ACLS Practice Exam 2026| Latest Update
Questions and Verified Answers for
Guaranteed Pass
Question 1: What element of a system of care is represented by properly functioning
resuscitation equipment?
• System
• Structure
• Process
• Patient outcome
Correct Answer: Structure
Explanation: In systems of care, "Structure" refers to the resources, equipment, facilities, and
personnel available. Properly functioning resuscitation equipment is a tangible resource,
therefore it falls under structure.
Question 2: What is the first link in the out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) chain of survival?
• Activation of emergency response
• Defibrillation
• Advanced resuscitation
• High-quality CPR
Correct Answer: Activation of emergency response
Explanation: The OHCA chain of survival begins with recognition of cardiac arrest and
activation of the emergency response system (calling 911 or the local emergency number). This
ensures professional help is on the way before other steps.
Question 3: What are signs of clinical deterioration that would prompt the activation of rapid
response system?
, • Symptomatic hypertension
• Seizure
• Unexplained agitation
• Diastolic blood pressure greater than 60 mm Hg or less than 100 mm Hg
Correct Answer: Symptomatic hypertension, Seizure, Unexplained agitation
Explanation: Common criteria for RRT activation include symptomatic hypertension, seizure,
unexplained agitation, and significant changes in heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, or
oxygen saturation. The diastolic BP criteria listed are incorrect (normal diastolic is ~60-80
mmHg).
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of a rapid response team (RRT) or medical emergency
team (MET)?
• To provide diagnostic consultation to emergency department patients
• To improve care for patients admitted to critical care units
• To improve patient outcomes by identifying and treating early clinical deterioration
• To provide online consultation to emergency medical services personnel in the field
Correct Answer: To improve patient outcomes by identifying and treating early clinical
deterioration
Explanation: RRTs/METs are designed to intervene before a patient suffers a cardiac or
respiratory arrest, reducing morbidity, mortality, and in-hospital cardiac arrest rates.
Question 5: What happens when teams rapidly assess and intervene when patients have
abnormal vital signs?
• Morbidity and mortality rates are maintained
• The number of out of hospital cardiac arrest increases
• The number of in hospital cardiac arrest decreases
• Morbidity and mortality rates increase
Correct Answer: The number of in hospital cardiac arrest decreases
Explanation: Early recognition and intervention for clinical deterioration prevent progression to
cardiac arrest, thereby reducing the incidence of in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA).
, Question 6: In addition to decreased IHCA, what are some other benefits of implementing a
rapid response system? Select all that apply
• Decreased ICU length of stay
• Decreased emergency department admissions
• Increased ICU admissions
• Increased Hospital Length of Stay
• Decreased in total hospital length of stay
Correct Answers: Decreased ICU length of stay, Decreased in total hospital length of stay
Explanation: By preventing deterioration and allowing earlier intervention, RRS can reduce the
need for prolonged ICU care and shorten overall hospital stays. It does not typically decrease ED
admissions or increase ICU admissions.
Question 7: Which is the main advantage of effective teamwork?
• Early defibrillation
• Division of tasks
• Mastery of resuscitation skills
• Immediate CPR
Correct Answer: Division of tasks
Explanation: While all are important, the primary advantage of teamwork is the ability to divide
tasks among team members, allowing simultaneous actions (e.g., CPR, defibrillation, airway,
medications) and reducing cognitive load.
Question 8: Which is the best example of a role of the team leader?
• Proficient at endotracheal intubation
• Does not over ventilate the patient
• Performs within scope of practice
• Models excellent team behavior
Correct Answer: Models excellent team behavior
Questions and Verified Answers for
Guaranteed Pass
Question 1: What element of a system of care is represented by properly functioning
resuscitation equipment?
• System
• Structure
• Process
• Patient outcome
Correct Answer: Structure
Explanation: In systems of care, "Structure" refers to the resources, equipment, facilities, and
personnel available. Properly functioning resuscitation equipment is a tangible resource,
therefore it falls under structure.
Question 2: What is the first link in the out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) chain of survival?
• Activation of emergency response
• Defibrillation
• Advanced resuscitation
• High-quality CPR
Correct Answer: Activation of emergency response
Explanation: The OHCA chain of survival begins with recognition of cardiac arrest and
activation of the emergency response system (calling 911 or the local emergency number). This
ensures professional help is on the way before other steps.
Question 3: What are signs of clinical deterioration that would prompt the activation of rapid
response system?
, • Symptomatic hypertension
• Seizure
• Unexplained agitation
• Diastolic blood pressure greater than 60 mm Hg or less than 100 mm Hg
Correct Answer: Symptomatic hypertension, Seizure, Unexplained agitation
Explanation: Common criteria for RRT activation include symptomatic hypertension, seizure,
unexplained agitation, and significant changes in heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, or
oxygen saturation. The diastolic BP criteria listed are incorrect (normal diastolic is ~60-80
mmHg).
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of a rapid response team (RRT) or medical emergency
team (MET)?
• To provide diagnostic consultation to emergency department patients
• To improve care for patients admitted to critical care units
• To improve patient outcomes by identifying and treating early clinical deterioration
• To provide online consultation to emergency medical services personnel in the field
Correct Answer: To improve patient outcomes by identifying and treating early clinical
deterioration
Explanation: RRTs/METs are designed to intervene before a patient suffers a cardiac or
respiratory arrest, reducing morbidity, mortality, and in-hospital cardiac arrest rates.
Question 5: What happens when teams rapidly assess and intervene when patients have
abnormal vital signs?
• Morbidity and mortality rates are maintained
• The number of out of hospital cardiac arrest increases
• The number of in hospital cardiac arrest decreases
• Morbidity and mortality rates increase
Correct Answer: The number of in hospital cardiac arrest decreases
Explanation: Early recognition and intervention for clinical deterioration prevent progression to
cardiac arrest, thereby reducing the incidence of in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA).
, Question 6: In addition to decreased IHCA, what are some other benefits of implementing a
rapid response system? Select all that apply
• Decreased ICU length of stay
• Decreased emergency department admissions
• Increased ICU admissions
• Increased Hospital Length of Stay
• Decreased in total hospital length of stay
Correct Answers: Decreased ICU length of stay, Decreased in total hospital length of stay
Explanation: By preventing deterioration and allowing earlier intervention, RRS can reduce the
need for prolonged ICU care and shorten overall hospital stays. It does not typically decrease ED
admissions or increase ICU admissions.
Question 7: Which is the main advantage of effective teamwork?
• Early defibrillation
• Division of tasks
• Mastery of resuscitation skills
• Immediate CPR
Correct Answer: Division of tasks
Explanation: While all are important, the primary advantage of teamwork is the ability to divide
tasks among team members, allowing simultaneous actions (e.g., CPR, defibrillation, airway,
medications) and reducing cognitive load.
Question 8: Which is the best example of a role of the team leader?
• Proficient at endotracheal intubation
• Does not over ventilate the patient
• Performs within scope of practice
• Models excellent team behavior
Correct Answer: Models excellent team behavior
