AHA ACLS Final Exam Prep | Latest Update 2026/2027 |
200 Practice Questions & Detailed Answers | Verified
Answers with Rationales | Most Comprehensive A+
Graded
1. What is the recommended compressiontoventilation ratio for a single rescuer performing CPR on an
adult victim?
A) 15:1
B) 30:2
C) 30:1
D) 50:2
Answer: B
Rationale: The AHA recommends a 30:2 ratio for singlerescuer adult CPR. This maximizes compressions
per minute while providing adequate ventilation. The same 30:2 ratio applies when two or more
rescuers are present for adults without an advanced airway .
2. What is the correct depth of chest compressions for an adult during CPR?
A) At least 1 inch (2.5 cm)
B) At least 1.5 inches (3.8 cm)
C) At least 2 inches (5 cm) but not greater than 2.4 inches (6 cm)
D) At least 3 inches (7.5 cm)
Answer: C
,Rationale: Adult compressions should be at least 2 inches (5 cm) but not exceed 2.4 inches (6 cm).
Shallower compressions are ineffective; deeper compressions increase injury risk without perfusion
benefit .
3. What is the recommended rate of chest compressions during adult CPR?
A) 60 to 80 per minute
B) 80 to 100 per minute
C) 100 to 120 per minute
D) 120 to 140 per minute
Answer: C
Rationale: The AHA specifies 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Rates below 100 may not generate
adequate perfusion; rates above 120 compromise chest recoil and reduce cardiac output .
4. Which of the following is the MOST important indicator of highquality CPR?
A) Giving ventilations at the correct interval
B) Minimizing interruptions in chest compressions
C) Placing the hands in the correct position on the chest
D) Using the correct compressiontoventilation ratio
Answer: B
Rationale: Minimizing interruptions is critical. The AHA emphasizes maximizing chest compression
fraction (CCF), with preshock and postshock pauses kept to less than 10 seconds whenever possible .
,5. After initiating CPR, when should the first rhythm analysis be performed?
A) After 1 minute of CPR
B) After 2 minutes of CPR
C) After 5 cycles of CPR (about 2 minutes)
D) Immediately after the first ventilation
Answer: C
Rationale: The first rhythm analysis occurs after 5 cycles of CPR (approximately 2 minutes). Each cycle
consists of 30 compressions and 2 ventilations .
6. What is the proper hand placement for chest compressions on an adult?
A) Over the xiphoid process
B) Over the lower half of the sternum
C) Over the upper half of the sternum
D) Over the left side of the chest
Answer: B
Rationale: The heel of one hand is placed on the lower half of the sternum, with the second hand on
top. This position compresses the heart between the sternum and spine .
7. When should rescue breathing be provided during CPR for an adult without an advanced airway?
, A) Continuously without pausing compressions
B) After every 30 compressions (2 breaths)
C) After every 15 compressions (2 breaths)
D) Only after 2 minutes of continuous compressions
Answer: B
Rationale: For adults without an advanced airway, the ratio is 30 compressions to 2 ventilations. Each
breath should be given over about 1 second, watching for chest rise .
8. What is the maximum allowable interruption in chest compressions for rhythm analysis or shock
delivery?
A) Less than 5 seconds
B) Less than 10 seconds
C) Less than 20 seconds
D) Less than 30 seconds
Answer: B
Rationale: Interruptions should be minimized to less than 10 seconds. Longer pauses reduce coronary
perfusion pressure and decrease the likelihood of successful defibrillation .
9. Which of the following is a component of highquality CPR?
A) Allowing full chest recoil between compressions
B) Leaning on the chest between compressions
200 Practice Questions & Detailed Answers | Verified
Answers with Rationales | Most Comprehensive A+
Graded
1. What is the recommended compressiontoventilation ratio for a single rescuer performing CPR on an
adult victim?
A) 15:1
B) 30:2
C) 30:1
D) 50:2
Answer: B
Rationale: The AHA recommends a 30:2 ratio for singlerescuer adult CPR. This maximizes compressions
per minute while providing adequate ventilation. The same 30:2 ratio applies when two or more
rescuers are present for adults without an advanced airway .
2. What is the correct depth of chest compressions for an adult during CPR?
A) At least 1 inch (2.5 cm)
B) At least 1.5 inches (3.8 cm)
C) At least 2 inches (5 cm) but not greater than 2.4 inches (6 cm)
D) At least 3 inches (7.5 cm)
Answer: C
,Rationale: Adult compressions should be at least 2 inches (5 cm) but not exceed 2.4 inches (6 cm).
Shallower compressions are ineffective; deeper compressions increase injury risk without perfusion
benefit .
3. What is the recommended rate of chest compressions during adult CPR?
A) 60 to 80 per minute
B) 80 to 100 per minute
C) 100 to 120 per minute
D) 120 to 140 per minute
Answer: C
Rationale: The AHA specifies 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Rates below 100 may not generate
adequate perfusion; rates above 120 compromise chest recoil and reduce cardiac output .
4. Which of the following is the MOST important indicator of highquality CPR?
A) Giving ventilations at the correct interval
B) Minimizing interruptions in chest compressions
C) Placing the hands in the correct position on the chest
D) Using the correct compressiontoventilation ratio
Answer: B
Rationale: Minimizing interruptions is critical. The AHA emphasizes maximizing chest compression
fraction (CCF), with preshock and postshock pauses kept to less than 10 seconds whenever possible .
,5. After initiating CPR, when should the first rhythm analysis be performed?
A) After 1 minute of CPR
B) After 2 minutes of CPR
C) After 5 cycles of CPR (about 2 minutes)
D) Immediately after the first ventilation
Answer: C
Rationale: The first rhythm analysis occurs after 5 cycles of CPR (approximately 2 minutes). Each cycle
consists of 30 compressions and 2 ventilations .
6. What is the proper hand placement for chest compressions on an adult?
A) Over the xiphoid process
B) Over the lower half of the sternum
C) Over the upper half of the sternum
D) Over the left side of the chest
Answer: B
Rationale: The heel of one hand is placed on the lower half of the sternum, with the second hand on
top. This position compresses the heart between the sternum and spine .
7. When should rescue breathing be provided during CPR for an adult without an advanced airway?
, A) Continuously without pausing compressions
B) After every 30 compressions (2 breaths)
C) After every 15 compressions (2 breaths)
D) Only after 2 minutes of continuous compressions
Answer: B
Rationale: For adults without an advanced airway, the ratio is 30 compressions to 2 ventilations. Each
breath should be given over about 1 second, watching for chest rise .
8. What is the maximum allowable interruption in chest compressions for rhythm analysis or shock
delivery?
A) Less than 5 seconds
B) Less than 10 seconds
C) Less than 20 seconds
D) Less than 30 seconds
Answer: B
Rationale: Interruptions should be minimized to less than 10 seconds. Longer pauses reduce coronary
perfusion pressure and decrease the likelihood of successful defibrillation .
9. Which of the following is a component of highquality CPR?
A) Allowing full chest recoil between compressions
B) Leaning on the chest between compressions
