ALS PRETEST QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH VERIFIED SOLUTIONS | LATEST UPDATE 2026
Core Domains
High-Quality BLS and Cardiac Arrest Management
Rhythm Recognition and Electrical Therapy
ACLS Pharmacology
Airway Management and Ventilation
Bradycardia and Tachycardia Algorithms
Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS)
Acute Ischemic Stroke
Post-Cardiac Arrest Care
Team Dynamics and Resuscitation Systems
Introduction
This comprehensive pretest assesses the advanced life support knowledge required for effective
resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care. It evaluates rhythm interpretation,
pharmacological interventions, airway management, electrical therapy, and team-based decision-
,making. The multiple-choice and scenario-based format emphasizes real-world clinical
application, rapid recognition of life-threatening conditions, and adherence to current resuscitation
guidelines. Questions are designed to reflect the rigor of professional certification examinations
and to prepare candidates for safe, competent practice in advanced cardiac life support.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A patient in cardiac arrest has a monitor showing pulseless ventricular tachycardia. What is the
most appropriate immediate action?
A. Start CPR and give epinephrine
B. Defibrillate immediately, then resume CPR immediately
C. Give amiodarone only
D. Observe and continue monitoring
🟢 B. Defibrillate immediately, then resume CPR immediately
🔴 RATIONALE: Pulseless ventricular tachycardia is a shockable rhythm. Immediate defibrillation
followed at once by resumption of chest compressions is the priority, because every minute of
delay reduces survival.
Question 2
,What compression-to-ventilation ratio is recommended for a single rescuer performing CPR on
an adult?
A. 15:2
B. 30:2
C. 5:1
D. 100:2
🟢 B. 30:2
🔴 RATIONALE: Current ACLS guidelines recommend a compression-to-ventilation ratio of 30:2
for adults when an advanced airway is not in place.
Question 3
What is the recommended compression depth for an adult during CPR?
A. At least 1.5 inches (4 cm)
B. At least 2 inches (5 cm) but not more than 2.4 inches (6 cm)
C. At least 2.5 inches (6.4 cm)
D. At least 3 inches (7.6 cm)
🟢 B. At least 2 inches (5 cm) but not more than 2.4 inches (6 cm)
🔴 RATIONALE: The recommended compression depth for adults is at least 2 inches (5 cm) and
should not exceed 2.4 inches (6 cm) to ensure adequate cardiac output while minimizing injury.
, Question 4
What is the recommended chest compression rate for an adult during CPR?
A. 60–80 compressions per minute
B. 80–100 compressions per minute
C. 100–120 compressions per minute
D. 120–140 compressions per minute
🟢 C. 100–120 compressions per minute
🔴 RATIONALE: High-quality chest compressions should be delivered at a rate of 100–120 per
minute to optimize coronary perfusion pressure and cardiac output.
Question 5
How often should chest compression providers switch roles during a cardiac arrest
resuscitation?
A. Every 30 seconds
B. Every 2 minutes (or after every 5 cycles of CPR)
C. Every 5 minutes
D. Only when the compressor states they are fatigued
🟢 B. Every 2 minutes (or after every 5 cycles of CPR)
Core Domains
High-Quality BLS and Cardiac Arrest Management
Rhythm Recognition and Electrical Therapy
ACLS Pharmacology
Airway Management and Ventilation
Bradycardia and Tachycardia Algorithms
Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS)
Acute Ischemic Stroke
Post-Cardiac Arrest Care
Team Dynamics and Resuscitation Systems
Introduction
This comprehensive pretest assesses the advanced life support knowledge required for effective
resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care. It evaluates rhythm interpretation,
pharmacological interventions, airway management, electrical therapy, and team-based decision-
,making. The multiple-choice and scenario-based format emphasizes real-world clinical
application, rapid recognition of life-threatening conditions, and adherence to current resuscitation
guidelines. Questions are designed to reflect the rigor of professional certification examinations
and to prepare candidates for safe, competent practice in advanced cardiac life support.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A patient in cardiac arrest has a monitor showing pulseless ventricular tachycardia. What is the
most appropriate immediate action?
A. Start CPR and give epinephrine
B. Defibrillate immediately, then resume CPR immediately
C. Give amiodarone only
D. Observe and continue monitoring
🟢 B. Defibrillate immediately, then resume CPR immediately
🔴 RATIONALE: Pulseless ventricular tachycardia is a shockable rhythm. Immediate defibrillation
followed at once by resumption of chest compressions is the priority, because every minute of
delay reduces survival.
Question 2
,What compression-to-ventilation ratio is recommended for a single rescuer performing CPR on
an adult?
A. 15:2
B. 30:2
C. 5:1
D. 100:2
🟢 B. 30:2
🔴 RATIONALE: Current ACLS guidelines recommend a compression-to-ventilation ratio of 30:2
for adults when an advanced airway is not in place.
Question 3
What is the recommended compression depth for an adult during CPR?
A. At least 1.5 inches (4 cm)
B. At least 2 inches (5 cm) but not more than 2.4 inches (6 cm)
C. At least 2.5 inches (6.4 cm)
D. At least 3 inches (7.6 cm)
🟢 B. At least 2 inches (5 cm) but not more than 2.4 inches (6 cm)
🔴 RATIONALE: The recommended compression depth for adults is at least 2 inches (5 cm) and
should not exceed 2.4 inches (6 cm) to ensure adequate cardiac output while minimizing injury.
, Question 4
What is the recommended chest compression rate for an adult during CPR?
A. 60–80 compressions per minute
B. 80–100 compressions per minute
C. 100–120 compressions per minute
D. 120–140 compressions per minute
🟢 C. 100–120 compressions per minute
🔴 RATIONALE: High-quality chest compressions should be delivered at a rate of 100–120 per
minute to optimize coronary perfusion pressure and cardiac output.
Question 5
How often should chest compression providers switch roles during a cardiac arrest
resuscitation?
A. Every 30 seconds
B. Every 2 minutes (or after every 5 cycles of CPR)
C. Every 5 minutes
D. Only when the compressor states they are fatigued
🟢 B. Every 2 minutes (or after every 5 cycles of CPR)
