ALS/ACLS - Red Cross Final Exam
Questions and Answers | Latest Version
| 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
How does early CPR improve survival in cardiac arrest?
✔✔ It maintains circulation to vital organs until defibrillation is available.
What is the recommended rescue breathing rate for a patient with a pulse but no normal
breathing?
✔✔ One breath every 6 seconds.
Why should excessive ventilation be avoided during rescue breathing?
✔✔ It can increase intrathoracic pressure and reduce blood return to the heart.
What medication is the first-line drug in cardiac arrest?
✔✔ Epinephrine.
How often should epinephrine be administered during cardiac arrest?
✔✔ Every 3 to 5 minutes.
1
,What is the preferred IV access route for medication administration in cardiac arrest?
✔✔ Peripheral IV, but intraosseous (IO) access is an alternative.
How soon should defibrillation be performed in a witnessed cardiac arrest?
✔✔ As soon as an AED is available.
What rhythm is the most common initial presentation of sudden cardiac arrest?
✔✔ Ventricular fibrillation (VF).
What is the purpose of defibrillation?
✔✔ To reset the heart’s electrical activity and restore a normal rhythm.
How long should a pulse check take during a cardiac arrest assessment?
✔✔ No more than 10 seconds.
What action should be taken if an AED advises "no shock advised"?
✔✔ Resume high-quality CPR immediately.
2
, What is the recommended depth of chest compressions for an adult during CPR?
✔✔ At least 2 inches (5 cm).
How fast should chest compressions be performed in high-quality CPR?
✔✔ At a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
Why is minimizing interruptions in chest compressions critical?
✔✔ It helps maintain circulation and improves survival outcomes.
When should a rescuer switch compressors during CPR in a team setting?
✔✔ Every 2 minutes or sooner if fatigued.
What is the first shock energy dose for a biphasic AED?
✔✔ Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, typically 120-200 joules.
What is the most effective intervention for a witnessed ventricular fibrillation (VF) arrest?
✔✔ Immediate defibrillation.
3
Questions and Answers | Latest Version
| 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
How does early CPR improve survival in cardiac arrest?
✔✔ It maintains circulation to vital organs until defibrillation is available.
What is the recommended rescue breathing rate for a patient with a pulse but no normal
breathing?
✔✔ One breath every 6 seconds.
Why should excessive ventilation be avoided during rescue breathing?
✔✔ It can increase intrathoracic pressure and reduce blood return to the heart.
What medication is the first-line drug in cardiac arrest?
✔✔ Epinephrine.
How often should epinephrine be administered during cardiac arrest?
✔✔ Every 3 to 5 minutes.
1
,What is the preferred IV access route for medication administration in cardiac arrest?
✔✔ Peripheral IV, but intraosseous (IO) access is an alternative.
How soon should defibrillation be performed in a witnessed cardiac arrest?
✔✔ As soon as an AED is available.
What rhythm is the most common initial presentation of sudden cardiac arrest?
✔✔ Ventricular fibrillation (VF).
What is the purpose of defibrillation?
✔✔ To reset the heart’s electrical activity and restore a normal rhythm.
How long should a pulse check take during a cardiac arrest assessment?
✔✔ No more than 10 seconds.
What action should be taken if an AED advises "no shock advised"?
✔✔ Resume high-quality CPR immediately.
2
, What is the recommended depth of chest compressions for an adult during CPR?
✔✔ At least 2 inches (5 cm).
How fast should chest compressions be performed in high-quality CPR?
✔✔ At a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
Why is minimizing interruptions in chest compressions critical?
✔✔ It helps maintain circulation and improves survival outcomes.
When should a rescuer switch compressors during CPR in a team setting?
✔✔ Every 2 minutes or sooner if fatigued.
What is the first shock energy dose for a biphasic AED?
✔✔ Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, typically 120-200 joules.
What is the most effective intervention for a witnessed ventricular fibrillation (VF) arrest?
✔✔ Immediate defibrillation.
3
