ADVANCED CARDIAC LIFE SUPPORT (ACLS) ALGORITHMS & INTERVENTIONS PRACTICE EXAM 2026 | VERIFIED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

ADVANCED CARDIAC LIFE SUPPORT ACLS
ALGORITHMS & INTERVENTIONS PRACTICE
EXAM 2026 | VERIFIED QUESTIONS &
ANSWERS
ADVANCED CARDIAC LIFE SUPPORT (ACLS) ALGORITHMS & INTERVENTIONS
PRACTICE EXAM 2026

VERIFIED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | 300 QUESTIONS


Question 1 What is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult CPR
when performed by a single rescuer?

A. 15:2

B. 20:2

C. 30:2

D. 30:1

E. 25:2

✔ CORRECT ANSWER: C. 30:2

RATIONALE: The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends a 30:2
compression-to-ventilation ratio for single-rescuer adult CPR. This ratio maximizes
coronary and cerebral perfusion pressure while minimizing interruptions to chest
compressions.


Question 2 What is the recommended rate of chest compressions during adult CPR?

A. 60–80 compressions per minute
B. 80–100 compressions per minute

C. 90–110 compressions per minute

D. 100–120 compressions per minute

E. 120–140 compressions per minute

✔ CORRECT ANSWER: D. 100–120 compressions per minute

, RATIONALE: The AHA 2020 guidelines recommend a compression rate of 100–
120 per minute. Rates below 100 or above 120 are associated with reduced survival
outcomes due to inadequate perfusion or insufficient cardiac filling time.


Question 3 What is the correct compression depth for adult CPR?

A. 1 inch

B. 1.5 inches

C. 2.5–3 inches

D. 3–4 inches

E. At least 2 inches (5 cm) but no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm)

✔ CORRECT ANSWER: E. At least 2 inches (5 cm) but no more than 2.4 inches (6
cm)

RATIONALE: Adequate depth is critical for generating sufficient perfusion
pressure. Compressions deeper than 2.4 inches may cause injury, while compressions
shallower than 2 inches are ineffective.



Question 4 Which of the following best describes "full chest recoil" in CPR?
A. Pressing down on the chest without releasing

B. Allowing the chest to partially rise between compressions

C. Leaning slightly on the chest between compressions
D. Allowing the chest to fully return to its natural position between compressions


E. Compressing rapidly without pausing

✔ CORRECT ANSWER: D. Allowing the chest to fully return to its natural position
between compressions

RATIONALE: Full chest recoil is essential to allow the heart to refill with blood
between compressions. Leaning on the chest prevents venous return and reduces the
effectiveness of CPR.

,Question 5 What is the maximum acceptable interruption time for chest compressions
during CPR?

A. 5 seconds

B. 7 seconds

C. 10 seconds

D. 15 seconds
E. 20 seconds

✔ CORRECT ANSWER: C. 10 seconds

RATIONALE: The AHA recommends that pauses in chest compressions should
not exceed 10 seconds. Prolonged interruptions significantly reduce coronary perfusion
pressure and decrease survival rates.


Question 6 When performing CPR on an adult, where should the heel of your hand be
placed?

A. On the upper third of the sternum

B. On the xiphoid process

C. On the left side of the chest

D. On the lower third of the sternum

E. On the center of the chest, lower half of the sternum

✔ CORRECT ANSWER: E. On the center of the chest, lower half of the sternum

RATIONALE: Proper hand placement on the lower half of the sternum ensures
effective compression of the heart between the sternum and vertebral column,
maximizing cardiac output.


Question 7 What is the purpose of the "Hands-Only CPR" technique?

A. It is used only for children

B. It replaces all forms of CPR permanently
C. It is used when an AED is unavailable

, D. It applies only to drowning victims

E. It is recommended for bystanders who are untrained or uncomfortable with
rescue breathing

✔ CORRECT ANSWER: E. It is recommended for bystanders who are untrained or
uncomfortable with rescue breathing

RATIONALE: Hands-Only CPR (compression-only CPR) is recommended by the
AHA for untrained bystanders. It maintains perfusion without the complexity of rescue
breathing and is particularly effective in the first few minutes of cardiac arrest.



Question 8 During two-rescuer CPR, when should the compressor role be switched?

A. Every 1 minute

B. Every 3 minutes

C. Every 2 minutes or 5 cycles

D. Every 5 minutes

E. Only when the compressor requests it

✔ CORRECT ANSWER: C. Every 2 minutes or 5 cycles

RATIONALE: Rescuer fatigue leads to shallower compressions and reduced
effectiveness. Switching roles every 2 minutes (5 cycles of 30:2) maintains compression
quality and minimizes CPR interruptions.


Question 9 Which of the following is NOT a shockable rhythm in cardiac arrest?

A. Ventricular fibrillation (VF)

B. Pulseless ventricular tachycardia (pVT)

C. Pulseless electrical activity (PEA)

D. Coarse ventricular fibrillation

E. Ventricular flutter

✔ CORRECT ANSWER: C. Pulseless electrical activity (PEA)