California ACLS Certification Practice
Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the first drug of choice for ventricular fibrillation (VF) or
pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT)?
A. Amiodarone
B. Epinephrine
C. Lidocaine
D. Atropine
Epinephrine increases myocardial blood flow and helps improve the
chances of successful defibrillation.
2. What is the recommended dose of epinephrine for adult cardiac
arrest?
A. 0.5 mg IV every 3–5 minutes
B. 10 mg IV every 10 minutes
C. 1 mg IV every 3–5 minutes
D. 2 mg IV every 1 minute
The correct dose is 1 mg IV/IO every 3–5 minutes during cardiac
arrest.
,3. Which rhythm requires immediate defibrillation?
A. Asystole
B. PEA
C. Ventricular fibrillation
D. Sinus bradycardia
Ventricular fibrillation is a shockable rhythm and requires immediate
defibrillation.
4. What is the preferred method of confirming endotracheal tube
placement?
A. Chest auscultation
B. Continuous waveform capnography
C. Chest rise observation
D. X-ray
Capnography is the most reliable method to confirm and monitor ET
tube placement.
5. Which medication is used in ACLS for refractory VF/pulseless VT after
epinephrine and defibrillation?
A. Atropine
B. Amiodarone
C. Magnesium sulfate
D. Adenosine
Amiodarone is given after defibrillation and epinephrine in refractory
VF/pulseless VT.
6. What is the initial shock energy dose for biphasic defibrillation of VF?
A. 50 J
B. 120–200 J
C. 360 J
D. 400 J
Biphasic defibrillators typically use 120–200 joules for the first shock.
, 7. Which is the most appropriate next step after finding a patient in
asystole?
A. Immediate defibrillation
B. Start high-quality CPR
C. Administer amiodarone
D. Deliver synchronized cardioversion
Asystole is a non-shockable rhythm; CPR and epinephrine are the
priorities.
8. What drug is indicated for symptomatic bradycardia?
A. Amiodarone
B. Atropine
C. Lidocaine
D. Magnesium sulfate
Atropine is the first-line treatment for symptomatic bradycardia.
9. What is the maximum total dose of atropine for bradycardia?
A. 1 mg
B. 3 mg
C. 5 mg
D. 0.5 mg
The total cumulative dose of atropine should not exceed 3 mg.
10. A 2nd degree Mobitz type II block with hypotension is observed.
What is the next step?
A. Give adenosine
B. Administer atropine
C. Prepare for transcutaneous pacing
D. Monitor only
Mobitz II can progress to complete heart block. Transcutaneous
pacing is recommended.
Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the first drug of choice for ventricular fibrillation (VF) or
pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT)?
A. Amiodarone
B. Epinephrine
C. Lidocaine
D. Atropine
Epinephrine increases myocardial blood flow and helps improve the
chances of successful defibrillation.
2. What is the recommended dose of epinephrine for adult cardiac
arrest?
A. 0.5 mg IV every 3–5 minutes
B. 10 mg IV every 10 minutes
C. 1 mg IV every 3–5 minutes
D. 2 mg IV every 1 minute
The correct dose is 1 mg IV/IO every 3–5 minutes during cardiac
arrest.
,3. Which rhythm requires immediate defibrillation?
A. Asystole
B. PEA
C. Ventricular fibrillation
D. Sinus bradycardia
Ventricular fibrillation is a shockable rhythm and requires immediate
defibrillation.
4. What is the preferred method of confirming endotracheal tube
placement?
A. Chest auscultation
B. Continuous waveform capnography
C. Chest rise observation
D. X-ray
Capnography is the most reliable method to confirm and monitor ET
tube placement.
5. Which medication is used in ACLS for refractory VF/pulseless VT after
epinephrine and defibrillation?
A. Atropine
B. Amiodarone
C. Magnesium sulfate
D. Adenosine
Amiodarone is given after defibrillation and epinephrine in refractory
VF/pulseless VT.
6. What is the initial shock energy dose for biphasic defibrillation of VF?
A. 50 J
B. 120–200 J
C. 360 J
D. 400 J
Biphasic defibrillators typically use 120–200 joules for the first shock.
, 7. Which is the most appropriate next step after finding a patient in
asystole?
A. Immediate defibrillation
B. Start high-quality CPR
C. Administer amiodarone
D. Deliver synchronized cardioversion
Asystole is a non-shockable rhythm; CPR and epinephrine are the
priorities.
8. What drug is indicated for symptomatic bradycardia?
A. Amiodarone
B. Atropine
C. Lidocaine
D. Magnesium sulfate
Atropine is the first-line treatment for symptomatic bradycardia.
9. What is the maximum total dose of atropine for bradycardia?
A. 1 mg
B. 3 mg
C. 5 mg
D. 0.5 mg
The total cumulative dose of atropine should not exceed 3 mg.
10. A 2nd degree Mobitz type II block with hypotension is observed.
What is the next step?
A. Give adenosine
B. Administer atropine
C. Prepare for transcutaneous pacing
D. Monitor only
Mobitz II can progress to complete heart block. Transcutaneous
pacing is recommended.
