RQI ACLS HEALTHCARE PROVIDER EXAM – AMERICAN
HEART ASSOCIATION | 2025 QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
ANSWERS.
DOMAIN 1: BLS & HIGH-QUALITY CPR FUNDAMENTALS (Questions 1-10)
Q1. What is the correct order of steps in the In-Hospital Chain of Survival for adults?
A. High-Quality CPR → Defibrillation → Early Recognition → Post-Cardiac Arrest Care
B. Early Recognition and Prevention → Activation of Emergency Response → High-Quality CPR
→ Defibrillation → Post-Cardiac Arrest Care → Recovery [CORRECT]
C. Activation of Emergency Response → Defibrillation → High-Quality CPR → Post-Cardiac Arrest
Care
D. Early Recognition → Post-Cardiac Arrest Care → Defibrillation → Recovery
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The 2025 AHA In-Hospital Chain of Survival emphasizes early recognition and
prevention as the first link, followed by activation, high-quality CPR, defibrillation, post-cardiac
arrest care, and recovery. This systematic approach improves outcomes for in-hospital cardiac
arrest patients.
Q2. When performing a pulse check on an unresponsive adult victim, what is the correct
technique and time limit?
A. Palpate the radial pulse for up to 15 seconds
B. Palpate the carotid pulse for at least 5 but no more than 10 seconds [CORRECT]
C. Palpate the femoral pulse for exactly 5 seconds
D. Palpate the brachial pulse for up to 20 seconds
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: According to AHA BLS guidelines, rescuers should feel for the carotid pulse in the
groove to the side of the trachea using 2-3 fingers, assessing for at least 5 but no more than 10
seconds. This minimizes interruptions in chest compressions while ensuring accurate
assessment.
Q3. Which of the following statements about high-quality chest compressions is correct?
,A. Compression rate should be 80-100 compressions per minute
B. Compression depth should be at least 1.5 inches but no more than 2 inches
C. Allow complete chest recoil between compressions and minimize interruptions [CORRECT]
D. Rotate compressors every 5 minutes to prevent fatigue
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The 2025 AHA Guidelines specify a compression rate of 100-120/min, depth of 2-2.4
inches (5-6 cm), and emphasize allowing complete chest recoil while minimizing interruptions.
Compressor rotation should occur every 2 minutes or sooner if fatigued.
Q4. When using a bag-mask device for ventilation during CPR, what is the correct technique?
A. Deliver 2 breaths over 2 seconds each, with visible chest rise
B. Deliver 1 breath over 1 second with visible chest rise [CORRECT]
C. Deliver breaths continuously during compressions
D. Deliver 3 breaths over 3 seconds every 30 compressions
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: AHA guidelines recommend delivering each breath over 1 second with just enough
volume to produce visible chest rise. Excessive ventilation increases intrathoracic pressure,
reducing venous return and cardiac output.
Q5. A patient is found unresponsive in a hospital room. The monitor shows ventricular
fibrillation. An AED is available. What is the correct sequence of actions?
A. Check pulse for 15 seconds → Give 2 minutes of CPR → Shock
B. Turn on AED → Attach pads → Analyze rhythm → Shock if advised → Resume CPR
immediately [CORRECT]
C. Give 2 minutes of CPR → Check pulse → Shock → Resume compressions
D. Attach AED pads → Check pulse → Analyze rhythm → Shock → Wait 1 minute before
resuming CPR
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: For witnessed collapse with VF, the AED should be activated immediately, pads
attached, rhythm analyzed, and shock delivered if advised. CPR should resume immediately
after shock delivery without checking pulse, per the 2025 AHA ACLS algorithm.
,Q6. In a high-performance team resuscitation, which role is responsible for delivering high-
quality chest compressions?
A. Team Leader
B. Airway Manager
C. Compressor/CPR Provider [CORRECT]
D. Medication Administrator
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Compressor/CPR Provider focuses solely on delivering high-quality chest
compressions at the proper rate and depth, allowing full chest recoil. This dedicated role is
essential for maintaining perfusion during resuscitation.
Q7. When performing bag-mask ventilation with an advanced airway in place during CPR, what
is the recommended ventilation rate?
