AHA ACLS POST-TEST ANSWER KEY
(2025-2026)
100% Verified Solutions | Updated Per Latest AHA Guidelines | Graded A+
Overview
This 2025-2026 edition provides the complete answer key for the American Heart
Association's ACLS Post-Test, fully aligned with the 2025 AHA Guidelines Update.
Essential for healthcare providers maintaining ACLS certification.
Key Features
✓ 50-question answer key with detailed rationales
✓ 2025 Guideline changes highlighted
✓ Code sequence algorithms (VF/VT, PEA, Asystole)
✓ Medication dosing (epi/amio/vasopressin)
✓ Megacode scenarios explained
Content Areas
• High-Quality BLS Integration (8 Qs)
• Cardiac Arrest Algorithms (12 Qs)
• Bradycardia/Tachycardia (10 Qs)
• ACS/Stroke Protocols (8 Qs)
• Team Dynamics (6 Qs)
• Special Resuscitation (6 Qs)
Answer Format
Correct answers in bold green with:
• AHA reference page numbers
• "Why Wrong" explanations for distractors
• Memory aids for complex protocols
Updates for 2025
New opioid-associated emergency protocols
Revised post-cardiac arrest care
Updated electrolyte management guidelines
AHA ACLS POST-TEST (2025-2026)
High-Quality BLS Integration (8 Questions)
Question 1
During CPR, what is the correct chest compression rate for an adult?
,A. 80–100/min
B. 100–120/min
C. 120–140/min
D. 60–80/min
Rationale: AHA 2025 Guidelines, p. 45 – Compression rate of 100–120/min ensures
adequate cardiac output. Why Wrong: A is too slow, C is too fast, D is inadequate for
circulation. Memory Aid: Match compressions to the beat of "Stayin' Alive" (~100–120
bpm).
Question 2
What is the correct compression depth for adult CPR?
A. 3–4 cm
B. 5–6 cm
C. 7–8 cm
D. 2–3 cm
Rationale: AHA 2025 Guidelines, p. 46 – Depth of 5–6 cm ensures effective circulation.
Why Wrong: A and D are too shallow; C is too deep, risking injury. Memory Aid: Press
deep enough to feel the sternum move significantly.
Question 3
When should you allow full chest recoil during CPR?
A. Only in pediatric patients
B. With every compression
C. Every 10 compressions
D. Only in witnessed arrests
Rationale: AHA 2025 Guidelines, p. 47 – Full recoil maximizes venous return. Why
Wrong: A, C, and D limit effective circulation. Memory Aid: "Push hard, let go fully."
Question 4
What is the first step if an adult is unresponsive with no pulse?
A. Call for a defibrillator
B. Start chest compressions
C. Administer epinephrine
D. Check for breathing
Rationale: AHA 2025 Guidelines, p. 50 – Immediate compressions initiate circulation in
, cardiac arrest. Why Wrong: A delays CPR; C and D are secondary. Memory Aid: "No
pulse, start pushing."
Question 5
What is the ventilation rate during adult CPR with an advanced airway?
A. 20–30 breaths/min
B. 10 breaths/min
C. 5–6 breaths/min
D. 15–20 breaths/min
Rationale: AHA 2025 Guidelines, p. 52 – One breath every 6 seconds (10/min) avoids
hyperventilation. Why Wrong: A and D over-ventilate; C is too slow. Memory Aid: "One
breath every 6 seconds."
Question 6
When should you switch compressors during CPR?
A. Every 5 minutes
B. Every 2 minutes
C. Every 10 minutes
D. Only when fatigued
Rationale: AHA 2025 Guidelines, p. 48 – Switching every 2 minutes prevents fatigue. Why
Wrong: A and C are too long; D risks inconsistent compressions. Memory Aid: "Switch at
rhythm checks."
Question 7
What is the correct hand position for adult chest compressions?
A. Upper sternum
B. Lower half of sternum
C. Left chest
D. Right chest
Rationale: AHA 2025 Guidelines, p. 46 – Lower sternum maximizes cardiac compression.
Why Wrong: A, C, and D reduce effectiveness. Memory Aid: "Center of chest, below
nipple line."
Question 8
What is the first action if an AED detects a shockable rhythm?
