Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support
(ACLS) Post-Test Practice Examination with questions and
correct answers with rationles 2026 [NEW EDDITION]
,
, 1. Which type of atrioventricular (AV) block is characterized by a constant PR interval
followed by an unexpected, intermittent dropped QRS complex?
a. First-degree AV block
b. Second-degree AV block, Mobitz Type I (Wenckebach)
c. Second-degree AV block, Mobitz Type II (Correct Answer)
d. Third-degree AV block (Complete Heart Block)
✔️ Rationale: Mobitz Type II second-degree AV block features a constant PR interval for
conducted beats, but conduction intermittently fails completely, resulting in a dropped
QRS complex. This rhythm is structurally unstable and can rapidly degenerate into
complete heart block, requiring immediate pacing.
2. A patient is in cardiac arrest and has been intubated with an endotracheal tube. To
objectively assess the quality of chest compressions and ensure proper tube placement,
which parameter should you continuously monitor?
a. Continuous waveform capnography (\(PETCO_{2}\)) (Correct Answer)
b. Routine 12-lead electrocardiogram
c. Scheduled manual carotid pulse checks during compressions
d. Portable bedside chest X-ray
✔️ Rationale: Quantitative waveform capnography (\(PETCO_{2}\)) is the most reliable
method to confirm endotracheal tube placement and continuously track CPR quality. A
\(PETCO_{2}\) level below 10 mmHg indicates inadequate chest compressions,
whereas a sudden spike to 35–40 mmHg reflects a return of spontaneous circulation
(ROSC).
3. A patient is in ventricular fibrillation (VF). You have delivered a shock and resumed
high-quality CPR. Which medication and dose is indicated as the first-line antiarrhythmic
for refractory VF?
a. Amiodarone 300 mg IV/IO bolus (Correct Answer)
b. Lidocaine 5 mg/kg IV bolus
c. Epinephrine 1 mg IV push every 2 minutes
d. Magnesium sulfate 5 g IV push
✔️ Rationale: For shock-refractory ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular
tachycardia (pVT), Amiodarone is the preferred first-line antiarrhythmic agent. The initial
dose is a 300 mg IV/IO bolus. A second dose of 150 mg may be administered if
refractoriness continues.
4. A 62-year-old male presents with persistent bradycardia, a heart rate of 38 bpm, severe
chest pain, and a blood pressure of 82/54 mmHg. After establishing vascular access,
what is your first immediate pharmacological intervention?
a. Epinephrine infusion at 10 mcg/min
b. Dopamine infusion at 20 mcg/kg/min
c. Atropine 1 mg IV bolus (Correct Answer)
d. Amiodarone 150 mg IV over 10 minutes
(ACLS) Post-Test Practice Examination with questions and
correct answers with rationles 2026 [NEW EDDITION]
,
, 1. Which type of atrioventricular (AV) block is characterized by a constant PR interval
followed by an unexpected, intermittent dropped QRS complex?
a. First-degree AV block
b. Second-degree AV block, Mobitz Type I (Wenckebach)
c. Second-degree AV block, Mobitz Type II (Correct Answer)
d. Third-degree AV block (Complete Heart Block)
✔️ Rationale: Mobitz Type II second-degree AV block features a constant PR interval for
conducted beats, but conduction intermittently fails completely, resulting in a dropped
QRS complex. This rhythm is structurally unstable and can rapidly degenerate into
complete heart block, requiring immediate pacing.
2. A patient is in cardiac arrest and has been intubated with an endotracheal tube. To
objectively assess the quality of chest compressions and ensure proper tube placement,
which parameter should you continuously monitor?
a. Continuous waveform capnography (\(PETCO_{2}\)) (Correct Answer)
b. Routine 12-lead electrocardiogram
c. Scheduled manual carotid pulse checks during compressions
d. Portable bedside chest X-ray
✔️ Rationale: Quantitative waveform capnography (\(PETCO_{2}\)) is the most reliable
method to confirm endotracheal tube placement and continuously track CPR quality. A
\(PETCO_{2}\) level below 10 mmHg indicates inadequate chest compressions,
whereas a sudden spike to 35–40 mmHg reflects a return of spontaneous circulation
(ROSC).
3. A patient is in ventricular fibrillation (VF). You have delivered a shock and resumed
high-quality CPR. Which medication and dose is indicated as the first-line antiarrhythmic
for refractory VF?
a. Amiodarone 300 mg IV/IO bolus (Correct Answer)
b. Lidocaine 5 mg/kg IV bolus
c. Epinephrine 1 mg IV push every 2 minutes
d. Magnesium sulfate 5 g IV push
✔️ Rationale: For shock-refractory ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular
tachycardia (pVT), Amiodarone is the preferred first-line antiarrhythmic agent. The initial
dose is a 300 mg IV/IO bolus. A second dose of 150 mg may be administered if
refractoriness continues.
4. A 62-year-old male presents with persistent bradycardia, a heart rate of 38 bpm, severe
chest pain, and a blood pressure of 82/54 mmHg. After establishing vascular access,
what is your first immediate pharmacological intervention?
a. Epinephrine infusion at 10 mcg/min
b. Dopamine infusion at 20 mcg/kg/min
c. Atropine 1 mg IV bolus (Correct Answer)
d. Amiodarone 150 mg IV over 10 minutes
