ACLS Certification Exam, Questions
With Correct Answers 2023 Update
Any organized rhythm without a pulse is defined as pulseless electrical activity
... [Show More] (PEA). -
ANS-True
Synchronized cardioversion is appropriate for treating an unknown wide complex
tachycardia. - ANS-True
The aorta is the wall that separates the ventricles of the heart. - ANS-False
The most effective treatment for ventricular fibrillation is defibrillation. - ANS-True
An individual should be cleared-Ñ prior to a shock only when convenient. - ANS-False
PEA and asystole are considered non-shockable rhythms and follow the same ACLS
algorithm. - ANS-True
Transcutaneous pacing should be used on an individual with bradycardia and
inadequate perfusion if atropine is ineffective and the individual is exhibiting severe
symptoms. - ANS-True
Low blood pressure may be an indication of hemodynamic instability. - ANS-True
Urgent defibrillation is essential for survival in the management of acute strokes. - ANSFalse
Fibrinolytic therapy within three hours (in some cases 4.5 hours) of first onset of
symptoms is the standard when treating ischemic stroke. - ANS-True
100% oxygen is acceptable for early intervention but not for extended periods of time. -
ANS-True
In a suspected acute stroke individual, you must always immediately obtain IV access. -
ANS-False
There is never a pulse associated with VF; therefore, you should follow the PEA
algorithm with individuals in VF. - ANS-False
If the AED advises no shock, you should still defibrillate because defibrillation often
restarts the heart with no pulse. - ANS-False
If transcutaneous pacing fails, there are no other options to consider. - ANS-False
Medication is the only treatment for an unstable tachycardic individual. - ANS-False
For an individiual in respiratory arrest with a pulse, how often should they be ventilated?
A) Give two breaths every 8 to 9 seconds, or 13 to 15 breaths per minute.
B) Give one breath every 5 to 6 seconds, or 10 to 12 breaths per minute.
C) Give one breath every 3 to 4 seconds, or 15 to 20 breaths per minute.
D) Give one breath every 8 to 9 seconds, or 6 to 8 breaths per minute. - ANS-B) Give
one breath every 5 to 6 seconds, or 10 to 12 breaths per minute.
Which item is NOT a basic airway skill?
A) Placement of endotracheal tube (ET tube)
B) Bag-mask ventilation
C) Jaw-thrust maneuver without head extension
D) Head-tilt-chin-lift maneuver - ANS-A) Placement of endotracheal tube (ET tube)
Which of the following basic airway adjuncts can be used in a conscious or
semiconscious indivudual (with an intact cough and gag reflex)?
A)Oropharyngeal airway (OPA)
B) Endotracheal tube (ET tube)
C) Nasopharyngeal airway (NPA)
D) Esophageal-tracheal tube (combitube) - ANS-C) Nasopharyngeal airway (NPA)
Blood or secretions in the mouth or upper respiratory tract may threaten the airway.
How can they be removed?
A) Bag-mask ventllation
B) Laryngeal tube
C) None of the above
D) Suctioning - ANS-D) Suctioning
What item is NOT an example of Advanced Airways?
A) Esophageal-tracheal tube (combitube)
B) Oropharyngeal airway (OPA)
C) Endotracheal tube (ET tube) D) Laryngeal mask airway (LMA) - ANS-B)
Oropharyngeal airway (OPA)
The compression-to-ventilation ratio during CPR prior to placement of an advanced
airway is:
A) 15:02
B) 20:01
C) 30:01:00
D) 30:02:00 - ANS-D) 30:02:00
True statements about AED use in special situations include all of the following
EXCEPT:
A) Do not use an AED in water.
B) Leave medication patches in place and place the AED electrode pads directly over
the patch.
C) Do not place the AED electrode pads directly over an implanted defibrillator or
pacemaker.
D) Extra care in placing electrode pads may be needed in individuals with a hairy chest.
- ANS-B) Leave medication patches in place and place the AED electrode pads directly
over the patch.
Antiarrhythmic drugs to consider for persistent VF/pulseless VT include all of the
following EXCEPT:
A) Lidocaine
B) Amiodarone
C) Atropine
D) Magnesium - ANS-INCORRECT: Lidocaine, Magnesium
Bradycardia is defined as any rhythm disorder with a heart rate less than:
A) 50 beats per minute
B) 60 beats per minute
C) 70 beats per minute
D) 40 beats per minute - ANS-B) 60 beats per minute
Symptoms of bradycardia may include:
A) Chest pain
B) Shortness of breath
C) Dizziness
D) All of the above - ANS-D) All of the above
In the absence of immediately reversible causes, what is the first-line drug given for
symptomatic bradycardia?
A) Atropine
B) Metoprolol
C) Nitroglycerine
D) Albuterol - ANS-A) Atropine
What is the first step in the treatment of persistent tachycardia (heart rate > 150 bpm)
causing hypotension, altered mental status, and signs of shock?
A) Defibrillation
B) Obtain a 12-lead ECG
C) Synchronized cardioversion
D) Administer a calcium channel blocker - ANS-INCORRECT: B) Obtain a 12-lead ECG
D) Administer a calcium channel blocker
CORRECT:
If uncertain whether or not an individual is an appropriate candidate for synchronized
cardioversion, the ACLS trained provider should:
A) Seek expert consultation.
B) Provide increased oxygenation.
C) Obtain a coronary CT scan.
D) Defer cardioversion until symptoms become irreversible. - ANS-Seek expert
consultation
Which of the following is true concerning ischemic strokes?
A) They account for 50% of all strokes and are caused by an occlusion of a vein to a
region of the brain.
B) They account for 87% of all strokes and are usually caused by an occlusion of an
artery to a region of the brain.
C) They account for 80% of all strokes and are caused by an occlusion of a vein to a
region of the brain.
D) They account for 13% of all strokes and are caused by an occlusion of an artery to a
region of the brain. - ANS-B) They account for 87% of all strokes and are usually
caused by an occlusion of an artery to a region of the brain.
All of the following are found within the 8 D's of Stroke Care EXCEPT:
A) Delivery
B) Detection
C) Decision
D) Debilitation - ANS-D) Debilitation
Where is the start of the mechanical movement of the heart generally thought to begin?
A) Left atrium
B) Right atrium
C) Left ventricle
D) Right ventricle - ANS-B) Right atrium
You are alone when you encounter an individual in what appears to be cardiac or
respiratory arrest. What are the first three steps you should take to stabilize them?
Check for danger, check for response, and ____________.
A) Insert an advanced airway.
B) Administer an initial shock.
C) Send for help.
D) Start CPR. - ANS-INCORRECT: D) Start CPR.
CORRECT:
You are alone when you encounter an individual in cardiac arrest. They are not
breathing, have no pulse, and have no suspected cervical spine trauma. Which
maneuver should you use to open the airway?
A) Jaw-thrust maneuver
B) Blind finger-sweeps
C) Head-tilt only
D) Head-tilt-chin-lift maneuver - ANS-D) Head-tilt-chin-lift maneuver
According to the 2015 ILCOR update, high-quality CPR is defined as:
A) 100 chest compressions per minute at a depth of at least one inch... [Show Less]