(2025-2026)
100% Verified Solutions | Updated Per Latest AHA Guidelines | Graded A+
Overview
This 2025-2026 edition provides the complete answer key for the American Heart
Association's ACLS Post-Test, fully aligned with the 2025 AHA Guidelines Update.
Essential for healthcare providers maintaining ACLS certification.
Key Features
✓ 50-question answer key with detailed rationales
✓ 2025 Guideline changes highlighted
✓ Code sequence algorithms (VF/VT, PEA, Asystole)
✓ Medication dosing (epi/amio/vasopressin)
✓ Megacode scenarios explained
Content Areas
• High-Quality BLS Integration (8 Qs)
• Cardiac Arrest Algorithms (12 Qs)
• Bradycardia/Tachycardia (10 Qs)
• ACS/Stroke Protocols (8 Qs)
• Team Dynamics (6 Qs)
• Special Resuscitation (6 Qs)
Answer Format
Correct answers in bold green with:
• AHA reference page numbers
• "Why Wrong" explanations for distractors
• Memory aids for complex protocols
Updates for 2025
New opioid-associated emergency protocols
Revised post-cardiac arrest care
Updated electrolyte management guidelines
AHA ACLS POST-TEST (2025-2026)
High-Quality BLS Integration (8 Questions)
Question 1
During CPR, what is the correct chest compression rate for an adult?
,A. 80–100/min
B. 100–120/min
C. 120–140/min
D. 60–80/min
Rationale: AHA 2025 Guidelines, p. 45 – Compression rate of 100–120/min ensures
adequate cardiac output. Why Wrong: A is too slow, C is too fast, D is inadequate for
circulation. Memory Aid: Match compressions to the beat of "Stayin' Alive" (~100–120
bpm).
Question 2
What is the correct compression depth for adult CPR?
A. 3–4 cm
B. 5–6 cm
C. 7–8 cm
D. 2–3 cm
Rationale: AHA 2025 Guidelines, p. 46 – Depth of 5–6 cm ensures effective circulation.
Why Wrong: A and D are too shallow; C is too deep, risking injury. Memory Aid: Press
deep enough to feel the sternum move significantly.
Question 3
When should you allow full chest recoil during CPR?
A. Only in pediatric patients
B. With every compression
C. Every 10 compressions
D. Only in witnessed arrests
Rationale: AHA 2025 Guidelines, p. 47 – Full recoil maximizes venous return. Why
Wrong: A, C, and D limit effective circulation. Memory Aid: "Push hard, let go fully."
Question 4
What is the first step if an adult is unresponsive with no pulse?
A. Call for a defibrillator
B. Start chest compressions
C. Administer epinephrine
D. Check for breathing
Rationale: AHA 2025 Guidelines, p. 50 – Immediate compressions initiate circulation in
, cardiac arrest. Why Wrong: A delays CPR; C and D are secondary. Memory Aid: "No
pulse, start pushing."
Question 5
What is the ventilation rate during adult CPR with an advanced airway?
A. 20–30 breaths/min
B. 10 breaths/min
C. 5–6 breaths/min
D. 15–20 breaths/min
Rationale: AHA 2025 Guidelines, p. 52 – One breath every 6 seconds (10/min) avoids
hyperventilation. Why Wrong: A and D over-ventilate; C is too slow. Memory Aid: "One
breath every 6 seconds."
Question 6
When should you switch compressors during CPR?
A. Every 5 minutes
B. Every 2 minutes
C. Every 10 minutes
D. Only when fatigued
Rationale: AHA 2025 Guidelines, p. 48 – Switching every 2 minutes prevents fatigue. Why
Wrong: A and C are too long; D risks inconsistent compressions. Memory Aid: "Switch at
rhythm checks."
Question 7
What is the correct hand position for adult chest compressions?
A. Upper sternum
B. Lower half of sternum
C. Left chest
D. Right chest
Rationale: AHA 2025 Guidelines, p. 46 – Lower sternum maximizes cardiac compression.
Why Wrong: A, C, and D reduce effectiveness. Memory Aid: "Center of chest, below
nipple line."
Question 8
What is the first action if an AED detects a shockable rhythm?
