinephrine for adult cardiac
arrest?
A. 0.5 mg IV every 5 minutes
B. 1 mg IV every 3-5 minutes
C. 2 mg IV every 3 minutes
D. 0.1 mg/kg IV every 5 minutes
, Answer: B. 1 mg IV every 3-5 minutes.
Rationale: The AHA recommends epinephrine 1 mg IV/IO push every 3-5
minutes during cardiac arrest. Higher doses are not associated with improved
outcomes and may cause harm .
Question 7
A patient presents with ST-segment elevation in leads II, III, and aVF.
Which coronary artery is most likely occluded?
A. Left anterior descending (LAD)
B. Right coronary artery (RCA)
C. Left circumflex artery (LCX)
D. Left main coronary artery
Answer: B. Right coronary artery (RCA).
Rationale: ST-segment elevation in leads II, III, and aVF indicates an inferior
wall MI, most commonly caused by occlusion of the right coronary artery
(RCA). Anterior MI involves leads V1-V4 .
Question 8
What is the recommended treatment for bradycardia with
hemodynamic compromise?
A. Atropine 0.5 mg IV
B. Adenosine 6 mg IV
C. Amiodarone 150 mg IV
D. Lidocaine 1 mg/kg IV
