ACLS EXAM VERSION A AND B 2026
COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
GRADED A+
◉ Synchronized cardioversion is appropriate for treating an
unknown wide complex tachycardia. Answer: True
◉ The aorta is the wall that separates the ventricles of the heart.
Answer: False
◉ The most effective treatment for ventricular fibrillation is
defibrillation. Answer: True
◉ An individual should be cleared-Ñ prior to a shock only when
convenient. Answer: False
◉ PEA and asystole are considered non-shockable rhythms and
follow the same ACLS algorithm. Answer: True
◉ Transcutaneous pacing should be used on an individual with
bradycardia and inadequate perfusion if atropine is ineffective and
the individual is exhibiting severe symptoms. Answer: True
,◉ Low blood pressure may be an indication of hemodynamic
instability. Answer: True
◉ Urgent defibrillation is essential for survival in the management
of acute strokes. Answer: False
◉ Fibrinolytic therapy within three hours (in some cases 4.5 hours)
of first onset of symptoms is the standard when treating ischemic
stroke. Answer: True
◉ 100% oxygen is acceptable for early intervention but not for
extended periods of time. Answer: True
◉ In a suspected acute stroke individual, you must always
immediately obtain IV access. Answer: False
◉ There is never a pulse associated with VF; therefore, you should
follow the PEA algorithm with individuals in VF. Answer: False
◉ If the AED advises no shock, you should still defibrillate because
defibrillation often restarts the heart with no pulse. Answer: False
◉ If transcutaneous pacing fails, there are no other options to
consider. Answer: False
, ◉ Medication is the only treatment for an unstable tachycardic
individual. Answer: False
◉ For an individiual in respiratory arrest with a pulse, how often
should they be ventilated?
A) Give two breaths every 8 to 9 seconds, or 13 to 15 breaths per
minute.
B) Give one breath every 5 to 6 seconds, or 10 to 12 breaths per
minute.
C) Give one breath every 3 to 4 seconds, or 15 to 20 breaths per
minute.
D) Give one breath every 8 to 9 seconds, or 6 to 8 breaths per
minute. Answer: B) Give one breath every 5 to 6 seconds, or 10 to 12
breaths per minute.
◉ Which item is ÑOT a basic airway skill?
A) Placement of endotracheal tube (ET tube)
B) Bag-mask ventilation
C) Jaw-thrust maneuver without head extension
D) Head-tilt-chin-lift maneuver Answer: A) Placement of
endotracheal tube (ET tube)
COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
GRADED A+
◉ Synchronized cardioversion is appropriate for treating an
unknown wide complex tachycardia. Answer: True
◉ The aorta is the wall that separates the ventricles of the heart.
Answer: False
◉ The most effective treatment for ventricular fibrillation is
defibrillation. Answer: True
◉ An individual should be cleared-Ñ prior to a shock only when
convenient. Answer: False
◉ PEA and asystole are considered non-shockable rhythms and
follow the same ACLS algorithm. Answer: True
◉ Transcutaneous pacing should be used on an individual with
bradycardia and inadequate perfusion if atropine is ineffective and
the individual is exhibiting severe symptoms. Answer: True
,◉ Low blood pressure may be an indication of hemodynamic
instability. Answer: True
◉ Urgent defibrillation is essential for survival in the management
of acute strokes. Answer: False
◉ Fibrinolytic therapy within three hours (in some cases 4.5 hours)
of first onset of symptoms is the standard when treating ischemic
stroke. Answer: True
◉ 100% oxygen is acceptable for early intervention but not for
extended periods of time. Answer: True
◉ In a suspected acute stroke individual, you must always
immediately obtain IV access. Answer: False
◉ There is never a pulse associated with VF; therefore, you should
follow the PEA algorithm with individuals in VF. Answer: False
◉ If the AED advises no shock, you should still defibrillate because
defibrillation often restarts the heart with no pulse. Answer: False
◉ If transcutaneous pacing fails, there are no other options to
consider. Answer: False
, ◉ Medication is the only treatment for an unstable tachycardic
individual. Answer: False
◉ For an individiual in respiratory arrest with a pulse, how often
should they be ventilated?
A) Give two breaths every 8 to 9 seconds, or 13 to 15 breaths per
minute.
B) Give one breath every 5 to 6 seconds, or 10 to 12 breaths per
minute.
C) Give one breath every 3 to 4 seconds, or 15 to 20 breaths per
minute.
D) Give one breath every 8 to 9 seconds, or 6 to 8 breaths per
minute. Answer: B) Give one breath every 5 to 6 seconds, or 10 to 12
breaths per minute.
◉ Which item is ÑOT a basic airway skill?
A) Placement of endotracheal tube (ET tube)
B) Bag-mask ventilation
C) Jaw-thrust maneuver without head extension
D) Head-tilt-chin-lift maneuver Answer: A) Placement of
endotracheal tube (ET tube)
