ACLS EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
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?
A. 12-lead ECG
B. Cardiac enzymes
C. Coagulation studies
D. Non-contrast CT scan of the head
Answer D
2. Which is an acceptable method of selecting an appropriately
sized oropharyngeal airway?
A. Measure from the corner of the mouth to the angle of the
mandible
B. Measure from the thyroid cartilage to the bottom of the earlobe
C. Estimate by using the formula weight (KG)/8 + 2
D. Estimate by using the size of the patient's finger
Answer A
3. 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?
A. Hold fibrinolytic therapy for 24 hours
B. Start fibrinolytic therapy as soon as possible
C. Order an echocardiogram before fibrinolytic administration
D. Wait for the results of the MRI
Answer B
4. Which is the recommended next step after a defibrillation attempt
A. Check the ECG for evidence of a rhythm
B. Open the patient's airway
C. Determine if a carotid pulse is present
D. Resume CPR, starting with chest compressions
Answer D
5. Which of the following signs is a likely indicator of cardiac arrest
in an unresponsive patient?
A. Slow, weak pulse rate
B. Cyanosis
C. Agonal gasps
, D. Irregular, weak pulse rate
Answer C
6. You are evaluating a 58-year-old man with chest discomfort. His
blood pres- sure is 92/50 mm Hg, his heart rate is 92/min, his
nonlabored respiratory rate is 14 breaths/min, and his pulse oximetry
reading is 97%. Which assessment step is the most important now?
A. Evaluating the PETCO2 reading
B. Requesting a chest x-ray
C. Obtaining a 12-lead ECG
D. Requesting laboratory testing
Answer C
7. During post-cardiac arrest care, which is the recommended
duration of targeted temperature management after reaching
the correct temperature range?
A. 0 to 8 hours
B. At least 24 hours
C. At least 36 hours
D. At least 48 hours
Answer B
8. Your rescue team arrives to find a 59-year-old man lying on the
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?
A. 12-lead ECG
B. Cardiac enzymes
C. Coagulation studies
D. Non-contrast CT scan of the head
Answer D
2. Which is an acceptable method of selecting an appropriately
sized oropharyngeal airway?
A. Measure from the corner of the mouth to the angle of the
mandible
B. Measure from the thyroid cartilage to the bottom of the earlobe
C. Estimate by using the formula weight (KG)/8 + 2
D. Estimate by using the size of the patient's finger
Answer A
3. 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?
A. Hold fibrinolytic therapy for 24 hours
B. Start fibrinolytic therapy as soon as possible
C. Order an echocardiogram before fibrinolytic administration
D. Wait for the results of the MRI
Answer B
4. Which is the recommended next step after a defibrillation attempt
A. Check the ECG for evidence of a rhythm
B. Open the patient's airway
C. Determine if a carotid pulse is present
D. Resume CPR, starting with chest compressions
Answer D
5. Which of the following signs is a likely indicator of cardiac arrest
in an unresponsive patient?
A. Slow, weak pulse rate
B. Cyanosis
C. Agonal gasps
, D. Irregular, weak pulse rate
Answer C
6. You are evaluating a 58-year-old man with chest discomfort. His
blood pres- sure is 92/50 mm Hg, his heart rate is 92/min, his
nonlabored respiratory rate is 14 breaths/min, and his pulse oximetry
reading is 97%. Which assessment step is the most important now?
A. Evaluating the PETCO2 reading
B. Requesting a chest x-ray
C. Obtaining a 12-lead ECG
D. Requesting laboratory testing
Answer C
7. During post-cardiac arrest care, which is the recommended
duration of targeted temperature management after reaching
the correct temperature range?
A. 0 to 8 hours
B. At least 24 hours
C. At least 36 hours
D. At least 48 hours
Answer B
8. Your rescue team arrives to find a 59-year-old man lying on the
