, ACLS Core Concepts Practice Study Guide (Based on AHA 2025 Guidelines)
Question 1: What is the first action you should take when you find an unresponsive adult
patient?
a) Check for a pulse.
b) Start high-quality chest compressions.
c) Activate the emergency response system/get an AED. ✓
d) Provide 2 rescue breaths.
• Explanation: For an unresponsive adult in a suspected cardiac arrest, the first step is to
ensure help is on the way by activating EMS/retrieving the AED, then begin CPR.
Question 2: What is the recommended depth for chest compressions in an adult?
a) At least 1 inch (2.5 cm)
b) At least 2 inches (5 cm) but not greater than 2.4 inches (6 cm) ✓
c) Approximately 1.5 inches (4 cm)
d) As deep as possible
• Explanation: The 2025 AHA guidelines maintain a compression depth of at least 2 inches
(5 cm) but not exceeding 2.4 inches (6 cm) to ensure effective perfusion while
minimizing injury.
Question 3: A patient is in monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) with a pulse and is
hypotensive (BP 80/40), confused, and diaphoretic. What is the appropriate immediate
management?
a) Administer Amiodarone 150 mg IV.
b) Provide a sedative and prepare for synchronized cardioversion.
c) Perform immediate synchronized cardioversion. ✓
d) Attempt vagal maneuvers.
• Explanation: The patient is unstable due to VT (with signs of hypoperfusion:
hypotension, altered mental status). Immediate synchronized cardioversion is the
treatment of choice for unstable tachycardias with a pulse.
Question 4: The primary survey in cardiac arrest is often remembered by the acronym "CAB."
What does CAB stand for?
a) Compressions, Airway, Breathing
b) Circulation, Airway, Breathing ✓
c) Cardiac, Airway, Breathing
d) Compressions, AED, Breathing
Question 1: What is the first action you should take when you find an unresponsive adult
patient?
a) Check for a pulse.
b) Start high-quality chest compressions.
c) Activate the emergency response system/get an AED. ✓
d) Provide 2 rescue breaths.
• Explanation: For an unresponsive adult in a suspected cardiac arrest, the first step is to
ensure help is on the way by activating EMS/retrieving the AED, then begin CPR.
Question 2: What is the recommended depth for chest compressions in an adult?
a) At least 1 inch (2.5 cm)
b) At least 2 inches (5 cm) but not greater than 2.4 inches (6 cm) ✓
c) Approximately 1.5 inches (4 cm)
d) As deep as possible
• Explanation: The 2025 AHA guidelines maintain a compression depth of at least 2 inches
(5 cm) but not exceeding 2.4 inches (6 cm) to ensure effective perfusion while
minimizing injury.
Question 3: A patient is in monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) with a pulse and is
hypotensive (BP 80/40), confused, and diaphoretic. What is the appropriate immediate
management?
a) Administer Amiodarone 150 mg IV.
b) Provide a sedative and prepare for synchronized cardioversion.
c) Perform immediate synchronized cardioversion. ✓
d) Attempt vagal maneuvers.
• Explanation: The patient is unstable due to VT (with signs of hypoperfusion:
hypotension, altered mental status). Immediate synchronized cardioversion is the
treatment of choice for unstable tachycardias with a pulse.
Question 4: The primary survey in cardiac arrest is often remembered by the acronym "CAB."
What does CAB stand for?
a) Compressions, Airway, Breathing
b) Circulation, Airway, Breathing ✓
c) Cardiac, Airway, Breathing
d) Compressions, AED, Breathing
