ACLS EXAM VERSION C 2026 – ADVANCED
CARDIOVASCULAR LIFE SUPPORT
COMPLETE (150) CURRENT TESTING
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH
DETAILED EXPLANATIONS|GUARANTEED
PASS.
ACLS
Prepare for the ACLS Exam Version C – Advanced Cardiovascular Life
Support with practice questions covering cardiac arrest algorithms,
ECG rhythm interpretation, airway management, emergency
medications, resuscitation procedures, and advanced life support
protocols. This study guide helps reinforce critical emergency care
concepts and supports effective certification exam preparation.
Designed to improve clinical decision-making and boost confidence
in life-saving situations. Suitable for nursing, paramedic, and
healthcare professionals.
MULTIPLE CHOICE.
Section 1: High-Quality BLS s CPR Fundamentals (Questions 1-15)
1. What is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer in
adult cardiac arrest?
A) 15:2
B) 30:2
C) Continuous compressions with asynchronous breaths at 10/min
D) 30:2 with 3-second pauses for breaths
Answer: B) 30:2
*Rationale: The 2020 AHA guidelines recommend a 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio
for single-rescuer adult CPR to maximize coronary perfusion pressure while providing
adequate ventilation.
,2. What is the minimum chest compression depth for an adult?
A) 1.5 inches (4 cm)
B) 2 inches (5 cm)
C) 2.4 inches (6 cm)
D) 2.5 inches (6.4 cm)
Answer: C) 2.4 inches (6 cm)
*Rationale: Current guidelines specify a target depth of 2-2.4 inches (5-6 cm) for adult
chest compressions, with a minimum of 2 inches (5 cm). The ideal is at least 2.4 inches for
adequate cardiac output.*
3. What is the maximum acceptable pause between stopping compressions and
delivering a shock?
A) 5 seconds
B) 8 seconds
C) 10 seconds
D) 15 seconds
Answer: A) 5 seconds
*Rationale: To maximize the chance of successful defibrillation, the peri-shock pause
,should be less than 5 seconds. Prolonged pauses reduce the likelihood of return of
spontaneous circulation (ROSC).*
4. After delivering a shock during cardiac arrest, when should compressions resume?
A) Immediately after shock delivery, without rhythm check
B) After a 10-second rhythm check
C) After checking for a pulse
D) After delivering a second shock
Answer: A) Immediately after shock delivery, without rhythm check
Rationale: Compressions should resume immediately after defibrillation. Rhythm checks
should occur only after 2 minutes of CPR, unless the patient shows signs of ROSC.
5. Which device provides the most reliable indicator of CPR quality during cardiac
arrest?
A) Pulse oximeter
B) End-tidal CO2 (EtCO2) capnography
C) Non-invasive blood pressure cuff
D) Finger-probe Doppler
Answer: B) End-tidal CO2 (EtCO2) capnography
Rationale: EtCO2 values correlate with cardiac output during CPR. Values below 10 mmHg
suggest poor compressions, while a sudden increase to >40 mmHg may indicate ROSC.
6. What compression fraction should be targeted during ACLS resuscitation?
A) >60%
B) >70%
C) >80%
D) >90%
Answer: C) >80%
*Rationale: High-quality CPR requires a chest compression fraction (CCF) of at least 80%,
ideally >80%. This means compressions are being delivered at least 80% of the arrest
time.*
7. How often should the team leader rotate compressors during prolonged
resuscitation?
A) Every 1 minute
B) Every 2 minutes
C) Every 5 minutes
D) Only when the compressor is fatigued
, Answer: B) Every 2 minutes
Rationale: Compressors fatigue significantly after 2 minutes, leading to inadequate depth
and rate. Rotating every 2 minutes (or after rhythm checks) maintains compression quality.
8. What is the recommended chest compression rate per minute for adults?
A) 80-100 per minute
B) 100-120 per minute
C) 120-140 per minute
D) 140-160 per minute
Answer: B) 100-120 per minute
*Rationale: Studies show that compression rates of 100-120/min optimize coronary
perfusion. Rates >120/min reduce compression depth and completeness of chest recoil.*
G. In a patient with an advanced airway in place during cardiac arrest, how often
should ventilations be delivered?
A) 6 breaths per minute (every 10 seconds)
B) 10 breaths per minute (every 6 seconds)
C) 12 breaths per minute (every 5 seconds)
D) 20 breaths per minute (every 3 seconds)
Answer: B) 10 breaths per minute (every 6 seconds)
*Rationale: With an advanced airway (ETT or supraglottic), deliver one breath every 6
seconds (10 breaths/min) without pausing compressions. Avoid hyperventilation.*
10. What is the maximum time allowed for a rhythm check during CPR?
A) 5 seconds
B) 10 seconds
C) 15 seconds
D) 20 seconds
Answer: B) 10 seconds
Rationale: Rhythm checks should be completed in ≤10 seconds to minimize interruptions
in chest compressions. Longer pauses decrease coronary perfusion pressure.
