ACLS Pre-course Work and Self-Assessment
Questions with Answers 2024, Complete
Section 1: High-Quality BLS and Systematic Assessment (Questions 1-25)
1. A patient suddenly collapses in a hospital hallway. As a healthcare provider, what is your
first action according to the systematic approach to assessment?
A. Check for a carotid pulse.
B. Perform a rapid assessment to ensure safety and form an initial impression.
C. Begin chest compressions.
D. Open the airway using a head-tilt chin-lift.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The systematic approach begins with a rapid assessment. This is a visual survey
to ensure the scene is safe, to form an initial impression of the patient's condition (e.g., is the
patient unresponsive, is there life-threatening bleeding), and to determine if additional
resources are needed . Starting compressions or checking a pulse before ensuring safety and
forming an impression is not the initial step.
2. During the BLS assessment of an unresponsive adult, you should simultaneously check for
breathing and a pulse for no more than how many seconds?
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 seconds
C. 15 seconds
D. 20 seconds
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: To minimize any delay in starting chest compressions, the pulse and breathing
check should take no more than 10 seconds . If you cannot definitely feel a pulse within 10
seconds, you should begin CPR.
3. Which of the following signs is a likely indicator of cardiac arrest in an unresponsive
patient?
A. Cyanosis of the lips
B. Irregular, weak pulse
C. Agonal gasps
D. A slow, bounding pulse
, Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Agonal gasps are not normal breathing. They are a sign of cardiac arrest and
may be present in the first minutes after sudden cardiac arrest. Rescuers should be trained to
recognize agonal gasps and start CPR immediately, as they are a common sign of a pulseless
state .
4. What is the recommended compression rate for high-quality CPR in an adult?
A. At least 80 per minute
B. 100 to 120 per minute
C. 120 to 140 per minute
D. At least 150 per minute
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The recommended compression rate for high-quality CPR is 100 to 120
compressions per minute . Rates that are too slow (less than 100/min) or too fast (greater
than 120/min) are associated with decreased survival.
5. What is the recommended compression depth for high-quality CPR in an average adult?
A. At least 1.5 inches (4 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: Rescuers should push hard to a depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm) while avoiding
excessive depth (greater than 2.4 inches or 6 cm) . Adequate depth is critical for generating
sufficient blood flow during CPR.
6. Which of the following actions is most likely to cause air to enter the victim's stomach
(gastric inflation) during bag-mask ventilation?
A. Ventilating until you see visible chest rise.
B. Ventilating too quickly or with too much volume.
C. Using a bag-mask device with a reservoir.
D. Performing a head-tilt chin-lift maneuver.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Gastric inflation is most often caused by ventilating too quickly
(hyperventilation) or delivering too much volume (excessive tidal volume). The goal is to give
just enough volume to produce visible chest rise, which typically requires a one-third to one-
half bag squeeze for an adult bag-mask device .
,7. After an advanced airway is placed in a patient in cardiac arrest, how often should you
provide ventilations?
A. Once every 3 seconds
B. Once every 6 seconds
C. Once every 8 seconds
D. Once every 10 seconds
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Once an advanced airway is in place, the compression-ventilation ratio changes
to continuous compressions with asynchronous ventilations. You should provide 1 breath
every 6 seconds (10 breaths per minute) . This rate should be maintained without pausing
chest compressions.
8. What is the maximum amount of time you should allow for an interruption in chest
compressions?
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 seconds
C. 15 seconds
D. 20 seconds
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: ACLS providers must make every effort to minimize any interruptions in chest
compressions. Try to limit interruptions in chest compressions (e.g., for defibrillation and
rhythm analysis) to no longer than 10 seconds . When compressions stop, blood flow to the
brain and heart stops.
9. How often should you switch the role of the compressor during a resuscitation attempt?
A. Every 1 minute
B. Every 2 minutes
C. Every 5 minutes
D. Only when the compressor becomes fatigued
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: To avoid fatigue and maintain high-quality chest compressions, the compressor
should be switched every 2 minutes, or sooner if they become fatigued . This switch is
typically done during a rhythm check to minimize interruptions.
10. Which of the following is a component of a rapid assessment?
A. Palpating a carotid pulse.
B. Checking for life-threatening bleeding.
, C. Administering epinephrine.
D. Inserting an advanced airway.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A rapid assessment is a visual survey to ensure safety, form an initial
impression (including looking for life-threatening bleeding), and determine the need for
additional resources . Checking a pulse is part of the primary/BLS assessment.
11. What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for a patient in cardiac arrest without
an advanced airway?
A. 15:2
B. 20:2
C. 30:2
D. 50:2
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: For a patient in cardiac arrest without an advanced airway, the compression-to-
ventilation ratio is 30:2 . After an advanced airway is placed, the ratio becomes continuous
compressions with ventilations at 10 breaths per minute.
12. During a resuscitation, the team leader should perform which action to avoid
inefficiencies?
A. Perform the most complicated tasks themselves.
B. Assign most tasks to the more experienced team members.
C. Clearly delegate tasks and roles.
D. Assign the same task to more than one team member.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: To avoid inefficiencies and ensure smooth team performance, the Team Leader
must clearly delegate tasks and roles to specific team members . This helps to avoid
confusion, duplicating efforts, or missing critical interventions.
13. A patient in respiratory arrest with a palpable pulse requires ventilations. How often
should you squeeze the bag to deliver a breath?
