ACLS POST-TEST WITH RATIONALES
1. What is the first step in assessing a patient who is unresponsive and not breathing?
A) Check for a pulse
B) Call for help and activate emergency response
C) Start CPR
D) Check the airway
Answer: B) Call for help and activate emergency response.
Rationale: The first step is to call for help and activate emergency response systems to ensure
that advanced care arrives promptly. Immediate assistance is crucial.
2. What is the recommended compression depth for adult CPR?
A) 1-1.5 inches
B) 1.5-2 inches
C) At least 2 inches
D) More than 3 inches
Answer: C) At least 2 inches.
Rationale: Chest compressions should be at least 2 inches deep to ensure adequate blood
circulation during CPR. Shallow compressions are less effective at perfusing the vital organs.
3. How often should you administer epinephrine during an ongoing cardiac arrest?
A) Every 1-2 minutes
B) Every 3-5 minutes
C) Every 6-10 minutes
D) Every 10-15 minutes
Answer: B) Every 3-5 minutes.
Rationale: Epinephrine should be given every 3-5 minutes to enhance circulation during
cardiac arrest. It is crucial for improving perfusion to vital organs.
4. What is the correct compression rate during CPR?
A) 60-80 compressions/min
B) 80-100 compressions/min
C) 100-120 compressions/min
D) 120-140 compressions/min
, Answer: C) 100-120 compressions/min.
Rationale: The compression rate of 100-120 per minute ensures sufficient blood flow to the
brain and vital organs during CPR. This rate is effective in maintaining circulation.
5. Which rhythm is most likely to be treated with defibrillation?
A) Atrial fibrillation
B) Asystole
C) Pulseless electrical activity (PEA)
D) Ventricular fibrillation (VF)
Answer: D) Ventricular fibrillation (VF).
Rationale: Ventricular fibrillation is a shockable rhythm that requires defibrillation to restore
normal heart rhythm. VF leads to ineffective pumping, and defibrillation is necessary to reset
the heart's electrical system.
6. What is the initial shock energy for biphasic defibrillation?
A) 50 J
B) 100 J
C) 120-200 J
D) 360 J
Answer: C) 120-200 J.
Rationale: Biphasic defibrillators deliver a shock in two directions, typically at a lower energy
level of 120-200 J, which has been shown to be effective and less damaging to the heart tissue.
7. What is the first medication administered in a shockable rhythm during a cardiac arrest?
A) Amiodarone
B) Lidocaine
C) Epinephrine
D) Atropine
Answer: C) Epinephrine.
Rationale: Epinephrine is the first-line drug used during a cardiac arrest in shockable rhythms
like VF and pulseless VT. It helps increase coronary and cerebral perfusion.
8. Which of the following is the correct dose for epinephrine in adult cardiac arrest?
A) 1 mg every 3-5 minutes
B) 0.5 mg every 10 minutes
1. What is the first step in assessing a patient who is unresponsive and not breathing?
A) Check for a pulse
B) Call for help and activate emergency response
C) Start CPR
D) Check the airway
Answer: B) Call for help and activate emergency response.
Rationale: The first step is to call for help and activate emergency response systems to ensure
that advanced care arrives promptly. Immediate assistance is crucial.
2. What is the recommended compression depth for adult CPR?
A) 1-1.5 inches
B) 1.5-2 inches
C) At least 2 inches
D) More than 3 inches
Answer: C) At least 2 inches.
Rationale: Chest compressions should be at least 2 inches deep to ensure adequate blood
circulation during CPR. Shallow compressions are less effective at perfusing the vital organs.
3. How often should you administer epinephrine during an ongoing cardiac arrest?
A) Every 1-2 minutes
B) Every 3-5 minutes
C) Every 6-10 minutes
D) Every 10-15 minutes
Answer: B) Every 3-5 minutes.
Rationale: Epinephrine should be given every 3-5 minutes to enhance circulation during
cardiac arrest. It is crucial for improving perfusion to vital organs.
4. What is the correct compression rate during CPR?
A) 60-80 compressions/min
B) 80-100 compressions/min
C) 100-120 compressions/min
D) 120-140 compressions/min
, Answer: C) 100-120 compressions/min.
Rationale: The compression rate of 100-120 per minute ensures sufficient blood flow to the
brain and vital organs during CPR. This rate is effective in maintaining circulation.
5. Which rhythm is most likely to be treated with defibrillation?
A) Atrial fibrillation
B) Asystole
C) Pulseless electrical activity (PEA)
D) Ventricular fibrillation (VF)
Answer: D) Ventricular fibrillation (VF).
Rationale: Ventricular fibrillation is a shockable rhythm that requires defibrillation to restore
normal heart rhythm. VF leads to ineffective pumping, and defibrillation is necessary to reset
the heart's electrical system.
6. What is the initial shock energy for biphasic defibrillation?
A) 50 J
B) 100 J
C) 120-200 J
D) 360 J
Answer: C) 120-200 J.
Rationale: Biphasic defibrillators deliver a shock in two directions, typically at a lower energy
level of 120-200 J, which has been shown to be effective and less damaging to the heart tissue.
7. What is the first medication administered in a shockable rhythm during a cardiac arrest?
A) Amiodarone
B) Lidocaine
C) Epinephrine
D) Atropine
Answer: C) Epinephrine.
Rationale: Epinephrine is the first-line drug used during a cardiac arrest in shockable rhythms
like VF and pulseless VT. It helps increase coronary and cerebral perfusion.
8. Which of the following is the correct dose for epinephrine in adult cardiac arrest?
A) 1 mg every 3-5 minutes
B) 0.5 mg every 10 minutes
