ACLS Provider Certification Exam 2026: Comprehensive Advanced
Cardiac Life Support Practice Test — Cardiac Arrest, ECG
Interpretation, Arrhythmias, Airway Management, Resuscitation
Algorithms & Post-Cardiac Arrest Care — 190 Multiple-Choice
Questions with Answers & Detailed Rationales
SECTION 1: HIGH-QUALITY CPR AND BASIC LIFE SUPPORT (Questions 1-30)
Question 1
What is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer performing
CPR on an adult patient?
A. 15:2
B. 30:2
C. 30:1
D. 15:1
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The universal adult CPR ratio is 30 compressions to 2 ventilations for single or
multiple rescuers before advanced airway placement.
Question 2
,A healthcare provider is performing chest compressions on an adult in cardiac arrest. What
is the recommended compression depth according to current guidelines?
A. At least 1.5 inches (4 cm)
B. At least 2 inches (5 cm) but not exceeding 2.4 inches (6 cm)
C. At least 3 inches (7.5 cm)
D. Between 1 and 2 inches (2.5-5 cm)
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Adult compressions should depress the sternum at least 2 inches (5 cm) but
avoid exceeding 2.4 inches (6 cm) to prevent injury.
Question 3
During a resuscitation attempt, the team leader notices that the compressor is becoming
fatigued and compression quality is declining. What is the recommended interval for
switching compressors?
A. Every 5 minutes
B. Every 2 minutes
C. Every 30 seconds
D. Only when the compressor requests relief
,Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Compressors should rotate approximately every 2 minutes or 5 cycles to
prevent fatigue-related decline in compression quality.
Question 4
What is the target chest compression fraction during cardiac arrest resuscitation?
A. At least 50%
B. At least 60%
C. At least 75%
D. 100%
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A chest compression fraction of at least 60% is the minimum target, though
higher fractions correlate with improved outcomes.
Question 5
A patient collapses in the emergency department. The monitor shows ventricular fibrillation.
After the first defibrillation attempt, what is the immediate next action?
A. Check for a pulse
, B. Administer epinephrine 1 mg IV
C. Resume high-quality CPR immediately
D. Re-analyze the rhythm
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: After defibrillation, CPR should resume immediately without a pulse check to
minimize interruptions in chest compressions.
Question 6
What is the maximum acceptable interruption in chest compressions for rhythm analysis or
defibrillation?
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 seconds
C. 15 seconds
D. 20 seconds
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Interruptions in chest compressions should not exceed 10 seconds to maintain
coronary and cerebral perfusion pressure.
Cardiac Life Support Practice Test — Cardiac Arrest, ECG
Interpretation, Arrhythmias, Airway Management, Resuscitation
Algorithms & Post-Cardiac Arrest Care — 190 Multiple-Choice
Questions with Answers & Detailed Rationales
SECTION 1: HIGH-QUALITY CPR AND BASIC LIFE SUPPORT (Questions 1-30)
Question 1
What is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer performing
CPR on an adult patient?
A. 15:2
B. 30:2
C. 30:1
D. 15:1
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The universal adult CPR ratio is 30 compressions to 2 ventilations for single or
multiple rescuers before advanced airway placement.
Question 2
,A healthcare provider is performing chest compressions on an adult in cardiac arrest. What
is the recommended compression depth according to current guidelines?
A. At least 1.5 inches (4 cm)
B. At least 2 inches (5 cm) but not exceeding 2.4 inches (6 cm)
C. At least 3 inches (7.5 cm)
D. Between 1 and 2 inches (2.5-5 cm)
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Adult compressions should depress the sternum at least 2 inches (5 cm) but
avoid exceeding 2.4 inches (6 cm) to prevent injury.
Question 3
During a resuscitation attempt, the team leader notices that the compressor is becoming
fatigued and compression quality is declining. What is the recommended interval for
switching compressors?
A. Every 5 minutes
B. Every 2 minutes
C. Every 30 seconds
D. Only when the compressor requests relief
,Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Compressors should rotate approximately every 2 minutes or 5 cycles to
prevent fatigue-related decline in compression quality.
Question 4
What is the target chest compression fraction during cardiac arrest resuscitation?
A. At least 50%
B. At least 60%
C. At least 75%
D. 100%
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A chest compression fraction of at least 60% is the minimum target, though
higher fractions correlate with improved outcomes.
Question 5
A patient collapses in the emergency department. The monitor shows ventricular fibrillation.
After the first defibrillation attempt, what is the immediate next action?
A. Check for a pulse
, B. Administer epinephrine 1 mg IV
C. Resume high-quality CPR immediately
D. Re-analyze the rhythm
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: After defibrillation, CPR should resume immediately without a pulse check to
minimize interruptions in chest compressions.
Question 6
What is the maximum acceptable interruption in chest compressions for rhythm analysis or
defibrillation?
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 seconds
C. 15 seconds
D. 20 seconds
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Interruptions in chest compressions should not exceed 10 seconds to maintain
coronary and cerebral perfusion pressure.
