ACLS FINAL EXAM 2026 (ADVANCED
CARDIOVASCULAR LIFE SUPPORT) COMPLETE
(150) CURRENT TESTING QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS WITH DETAILED
EXPLANATIONS|GUARANTEED PASS.
ACLS
Prepare for the ACLS Final Exam (Advanced Cardiovascular Life
Support) with practice questions covering cardiac arrest management,
ECG rhythm interpretation, airway management, emergency
medications, resuscitation algorithms, and advanced life support
procedures. 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.
Instructions:
Select the single best answer for each question. Time limit (suggested): 2.5 minutes per
question. Passing score: ≥84% (126/150).
Section 1: BLS s High-Quality CPR (Questions 1–20)
1. What is the recommended compression depth for an adult during CPR?
A) 1.5 inches (4 cm)
B) 2–2.4 inches (5–6 cm)
C) 3 inches (7.5 cm)
D) As deep as possible
Answer: B
Rationale: 2025–2026 guidelines emphasize a depth of 2–2.4 inches (5–6 cm) for optimal
coronary perfusion, avoiding excessive depth which causes injury.
2. What compression-to-ventilation ratio is used for single-rescuer adult CPR?
A) 15:2
B) 30:2
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C) 30:2 without advanced airway, continuous with advanced airway
D) 15:2 for all
Answer: C
Rationale: 30:2 until advanced airway placed; then continuous compressions at 100–
120/min with 1 breath q6s (10 breaths/min).
3. Maximum allowable interruption in chest compressions is:
A) 5 seconds
B) 10 seconds
C) 15 seconds
D) 20 seconds
Answer: B
Rationale: Limit interruptions to <10 seconds (e.g., for rhythm check or shock delivery) to
maintain coronary perfusion pressure.
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4. The correct chest compression rate for adults is:
A) 60–80/min
B) 80–100/min
C) 100–120/min
D) 120–140/min
Answer: C
Rationale: 100–120/min balances forward flow and refill time; >120/min reduces depth
and recoil.
5. Full chest recoil after each compression is essential because it:
A) Prevents rescuer fatigue
B) Increases venous return and coronary perfusion
C) Allows for faster compression rate
D) Reduces risk of rib fracture
Answer: B
Rationale: Incomplete recoil increases intrathoracic pressure, decreasing venous return
and coronary perfusion pressure.
6. Your patient is in cardiac arrest. An advanced airway is in place. How often should you
deliver a breath?
A) Every 3 seconds (20/min)
B) Every 6 seconds (10/min)
C) Every 10 seconds (6/min)
D) Every 12 seconds (5/min)
Answer: B
Rationale: 1 breath every 6 seconds (10/min) without interrupting compressions.
7. What color on the waveform capnography indicates correct endotracheal tube
placement in cardiac arrest?
A) Red waveform
B) Yellow plateau
C) Normal brown waveform
D) Absent waveform
Answer: C
Rationale: A normal capnography waveform (brown/red depending on device) with EtCO₂
35–45 mm Hg confirms tracheal placement. In arrest, lower values still indicate
placement.
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8. After defibrillation, how long should you wait to check a rhythm?
A) Immediately
B) 2 seconds
C) 5 seconds
D) Immediately resume CPR for 2 minutes then check
Answer: D
Rationale: Resume CPR for 2 minutes post-shock before rhythm check, as organized
rhythm often takes time to generate a pulse.
G. Which waveform capnography value in cardiac arrest is most associated with ROSC?
A) <10 mm Hg
B) 10–20 mm Hg
C) Sudden rise to >40 mm Hg
D) Flat line
Answer: C
Rationale: A sudden increase in EtCO₂ to >40 mm Hg indicates improved cardiac output
and often precedes ROSC by minutes.
10. Team roles during ACLS include all EXCEPT:
A) Compressor
B) Airway manager
C) Defibrillator operator
D) Scribe for legal documentation
Answer: D
Rationale: All team members have active resuscitation roles. A scribe is not a standard
ACLS role, though documentation is important.
11. Palpable pulse checks during CPR should take no more than:
A) 5 seconds
B) 10 seconds
C) 15 seconds
D) 20 seconds
Answer: B
Rationale: If no definite pulse within 10 seconds, resume CPR.
12. A 60-year-old is found pulseless and apneic. What is the first action?
A) Check rhythm
B) Start chest compressions