ACLS EXAM QUESTIONS
- What is the first action when encountering an unresponsive patient?
Answer: Check for responsiveness and breathing.
Explanation: Early recognition is critical. If the patient is unresponsive and not breathing normally, activate emergency response and begin CPR.
- How do you confirm cardiac arrest before starting CPR?
Answer: Check for pulse and breathing for no more than 10 seconds.
Explanation: Prolonged pulse checks delay CPR, which reduces survival chances.
- What is the recommended chest compression depth during adult CPR?
Answer: At least 2 inches (5 cm) but no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm).
Explanation: Proper depth ensures effective circulation without causing excessive injury.
- What is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer performing
CPR?
Answer: 30 compressions to 2 breaths.
Explanation: This ratio ensures optimal blood circulation and oxygenation.
- What are the two shockable cardiac rhythms?
- What is the recommended initial defibrillation energy for biphasic defibrillators?
Answer: Ventricular fibrillation (VF) and pulseless ventricular tachycardia (pVT).Explanation: These rhythms respond to defibrillation, which can restore normal electrical activity.
Answer: 120–200 J.
Explanation: Higher energy may be needed if the initial shock is ineffective. 1 / 2
- What drug is first-line for cardiac arrest due to asystole or PEA?
Answer: Epinephrine 1 mg IV every 3–5 minutes.
Explanation: Epinephrine increases perfusion pressure to vital organs.
- What is the primary treatment for pulseless ventricular tachycardia (pVT)?
Answer: Defibrillation.
Explanation: Immediate defibrillation can restore a perfusing rhythm.
- What are the H’s and T’s of cardiac arrest?
Answer:
H’s: Hypoxia, Hypovolemia, Hydrogen ion (acidosis), Hyper/Hypokalemia,
Hypothermia.T’s: Tension pneumothorax, Tamponade (cardiac), Toxins, Thrombosis (pulmonary or coronary).Explanation: Identifying and treating these reversible causes can improve survival.
- What is the recommended oxygen saturation target for post-cardiac arrest care?
Answer: 94–99%.
Explanation: Excess oxygen can cause oxidative damage, so hyperoxia should be avoided.
- What is the best indicator of high-quality CPR?
Answer: Continuous compressions with minimal interruptions and an ETCO₂ of at least 10 mmHg.
Explanation: Higher ETCO₂ levels indicate effective circulation.
- How often should rescuers switch during high-quality CPR?
Answer: Every 2 minutes or earlier if fatigued.
Explanation: Fatigue reduces compression quality, which lowers survival chances.
- What is the initial medication given for stable supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)?
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