A. Once every 3 seconds
B. Once every 5 seconds
C. Once every 6 seconds
D. Once every 10 seconds
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: For a patient in respiratory arrest with a pulse, deliver 1 breath every 6 seconds
Questions with Answers 2024, Complete
Section 1: High-Quality BLS and Systematic Assessment (Questions 1-25)
1. A patient suddenly collapses in a hospital hallway. As a healthcare provider, what is your
first action according to the systematic approach to assessment?
A. Check for a carotid pulse.
B. Perform a rapid assessment to ensure safety and form an initial impression.
C. Begin chest compressions.
D. Open the airway using a head-tilt chin-lift.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The systematic approach begins with a rapid assessment. This is a visual survey
to ensure the scene is safe, to form an initial impression of the patient's condition (e.g., is the
patient unresponsive, is there life-threatening bleeding), and to determine if additional
resources are needed . Starting compressions or checking a pulse before ensuring safety and
forming an impression is not the initial step.
2. During the BLS assessment of an unresponsive adult, you should simultaneously check for
breathing and a pulse for no more than how many seconds?
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 seconds
C. 15 seconds
D. 20 seconds
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: To minimize any delay in starting chest compressions, the pulse and breathing
check should take no more than 10 seconds . If you cannot definitely feel a pulse within 10
seconds, you should begin CPR.
3. Which of the following signs is a likely indicator of cardiac arrest in an unresponsive
patient?
A. Cyanosis of the lips
B. Irregular, weak pulse
C. Agonal gasps
D. A slow, bounding pulse
, Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Agonal gasps are not normal breathing. They are a sign of cardiac arrest and
may be present in the first minutes after sudden cardiac arrest. Rescuers should be trained to
recognize agonal gasps and start CPR immediately, as they are a common sign of a pulseless
state .
4. What is the recommended compression rate for high-quality CPR in an adult?
A. At least 80 per minute
B. 100 to 120 per minute
C. 120 to 140 per minute
D. At least 150 per minute
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The recommended compression rate for high-quality CPR is 100 to 120
compressions per minute . Rates that are too slow (less than 100/min) or too fast (greater
than 120/min) are associated with decreased survival.
5. What is the recommended compression depth for high-quality CPR in an average adult?
A. At least 1.5 inches (4 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: Rescuers should push hard to a depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm) while avoiding
excessive depth (greater than 2.4 inches or 6 cm) . Adequate depth is critical for generating
sufficient blood flow during CPR.
6. Which of the following actions is most likely to cause air to enter the victim's stomach
(gastric inflation) during bag-mask ventilation?
A. Ventilating until you see visible chest rise.
B. Ventilating too quickly or with too much volume.
C. Using a bag-mask device with a reservoir.
D. Performing a head-tilt chin-lift maneuver.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Gastric inflation is most often caused by ventilating too quickly
(hyperventilation) or delivering too much volume (excessive tidal volume). The goal is to give
just enough volume to produce visible chest rise, which typically requires a one-third to one-
half bag squeeze for an adult bag-mask device .
,7. After an advanced airway is placed in a patient in cardiac arrest, how often should you
provide ventilations?
A. Once every 3 seconds
B. Once every 6 seconds
C. Once every 8 seconds
D. Once every 10 seconds
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Once an advanced airway is in place, the compression-ventilation ratio changes
to continuous compressions with asynchronous ventilations. You should provide 1 breath
every 6 seconds (10 breaths per minute) . This rate should be maintained without pausing
chest compressions.
8. What is the maximum amount of time you should allow for an interruption in chest
compressions?
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 seconds
C. 15 seconds
D. 20 seconds
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: ACLS providers must make every effort to minimize any interruptions in chest
compressions. Try to limit interruptions in chest compressions (e.g., for defibrillation and
rhythm analysis) to no longer than 10 seconds . When compressions stop, blood flow to the
brain and heart stops.
9. How often should you switch the role of the compressor during a resuscitation attempt?
A. Every 1 minute
B. Every 2 minutes
C. Every 5 minutes
D. Only when the compressor becomes fatigued
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: To avoid fatigue and maintain high-quality chest compressions, the compressor
should be switched every 2 minutes, or sooner if they become fatigued . This switch is
typically done during a rhythm check to minimize interruptions.
10. Which of the following is a component of a rapid assessment?
A. Palpating a carotid pulse.
B. Checking for life-threatening bleeding.
, C. Administering epinephrine.
D. Inserting an advanced airway.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A rapid assessment is a visual survey to ensure safety, form an initial
impression (including looking for life-threatening bleeding), and determine the need for
additional resources . Checking a pulse is part of the primary/BLS assessment.
11. What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for a patient in cardiac arrest without
an advanced airway?
A. 15:2
B. 20:2
C. 30:2
D. 50:2
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: For a patient in cardiac arrest without an advanced airway, the compression-to-
ventilation ratio is 30:2 . After an advanced airway is placed, the ratio becomes continuous
compressions with ventilations at 10 breaths per minute.
12. During a resuscitation, the team leader should perform which action to avoid
inefficiencies?
A. Perform the most complicated tasks themselves.
B. Assign most tasks to the more experienced team members.
C. Clearly delegate tasks and roles.
D. Assign the same task to more than one team member.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: To avoid inefficiencies and ensure smooth team performance, the Team Leader
must clearly delegate tasks and roles to specific team members . This helps to avoid
confusion, duplicating efforts, or missing critical interventions.
13. A patient in respiratory arrest with a palpable pulse requires ventilations. How often
should you squeeze the bag to deliver a breath?
A. Once every 3 seconds
B. Once every 5 seconds
C. Once every 6 seconds
D. Once every 10 seconds
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: For a patient in respiratory arrest with a pulse, deliver 1 breath every 6 seconds