A. 6-8 breaths per minute
B. 10 breaths per minute (1 breath every 6 seconds) [CORRECT]
C. 12-15 breaths per minute
D. 20 breaths per minute
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: With an advanced airway (ET tube, SGA), deliver 1 breath every 6 seconds (10
breaths/min) without pausing compressions. This avoids hyperventilation while maintaining
adequate oxygenation and minimizing interruptions in perfusion.
Q8. Which of the following indicates adequate chest compression depth during CPR?
A. Compression depth of 1.5-2 inches
B. Compression depth of 2-2.4 inches (5-6 cm) [CORRECT]
C. Compression depth of at least 3 inches
D. Depth sufficient to generate a palpable pulse
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The 2025 AHA Guidelines specify a compression depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm) but
no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm) for adults. This depth optimizes cardiac output while minimizing
risk of injury.
, Q9. During single-rescuer CPR, what is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for an adult?
A. 15 compressions to 2 breaths
B. 30 compressions to 2 breaths [CORRECT]
C. 15 compressions to 1 breath
D. Continuous compressions with no breaths
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The 30:2 ratio is used for single-rescuer adult CPR to minimize interruptions in
compressions while providing adequate ventilation. This ratio changes to continuous
compressions with asynchronous breaths once an advanced airway is placed.
Q10. Before approaching an unresponsive patient, what is the first action the rescuer should
take?
A. Check for a pulse
B. Begin chest compressions immediately
C. Ensure scene safety [CORRECT]
D. Call for the code team
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Scene safety is always the first priority before approaching any patient. The rescuer
must ensure there is no danger to themselves or the team before initiating assessment or
intervention.
DOMAIN 2: ACS & ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION MANAGEMENT (Questions 11-25)
Q11. Within the first 10 minutes, on the basis of the patient showing symptoms suggestive of
myocardial ischemia, what will your first actions include (if not completed by EMS before
arrival)? Select all that apply.
A. Obtain a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) [CORRECT]
B. Administer a blood thinner
C. Administer aspirin and establish IV access [CORRECT]
D. Activate the ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) team [CORRECT]
E. If SpO2 is less than 90%, start oxygen [CORRECT]
F. Assess airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs) [CORRECT]
G. Administer epinephrine 1 mg IV
H. Consider nitroglycerin, morphine and a P2Y12 inhibitor [CORRECT]
HEART ASSOCIATION | 2025 QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
ANSWERS.
DOMAIN 1: BLS & HIGH-QUALITY CPR FUNDAMENTALS (Questions 1-10)
Q1. What is the correct order of steps in the In-Hospital Chain of Survival for adults?
A. High-Quality CPR → Defibrillation → Early Recognition → Post-Cardiac Arrest Care
B. Early Recognition and Prevention → Activation of Emergency Response → High-Quality CPR
→ Defibrillation → Post-Cardiac Arrest Care → Recovery [CORRECT]
C. Activation of Emergency Response → Defibrillation → High-Quality CPR → Post-Cardiac Arrest
Care
D. Early Recognition → Post-Cardiac Arrest Care → Defibrillation → Recovery
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The 2025 AHA In-Hospital Chain of Survival emphasizes early recognition and
prevention as the first link, followed by activation, high-quality CPR, defibrillation, post-cardiac
arrest care, and recovery. This systematic approach improves outcomes for in-hospital cardiac
arrest patients.
Q2. When performing a pulse check on an unresponsive adult victim, what is the correct
technique and time limit?
A. Palpate the radial pulse for up to 15 seconds
B. Palpate the carotid pulse for at least 5 but no more than 10 seconds [CORRECT]
C. Palpate the femoral pulse for exactly 5 seconds
D. Palpate the brachial pulse for up to 20 seconds
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: According to AHA BLS guidelines, rescuers should feel for the carotid pulse in the
groove to the side of the trachea using 2-3 fingers, assessing for at least 5 but no more than 10
seconds. This minimizes interruptions in chest compressions while ensuring accurate
assessment.
Q3. Which of the following statements about high-quality chest compressions is correct?
,A. Compression rate should be 80-100 compressions per minute
B. Compression depth should be at least 1.5 inches but no more than 2 inches
C. Allow complete chest recoil between compressions and minimize interruptions [CORRECT]
D. Rotate compressors every 5 minutes to prevent fatigue
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The 2025 AHA Guidelines specify a compression rate of 100-120/min, depth of 2-2.4
inches (5-6 cm), and emphasize allowing complete chest recoil while minimizing interruptions.
