ACLS PRACTICE TEST QUESTIONS
WITH COMPLETE ANSWERS
Chest compressions for an adult are performed:
a. at a rate between 60-80 compressions
b. at a rate of at least 80 compressions per minute
c. at a rate between 80-100 compressions per minute
d. at a rate between 100-120 compressions per minute - Answer-d. at a rate between
100-120 compressions per minute
The ratio of compressions to breaths in adults is:
a. 15:1
b. 10:2
c. 20:2
d. 30:2 - Answer-d. 30:2
*No matter how many rescuers are available (in adults), the correct ratio is 30 to 2.
An adult patient in respiratory arrest with a pulse is ventilated via bag valve mask:
a. 8-10 times per minute
b. 10-12 times per minute
c. 12-14 times per minute
d. 14-16 times per minute - Answer-b. 10-12 times per minute
*When there is no advanced airway in place, ventilations should be given 10 to 12 times
per minute. This translates to one ventilation every 5 to 6 seconds.
Hypotension following cardiac arrest is NOT treated with:
a. IV calcium infusion
b. IV dopamine infusion
c. IV epinephrine infusion
d. IV ringer's lactate or IV normal saline - Answer-a. IV calcium infusion
*Fluid resuscitation and/or "pressors" like epinephrine and dopamine are used to
maintain blood pressure after cardiac arrest. Hypocalcemia, if present, can be treated
separately but this is not a standard treatment for hypotension.
The leader in team resuscitation must:
a. be able to perform all the skills if needed
b. be certified as a leader
c. be a physician
d. undergo leadership training - Answer-a. be able to perform all the skills if needed
*There is no special training required to be a team leader other than the ability to
perform all facets of the resuscitation, if needed. While the team leader is often a
physician, this is not essential as long as a team member is capable of prescribing
ACLS medications.
WITH COMPLETE ANSWERS
Chest compressions for an adult are performed:
a. at a rate between 60-80 compressions
b. at a rate of at least 80 compressions per minute
c. at a rate between 80-100 compressions per minute
d. at a rate between 100-120 compressions per minute - Answer-d. at a rate between
100-120 compressions per minute
The ratio of compressions to breaths in adults is:
a. 15:1
b. 10:2
c. 20:2
d. 30:2 - Answer-d. 30:2
*No matter how many rescuers are available (in adults), the correct ratio is 30 to 2.
An adult patient in respiratory arrest with a pulse is ventilated via bag valve mask:
a. 8-10 times per minute
b. 10-12 times per minute
c. 12-14 times per minute
d. 14-16 times per minute - Answer-b. 10-12 times per minute
*When there is no advanced airway in place, ventilations should be given 10 to 12 times
per minute. This translates to one ventilation every 5 to 6 seconds.
Hypotension following cardiac arrest is NOT treated with:
a. IV calcium infusion
b. IV dopamine infusion
c. IV epinephrine infusion
d. IV ringer's lactate or IV normal saline - Answer-a. IV calcium infusion
*Fluid resuscitation and/or "pressors" like epinephrine and dopamine are used to
maintain blood pressure after cardiac arrest. Hypocalcemia, if present, can be treated
separately but this is not a standard treatment for hypotension.
The leader in team resuscitation must:
a. be able to perform all the skills if needed
b. be certified as a leader
c. be a physician
d. undergo leadership training - Answer-a. be able to perform all the skills if needed
*There is no special training required to be a team leader other than the ability to
perform all facets of the resuscitation, if needed. While the team leader is often a
physician, this is not essential as long as a team member is capable of prescribing
ACLS medications.
