ACLS EXAM A QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. 1. Which of these tests should be performed for a patient with suspected
stroke as soon as possible but no more than 20 minutes after hospital arrival?-
: Noncontrast CT scan of the head
2. 2. Which best describes this rhythm?: Monomorphic ventricular tachycardia
3. 3. Which is an acceptable method of selecting an appropriately sized
oropharyngeal airway?: Measure from the corner of the mouth to the angle of the
mandible
4. You are caring for a patient with a suspected stroke whose symptoms
started 2 hours ago. The CT scan was normal, with no signs of hemorrhage.
The patient does not have any contraindications to fibrinolytic therapy. Which
treatment approach is best for this patient?: Give fibrinolytic therapy as soon as
possible and consider endovascular therapy
5. 5. Which is the recommended next step after a defibrillation attempt?: Re-
sume CPR, starting with chest compressions
6. 6. Which of the following signs is a likely indicator of cardiac arrest in an
unresponsive patient?: Agonal gasps
7. 7. You are evaluating a 58-year-old man with chest discomfort. His blood
pressure is 92/50 mm Hg, his heart rate is 92/min, his nonlabored respiratory
rate is 14 breaths per minute, and his pulse oximetry reading is 97%. Which
assessment step is most important now?: Obtaining a 12-lead ECG
8. 8. During post-cardiac arrest care, which is the recommended duration
of targeted temperature management after reaching the correct temperature
range?: At least 24 hours
9. 9. Which type of atrioventricular block best describes this rhythm?: Sec-
ond-degree atrioventricular block type I
10. 10. Your rescue team arrives to find a 59-year-old man lying on the kitchen
floor. You determine that he is unresponsive. Which is the next step in your
assessment and management of this patient?: Check the patient's breathing and
pulse
11. Use this scenario to answer the next 6 questions:: A 45-year-old man had
coronary artery stents placed 2 days ago. Today, he is in severe distress and is
reporting "crushing" chest discomfort. He is pale, diaphoretic, and cool to the touch.
His radial pulse is very weak, blood pressure is 64/40 mm Hg, respiratory rate is 28
1/6
, breaths per minute, and oxygen saturation is 89% on room air. When applied, the
cardiac monitor initially showed ventricular tachycardia, which then quickly changed
to ventricular fibrillation.
12. 11. On the basis of this patient's initial presentation, which condition do
you suspect led to the cardiac arrest?: Acute coronary syndrome
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1. 1. Which of these tests should be performed for a patient with suspected
stroke as soon as possible but no more than 20 minutes after hospital arrival?-
: Noncontrast CT scan of the head
2. 2. Which best describes this rhythm?: Monomorphic ventricular tachycardia
3. 3. Which is an acceptable method of selecting an appropriately sized
oropharyngeal airway?: Measure from the corner of the mouth to the angle of the
mandible
4. You are caring for a patient with a suspected stroke whose symptoms
started 2 hours ago. The CT scan was normal, with no signs of hemorrhage.
The patient does not have any contraindications to fibrinolytic therapy. Which
treatment approach is best for this patient?: Give fibrinolytic therapy as soon as
possible and consider endovascular therapy
5. 5. Which is the recommended next step after a defibrillation attempt?: Re-
sume CPR, starting with chest compressions
6. 6. Which of the following signs is a likely indicator of cardiac arrest in an
unresponsive patient?: Agonal gasps
7. 7. You are evaluating a 58-year-old man with chest discomfort. His blood
pressure is 92/50 mm Hg, his heart rate is 92/min, his nonlabored respiratory
rate is 14 breaths per minute, and his pulse oximetry reading is 97%. Which
assessment step is most important now?: Obtaining a 12-lead ECG
8. 8. During post-cardiac arrest care, which is the recommended duration
of targeted temperature management after reaching the correct temperature
range?: At least 24 hours
9. 9. Which type of atrioventricular block best describes this rhythm?: Sec-
ond-degree atrioventricular block type I
10. 10. Your rescue team arrives to find a 59-year-old man lying on the kitchen
floor. You determine that he is unresponsive. Which is the next step in your
assessment and management of this patient?: Check the patient's breathing and
pulse
11. Use this scenario to answer the next 6 questions:: A 45-year-old man had
coronary artery stents placed 2 days ago. Today, he is in severe distress and is
reporting "crushing" chest discomfort. He is pale, diaphoretic, and cool to the touch.
His radial pulse is very weak, blood pressure is 64/40 mm Hg, respiratory rate is 28
1/6
, breaths per minute, and oxygen saturation is 89% on room air. When applied, the
cardiac monitor initially showed ventricular tachycardia, which then quickly changed
to ventricular fibrillation.
12. 11. On the basis of this patient's initial presentation, which condition do
you suspect led to the cardiac arrest?: Acute coronary syndrome
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