AHA ACLS FINAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH
EXPLANATION (LATEST ): MOST COMPREHENSIVE TO
PASS THE EXAM, 100% VERIFIED
NR 547 Differential Diagnosis Practicum – Comprehensive Exam
AHA ACLS Comprehensive Final Examination
Current 2025 AHA Guidelines / 2026–2027 Study Edition
Course Code and Name: NR 547 – Differential Diagnosis in
Psychiatric-Mental Health Across the Lifespan Practicum
Institution: Chamberlain University
Author/Creator: Prepared by [EDU NURSE PRO]
Examination Type: Comprehensive ACLS Study Examination
Question Count: 100 Questions
Format: Multiple Choice and Short Answer
Includes: Correct Answers and Detailed Rationales
Academic-use notice: This is an independently created study resource.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Adult Cardiac Arrest and High-Quality CPR — Questions 1–10
2. Shockable Rhythms: VF and Pulseless VT — Questions 11–20
3. Nonshockable Rhythms: Asystole and PEA — Questions 21–30
4. Bradycardia and Tachycardia With a Pulse — Questions 31–40
5. Airway, Ventilation, Oxygenation, and Monitoring — Questions 41–50
6. ACLS Medications and Vascular Access — Questions 51–60
7. Acute Coronary Syndromes and Cardiogenic Emergencies — Questions 61–70
8. Acute Stroke and Neurologic Emergencies — Questions 71–80
9. Special Circumstances of Cardiac Arrest — Questions 81–90
, 10. Post–Cardiac Arrest Care, Team Dynamics, and Integrated Scenarios — Questions 91–
100
SECTION 1 — ADULT CARDIAC ARREST AND HIGH-QUALITY CPR
Question 1
A healthcare professional finds an adult patient unresponsive and not breathing normally. What
should be done first?
A. Obtain a 12-lead ECG
B. Check for a pulse for 30 seconds
C. Activate the emergency response system and begin assessment for cardiac arrest
D. Administer epinephrine
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: An unresponsive adult with absent or abnormal breathing should be treated as a
potential cardiac arrest. Rapid recognition, activation of the emergency response system, and
initiation of high-quality CPR are fundamental early actions. Prolonged pulse checks or
diagnostic testing should not delay resuscitation.
Question 2
What is the recommended chest-compression rate for adult CPR?
A. 60–80/min
B. 80–100/min
C. 100–120/min
D. 130–150/min
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: High-quality adult CPR uses a compression rate of 100–120 compressions per
minute. Rates that are too slow may reduce perfusion, while excessively rapid compressions can
compromise compression depth, recoil, and overall quality.
Question 3
What is the recommended compression depth for an average adult?
A. At least 1 cm
B. At least 2 cm
,C. At least 5 cm while avoiding excessive depth
D. Exactly 8 cm
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Adult chest compressions should be at least approximately 5 cm (2 inches) deep
while avoiding excessive depth. Adequate depth is necessary to generate meaningful blood flow
during cardiac arrest.
Question 4
Why is complete chest recoil important?
A. It decreases myocardial oxygen demand
B. It allows venous blood to return to the heart
C. It prevents ventricular fibrillation
D. It eliminates the need for ventilation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Complete recoil allows the chest to return to its normal position between
compressions, promoting venous return and cardiac filling. Leaning on the chest reduces this
physiologic benefit.
Question 5
An adult cardiac arrest patient has no advanced airway. What compression-to-ventilation ratio
should be used?
A. 15:1
B. 30:2
C. 50:2
D. Continuous compressions with no ventilation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: For adult CPR without an advanced airway, rescuers generally perform 30
compressions followed by 2 breaths. Once an advanced airway is placed, ventilation and
compressions are performed asynchronously.
Question 6
Which action best minimizes interruptions in chest compressions?
, A. Perform frequent prolonged rhythm assessments
B. Prepare medications while stopping CPR
C. Resume compressions immediately after rhythm analysis or shock delivery
D. Stop CPR whenever the monitor changes
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Interruptions reduce coronary and cerebral perfusion. CPR should resume promptly
after rhythm analysis and after defibrillation, with rhythm checks performed efficiently.
Question 7 — Short Answer
What are the six broad links in the AHA Chain of Survival for cardiac arrest?
Correct Answer: Recognition and activation of emergency response; early CPR; rapid
defibrillation; advanced resuscitation; post–cardiac arrest care; and recovery.
Rationale: The Chain of Survival represents coordinated interventions from recognition through
recovery. Strengthening every link improves the possibility of survival and neurologic recovery.
Question 8
Which finding most strongly indicates cardiac arrest in an unresponsive adult?
A. Slow but normal breathing
B. Normal carotid pulse
C. Absence of normal breathing with no definite pulse
D. Hypertension
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cardiac arrest should be suspected when a patient is unresponsive and not breathing
normally, particularly when a definite pulse cannot be identified promptly by a trained healthcare
professional.
Question 9
What is the principal purpose of high-quality chest compressions during cardiac arrest?
