ACLS EXAM QUESTIONS WITH COMPLETE SOLUTIONS
VERIFIED GRADED A+
A monitored patient in the ICU developed a sudden onset of narrow-complex
tachycardia at a rate of 220/min. The patient's blood pressure is 128/58 mm Hg,
the PETCO2 is 38 mm Hg, and the pulse oximetry reading is 98%. There is
vascular access in the left arm, and the patient has not been given any vasoactive
drugs. A 12-lead ECG confirms a supraventricular tachycardia with no evidence
of ischemia or infarction. The heart rate has not responded to vagal maneuvers.
What is your next action?
Administer adenosine 6 mg IV push
In which situation does bradycardia require treatment?
Hypotension
A patient with sinus bradycardia and a heart rate of 42/min has diaphoresis and a
blood pressure of 80/60 mm Hg. What is the initial dose of atropine?
0.5 mg
You are caring for a 66-year-old man with a history of a large intracerebral
hemorrhage 2 months ago. He is being evaluated for another acute stroke. The
CT scan is negative for hemorrhage. The patient is receiving oxygen via nasal
cannula at 2 L/min, and an IV has been established. His blood pressure is 180/100
mm Hg. Which drug do you anticipate giving this patient?
Aspirin
, A 62-year-old man suddenly experienced difficulty speaking and left-sided
weakness. He meets initial criteria for fibrinolytic therapy, and a CT scan of the
brain is ordered. Which best describes the guidelines for antiplatelet and
fibrinolytic therapy?
Hold aspirin for at least 24 hours if rtPA is administered
You arrive on the scene with the code team. High-quality CPR is in progress. An
AED has previously advised "no shock indicated." A rhythm check now finds
asystole. After resuming high-quality compressions, which action do you take
next?
Establish IV or IO access
A patient is in cardiac arrest. High-quality chest compressions are being given.
The patient is intubated, and an IV has been started. The rhythm is asystole. What
is the first drug/dose to administer?
Epinephrine 1 mg IV/IO
A patient is in pulseless ventricular tachycardia. Two shocks and 1 dose of
epinephrine have been given. Which drug should be given next?
Amiodarone 300 mg
A patient is in refractory ventricular fibrillation. High-quality CPR is in progress.
One dose of epinephrine was given after the second shock. An antiarrhythmic
drug was given immediately after the third shock. You are the team leader. Which
medication do you order next?
Epinephrine 1 mg
Which intervention is most appropriate for the treatment of a patient in asystole?
VERIFIED GRADED A+
A monitored patient in the ICU developed a sudden onset of narrow-complex
tachycardia at a rate of 220/min. The patient's blood pressure is 128/58 mm Hg,
the PETCO2 is 38 mm Hg, and the pulse oximetry reading is 98%. There is
vascular access in the left arm, and the patient has not been given any vasoactive
drugs. A 12-lead ECG confirms a supraventricular tachycardia with no evidence
of ischemia or infarction. The heart rate has not responded to vagal maneuvers.
What is your next action?
Administer adenosine 6 mg IV push
In which situation does bradycardia require treatment?
Hypotension
A patient with sinus bradycardia and a heart rate of 42/min has diaphoresis and a
blood pressure of 80/60 mm Hg. What is the initial dose of atropine?
0.5 mg
You are caring for a 66-year-old man with a history of a large intracerebral
hemorrhage 2 months ago. He is being evaluated for another acute stroke. The
CT scan is negative for hemorrhage. The patient is receiving oxygen via nasal
cannula at 2 L/min, and an IV has been established. His blood pressure is 180/100
mm Hg. Which drug do you anticipate giving this patient?
Aspirin
, A 62-year-old man suddenly experienced difficulty speaking and left-sided
weakness. He meets initial criteria for fibrinolytic therapy, and a CT scan of the
brain is ordered. Which best describes the guidelines for antiplatelet and
fibrinolytic therapy?
Hold aspirin for at least 24 hours if rtPA is administered
You arrive on the scene with the code team. High-quality CPR is in progress. An
AED has previously advised "no shock indicated." A rhythm check now finds
asystole. After resuming high-quality compressions, which action do you take
next?
Establish IV or IO access
A patient is in cardiac arrest. High-quality chest compressions are being given.
The patient is intubated, and an IV has been started. The rhythm is asystole. What
is the first drug/dose to administer?
Epinephrine 1 mg IV/IO
A patient is in pulseless ventricular tachycardia. Two shocks and 1 dose of
epinephrine have been given. Which drug should be given next?
Amiodarone 300 mg
A patient is in refractory ventricular fibrillation. High-quality CPR is in progress.
One dose of epinephrine was given after the second shock. An antiarrhythmic
drug was given immediately after the third shock. You are the team leader. Which
medication do you order next?
Epinephrine 1 mg
Which intervention is most appropriate for the treatment of a patient in asystole?