Compressor rotation should occur every 2 minutes or sooner if fatigued.
Q4. When using a bag-mask device for ventilation during CPR, what is the correct technique?
A. Deliver 2 breaths over 2 seconds each, with visible chest rise
B. Deliver 1 breath over 1 second with visible chest rise [CORRECT]
C. Deliver breaths continuously during compressions
D. Deliver 3 breaths over 3 seconds every 30 compressions
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: AHA guidelines recommend delivering each breath over 1 second with just enough
volume to produce visible chest rise. Excessive ventilation increases intrathoracic pressure,
reducing venous return and cardiac output.
Q5. A patient is found unresponsive in a hospital room. The monitor shows ventricular
fibrillation. An AED is available. What is the correct sequence of actions?
A. Check pulse for 15 seconds → Give 2 minutes of CPR → Shock
B. Turn on AED → Attach pads → Analyze rhythm → Shock if advised → Resume CPR
immediately [CORRECT]
C. Give 2 minutes of CPR → Check pulse → Shock → Resume compressions
D. Attach AED pads → Check pulse → Analyze rhythm → Shock → Wait 1 minute before
resuming CPR
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: For witnessed collapse with VF, the AED should be activated immediately, pads
attached, rhythm analyzed, and shock delivered if advised. CPR should resume immediately
after shock delivery without checking pulse, per the 2025 AHA ACLS algorithm.
,Q6. In a high-performance team resuscitation, which role is responsible for delivering high-
quality chest compressions?
A. Team Leader
B. Airway Manager
C. Compressor/CPR Provider [CORRECT]
D. Medication Administrator
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Compressor/CPR Provider focuses solely on delivering high-quality chest
compressions at the proper rate and depth, allowing full chest recoil. This dedicated role is
essential for maintaining perfusion during resuscitation.
Q7. When performing bag-mask ventilation with an advanced airway in place during CPR, what
is the recommended ventilation rate?
A. 6-8 breaths per minute
B. 10 breaths per minute (1 breath every 6 seconds) [CORRECT]
C. 12-15 breaths per minute
D. 20 breaths per minute
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: With an advanced airway (ET tube, SGA), deliver 1 breath every 6 seconds (10
breaths/min) without pausing compressions. This avoids hyperventilation while maintaining
adequate oxygenation and minimizing interruptions in perfusion.
Q8. Which of the following indicates adequate chest compression depth during CPR?
A. Compression depth of 1.5-2 inches
B. Compression depth of 2-2.4 inches (5-6 cm) [CORRECT]
C. Compression depth of at least 3 inches
D. Depth sufficient to generate a palpable pulse
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The 2025 AHA Guidelines specify a compression depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm) but
no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm) for adults. This depth optimizes cardiac output while minimizing
risk of injury.
, Q9. During single-rescuer CPR, what is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for an adult?
A. 15 compressions to 2 breaths
B. 30 compressions to 2 breaths [CORRECT]
C. 15 compressions to 1 breath
D. Continuous compressions with no breaths
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The 30:2 ratio is used for single-rescuer adult CPR to minimize interruptions in
compressions while providing adequate ventilation. This ratio changes to continuous
compressions with asynchronous breaths once an advanced airway is placed.
Q10. Before approaching an unresponsive patient, what is the first action the rescuer should
take?
A. Check for a pulse
B. Begin chest compressions immediately
C. Ensure scene safety [CORRECT]
D. Call for the code team
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Scene safety is always the first priority before approaching any patient. The rescuer
must ensure there is no danger to themselves or the team before initiating assessment or
intervention.
DOMAIN 2: ACS & ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION MANAGEMENT (Questions 11-25)
Q11. Within the first 10 minutes, on the basis of the patient showing symptoms suggestive of
myocardial ischemia, what will your first actions include (if not completed by EMS before
arrival)? Select all that apply.
A. Obtain a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) [CORRECT]
B. Administer a blood thinner
C. Administer aspirin and establish IV access [CORRECT]
D. Activate the ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) team [CORRECT]
E. If SpO2 is less than 90%, start oxygen [CORRECT]
F. Assess airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs) [CORRECT]
G. Administer epinephrine 1 mg IV
H. Consider nitroglycerin, morphine and a P2Y12 inhibitor [CORRECT]