A. Increase oxygen saturation directly
B. Generate blood flow to vital organs
C. Prevent all arrhythmias
D. Replace defibrillation
EXPLANATION (LATEST ): MOST COMPREHENSIVE TO
PASS THE EXAM, 100% VERIFIED
NR 547 Differential Diagnosis Practicum – Comprehensive Exam
AHA ACLS Comprehensive Final Examination
Current 2025 AHA Guidelines / 2026–2027 Study Edition
Course Code and Name: NR 547 – Differential Diagnosis in
Psychiatric-Mental Health Across the Lifespan Practicum
Institution: Chamberlain University
Author/Creator: Prepared by [EDU NURSE PRO]
Examination Type: Comprehensive ACLS Study Examination
Question Count: 100 Questions
Format: Multiple Choice and Short Answer
Includes: Correct Answers and Detailed Rationales
Academic-use notice: This is an independently created study resource.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Adult Cardiac Arrest and High-Quality CPR — Questions 1–10
2. Shockable Rhythms: VF and Pulseless VT — Questions 11–20
3. Nonshockable Rhythms: Asystole and PEA — Questions 21–30
4. Bradycardia and Tachycardia With a Pulse — Questions 31–40
5. Airway, Ventilation, Oxygenation, and Monitoring — Questions 41–50
6. ACLS Medications and Vascular Access — Questions 51–60
7. Acute Coronary Syndromes and Cardiogenic Emergencies — Questions 61–70
8. Acute Stroke and Neurologic Emergencies — Questions 71–80
9. Special Circumstances of Cardiac Arrest — Questions 81–90
, 10. Post–Cardiac Arrest Care, Team Dynamics, and Integrated Scenarios — Questions 91–
100
SECTION 1 — ADULT CARDIAC ARREST AND HIGH-QUALITY CPR
Question 1
A healthcare professional finds an adult patient unresponsive and not breathing normally. What
should be done first?
A. Obtain a 12-lead ECG
B. Check for a pulse for 30 seconds
C. Activate the emergency response system and begin assessment for cardiac arrest
D. Administer epinephrine
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: An unresponsive adult with absent or abnormal breathing should be treated as a
potential cardiac arrest. Rapid recognition, activation of the emergency response system, and
initiation of high-quality CPR are fundamental early actions. Prolonged pulse checks or
diagnostic testing should not delay resuscitation.
Question 2
What is the recommended chest-compression rate for adult CPR?
A. 60–80/min
B. 80–100/min
C. 100–120/min
D. 130–150/min
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: High-quality adult CPR uses a compression rate of 100–120 compressions per
minute. Rates that are too slow may reduce perfusion, while excessively rapid compressions can
compromise compression depth, recoil, and overall quality.
Question 3
What is the recommended compression depth for an average adult?
A. At least 1 cm
B. At least 2 cm
,C. At least 5 cm while avoiding excessive depth
D. Exactly 8 cm
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Adult chest compressions should be at least approximately 5 cm (2 inches) deep
while avoiding excessive depth. Adequate depth is necessary to generate meaningful blood flow
during cardiac arrest.
Question 4
Why is complete chest recoil important?
A. It decreases myocardial oxygen demand
B. It allows venous blood to return to the heart
C. It prevents ventricular fibrillation
D. It eliminates the need for ventilation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Complete recoil allows the chest to return to its normal position between
compressions, promoting venous return and cardiac filling. Leaning on the chest reduces this
physiologic benefit.
Question 5
An adult cardiac arrest patient has no advanced airway. What compression-to-ventilation ratio
should be used?
A. 15:1
B. 30:2
C. 50:2
D. Continuous compressions with no ventilation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: For adult CPR without an advanced airway, rescuers generally perform 30
compressions followed by 2 breaths. Once an advanced airway is placed, ventilation and
compressions are performed asynchronously.
Question 6
Which action best minimizes interruptions in chest compressions?
, A. Perform frequent prolonged rhythm assessments
B. Prepare medications while stopping CPR
C. Resume compressions immediately after rhythm analysis or shock delivery
D. Stop CPR whenever the monitor changes
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Interruptions reduce coronary and cerebral perfusion. CPR should resume promptly
after rhythm analysis and after defibrillation, with rhythm checks performed efficiently.
Question 7 — Short Answer
What are the six broad links in the AHA Chain of Survival for cardiac arrest?
Correct Answer: Recognition and activation of emergency response; early CPR; rapid
defibrillation; advanced resuscitation; post–cardiac arrest care; and recovery.
Rationale: The Chain of Survival represents coordinated interventions from recognition through
recovery. Strengthening every link improves the possibility of survival and neurologic recovery.
Question 8
Which finding most strongly indicates cardiac arrest in an unresponsive adult?
A. Slow but normal breathing
B. Normal carotid pulse
C. Absence of normal breathing with no definite pulse
D. Hypertension
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cardiac arrest should be suspected when a patient is unresponsive and not breathing
normally, particularly when a definite pulse cannot be identified promptly by a trained healthcare
professional.
Question 9
What is the principal purpose of high-quality chest compressions during cardiac arrest?
A. Increase oxygen saturation directly
B. Generate blood flow to vital organs
C. Prevent all arrhythmias
D. Replace defibrillation
