Advanced Cardiovascular
Life Support Exam Version B
(50 questions)
Please do not mark on this exam. Record the best answer on the
separate answer sheet.
1. What should be done to minimize interruptions in chest compressions
during CPR?
A. Perform pulse checks only after defibrillation.
B. Continue CPR while the defibrillator is charging.
C. Administer IV medications only when breaths are given.
D. Continue to use AED even after the arrival of a manual defibrillator.
Answer: B
Rationale: Continuing chest compressions while the defibrillator is charging
minimizes interruptions in chest compressions. High-quality CPR requires
minimizing pauses in chest compressions to maintain coronary and cerebral
perfusion pressure. Pulse checks should be brief (limited to 10 seconds), and
medication administration should not interrupt compressions.
2. Which condition is an indication to stop or withhold resuscitative
efforts?
A. Unwitnessed arrest
B. Safety threat to providers
C. Patient age greater than 85 years
D. No return of spontaneous circulation after 10 minutes of CPR
,Answer: B
Rationale: A safety threat to providers is a valid indication to stop or withhold
resuscitative efforts. Provider safety is always the priority. The other options
are not sole criteria for terminating resuscitation; decisions to stop efforts
should be based on multiple factors including arrest setting, initial rhythm,
response to interventions, and local protocols.
3. After verifying the absence of a pulse, you initiate CPR with adequate
bag-mask ventilation. The patient's lead II ECG appears below. What is
your next action?
A. IV or IO access
B. Endotracheal tube placement
C. Consultation with cardiology for possible PCI
D. Application of a transcutaneous pacemaker
Answer: A
Rationale: After initiating CPR, the next priority is establishing vascular access
(IV or IO) to administer medications. This allows for delivery of epinephrine and
antiarrhythmics as indicated by the cardiac arrest algorithm. Advanced airway
placement may be considered but should not delay defibrillation or medication
administration.
, 4. After verifying unresponsiveness and abnormal breathing, you activate
the emergency response team. What is your next action?
A. Retrieve an AED.
B. Check for a pulse.
C. Deliver 2 rescue breaths.
D. Administer a precordial thump.
Answer: B
Rationale: According to the BLS Survey, after determining unresponsiveness
and abnormal breathing and activating emergency response, the next step is to
check for a pulse for no more than 10 seconds. This determines whether the
patient requires CPR or rescue breathing alone.
5. What is the recommendation on the use of cricoid pressure to prevent
aspiration during cardiac arrest?
A. Not recommended for routine use
B. Recommended during every resuscitation attempt
C. Recommended when the patient is vomiting
D. Recommended only for supraglottic airway insertion
Answer: A
Rationale: Cricoid pressure is not recommended for routine use during
cardiac arrest. It may impede ventilation, delay advanced airway placement,
and can cause airway obstruction. Evidence does not support its routine use,
and it may be harmful.
Life Support Exam Version B
(50 questions)
Please do not mark on this exam. Record the best answer on the
separate answer sheet.
1. What should be done to minimize interruptions in chest compressions
during CPR?
A. Perform pulse checks only after defibrillation.
B. Continue CPR while the defibrillator is charging.
C. Administer IV medications only when breaths are given.
D. Continue to use AED even after the arrival of a manual defibrillator.
Answer: B
Rationale: Continuing chest compressions while the defibrillator is charging
minimizes interruptions in chest compressions. High-quality CPR requires
minimizing pauses in chest compressions to maintain coronary and cerebral
perfusion pressure. Pulse checks should be brief (limited to 10 seconds), and
medication administration should not interrupt compressions.
2. Which condition is an indication to stop or withhold resuscitative
efforts?
A. Unwitnessed arrest
B. Safety threat to providers
C. Patient age greater than 85 years
D. No return of spontaneous circulation after 10 minutes of CPR
,Answer: B
Rationale: A safety threat to providers is a valid indication to stop or withhold
resuscitative efforts. Provider safety is always the priority. The other options
are not sole criteria for terminating resuscitation; decisions to stop efforts
should be based on multiple factors including arrest setting, initial rhythm,
response to interventions, and local protocols.
3. After verifying the absence of a pulse, you initiate CPR with adequate
bag-mask ventilation. The patient's lead II ECG appears below. What is
your next action?
A. IV or IO access
B. Endotracheal tube placement
C. Consultation with cardiology for possible PCI
D. Application of a transcutaneous pacemaker
Answer: A
Rationale: After initiating CPR, the next priority is establishing vascular access
(IV or IO) to administer medications. This allows for delivery of epinephrine and
antiarrhythmics as indicated by the cardiac arrest algorithm. Advanced airway
placement may be considered but should not delay defibrillation or medication
administration.
, 4. After verifying unresponsiveness and abnormal breathing, you activate
the emergency response team. What is your next action?
A. Retrieve an AED.
B. Check for a pulse.
C. Deliver 2 rescue breaths.
D. Administer a precordial thump.
Answer: B
Rationale: According to the BLS Survey, after determining unresponsiveness
and abnormal breathing and activating emergency response, the next step is to
check for a pulse for no more than 10 seconds. This determines whether the
patient requires CPR or rescue breathing alone.
5. What is the recommendation on the use of cricoid pressure to prevent
aspiration during cardiac arrest?
A. Not recommended for routine use
B. Recommended during every resuscitation attempt
C. Recommended when the patient is vomiting
D. Recommended only for supraglottic airway insertion
Answer: A
Rationale: Cricoid pressure is not recommended for routine use during
cardiac arrest. It may impede ventilation, delay advanced airway placement,
and can cause airway obstruction. Evidence does not support its routine use,
and it may be harmful.