11. Which of the following is a sign of effective CPR?
A) EtCO2 of 30-40 mmHg
B) Diastolic blood pressure <20 mmHg
C) Oxygen saturation <70%
D) Respiratory rate of 30/min
CARDIOVASCULAR LIFE SUPPORT
COMPLETE (150) CURRENT TESTING
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH
DETAILED EXPLANATIONS|GUARANTEED
PASS.
ACLS
Prepare for the ACLS Exam Version C – Advanced Cardiovascular Life
Support with practice questions covering cardiac arrest algorithms,
ECG rhythm interpretation, airway management, emergency
medications, resuscitation procedures, and advanced life support
protocols. This study guide helps reinforce critical emergency care
concepts and supports effective certification exam preparation.
Designed to improve clinical decision-making and boost confidence
in life-saving situations. Suitable for nursing, paramedic, and
healthcare professionals.
MULTIPLE CHOICE.
Section 1: High-Quality BLS s CPR Fundamentals (Questions 1-15)
1. What is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer in
adult cardiac arrest?
A) 15:2
B) 30:2
C) Continuous compressions with asynchronous breaths at 10/min
D) 30:2 with 3-second pauses for breaths
Answer: B) 30:2
*Rationale: The 2020 AHA guidelines recommend a 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio
for single-rescuer adult CPR to maximize coronary perfusion pressure while providing
adequate ventilation.
,2. What is the minimum chest compression depth for an adult?
A) 1.5 inches (4 cm)
B) 2 inches (5 cm)
C) 2.4 inches (6 cm)
D) 2.5 inches (6.4 cm)
Answer: C) 2.4 inches (6 cm)
*Rationale: Current guidelines specify a target depth of 2-2.4 inches (5-6 cm) for adult
chest compressions, with a minimum of 2 inches (5 cm). The ideal is at least 2.4 inches for
adequate cardiac output.*
3. What is the maximum acceptable pause between stopping compressions and
delivering a shock?
A) 5 seconds
B) 8 seconds
C) 10 seconds
D) 15 seconds
Answer: A) 5 seconds
*Rationale: To maximize the chance of successful defibrillation, the peri-shock pause
,should be less than 5 seconds. Prolonged pauses reduce the likelihood of return of
spontaneous circulation (ROSC).*
4. After delivering a shock during cardiac arrest, when should compressions resume?
A) Immediately after shock delivery, without rhythm check
B) After a 10-second rhythm check
C) After checking for a pulse
D) After delivering a second shock
Answer: A) Immediately after shock delivery, without rhythm check
Rationale: Compressions should resume immediately after defibrillation. Rhythm checks
should occur only after 2 minutes of CPR, unless the patient shows signs of ROSC.
5. Which device provides the most reliable indicator of CPR quality during cardiac
arrest?
A) Pulse oximeter
B) End-tidal CO2 (EtCO2) capnography
C) Non-invasive blood pressure cuff
D) Finger-probe Doppler
Answer: B) End-tidal CO2 (EtCO2) capnography
Rationale: EtCO2 values correlate with cardiac output during CPR. Values below 10 mmHg
suggest poor compressions, while a sudden increase to >40 mmHg may indicate ROSC.
6. What compression fraction should be targeted during ACLS resuscitation?
A) >60%
B) >70%
C) >80%
D) >90%
Answer: C) >80%
*Rationale: High-quality CPR requires a chest compression fraction (CCF) of at least 80%,
ideally >80%. This means compressions are being delivered at least 80% of the arrest
time.*
7. How often should the team leader rotate compressors during prolonged
resuscitation?
A) Every 1 minute
B) Every 2 minutes
C) Every 5 minutes
D) Only when the compressor is fatigued
, Answer: B) Every 2 minutes
Rationale: Compressors fatigue significantly after 2 minutes, leading to inadequate depth
and rate. Rotating every 2 minutes (or after rhythm checks) maintains compression quality.
8. What is the recommended chest compression rate per minute for adults?
A) 80-100 per minute
B) 100-120 per minute
C) 120-140 per minute
D) 140-160 per minute
Answer: B) 100-120 per minute
*Rationale: Studies show that compression rates of 100-120/min optimize coronary
perfusion. Rates >120/min reduce compression depth and completeness of chest recoil.*
G. In a patient with an advanced airway in place during cardiac arrest, how often
should ventilations be delivered?
A) 6 breaths per minute (every 10 seconds)
B) 10 breaths per minute (every 6 seconds)
C) 12 breaths per minute (every 5 seconds)
D) 20 breaths per minute (every 3 seconds)
Answer: B) 10 breaths per minute (every 6 seconds)
*Rationale: With an advanced airway (ETT or supraglottic), deliver one breath every 6
seconds (10 breaths/min) without pausing compressions. Avoid hyperventilation.*
10. What is the maximum time allowed for a rhythm check during CPR?
A) 5 seconds
B) 10 seconds
C) 15 seconds
D) 20 seconds
Answer: B) 10 seconds
Rationale: Rhythm checks should be completed in ≤10 seconds to minimize interruptions
in chest compressions. Longer pauses decrease coronary perfusion pressure.
11. Which of the following is a sign of effective CPR?
A) EtCO2 of 30-40 mmHg
B) Diastolic blood pressure <20 mmHg
C) Oxygen saturation <70%
D) Respiratory rate of 30/min
