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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

ACLS practice test: Quick quiz with instant answers

Quick, free ACLS quiz to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Brandon GreenholtUpdated Aug 24, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
Grade: Other
Study OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustrating a trivia quiz for ACLS certification preparation

This ACLS quiz helps you review algorithms, ECG rhythms, meds, and team roles so you can check your understanding and build speed before a course or exam. For extra prep, try our acls practice questions, take a quick cpr practice test, or review NCLEX cardiac practice questions.

What is the primary objective of ACLS interventions?
Restore spontaneous circulation
Perform diagnostic tests
Establish patient history
Provide long-term treatment
ACLS interventions aim to restore spontaneous circulation during cardiac emergencies. This immediate, life-saving measure is the cornerstone of advanced resuscitation efforts.
Which rhythm is most commonly associated with sudden cardiac arrest?
Ventricular fibrillation
Normal sinus rhythm
Atrial fibrillation
Bradycardia
Ventricular fibrillation is a chaotic rhythm most frequently linked to sudden cardiac arrest. Rapid defibrillation is essential to convert this rhythm back to an organized electrical pattern.
What is the first step when initiating ACLS protocols during cardiac arrest?
Activate emergency response and begin CPR
Obtain patient history
Administer medications
Secure the airway immediately
The immediate activation of emergency services and initiation of CPR is crucial in a cardiac arrest scenario. Early CPR maintains blood flow and provides a bridge to advanced interventions.
Which medication is standard during ACLS for managing cardiac arrest?
Atropine
Epinephrine
Dopamine
Amiodarone
Epinephrine is the primary medication used in ACLS during cardiac arrest because of its vasoconstrictive properties. It enhances blood flow to vital organs and is a key component of resuscitation protocols.
What is the recommended initial defibrillation energy for an adult with ventricular fibrillation using a biphasic defibrillator?
500 Joules
200 Joules
800 Joules
50 Joules
A biphasic defibrillator typically initiates defibrillation at around 200 Joules for an adult in ventricular fibrillation. This energy setting is effective while minimizing potential tissue damage.
During ACLS, what is the recommended compression rate for CPR?
60-80 compressions per minute
100-120 compressions per minute
80-100 compressions per minute
120-140 compressions per minute
Current guidelines recommend a chest compression rate of 100 to 120 per minute during CPR. This rate optimizes coronary and cerebral perfusion during resuscitation efforts.
Which of the following is a reversible cause of pulseless electrical activity (PEA) addressed in ACLS?
Hypovolemia
Hypothermia
Hyperthermia
Hyperkalemia
Hypovolemia is one of the reversible causes of PEA and is included among the 'H's in ACLS. Correcting low blood volume can significantly improve patient outcomes during resuscitation.
Which airway device is used for definitive airway management in ACLS?
Endotracheal tube
Bag-valve mask
Oropharyngeal airway
Nasopharyngeal airway
The endotracheal tube is used for definitive airway management during ACLS. It secures the airway, allowing for controlled ventilation and reducing the risk of aspiration.
For unstable tachycardia with a shockable rhythm, what is the preferred treatment?
Unsynchronized defibrillation
Synchronized cardioversion
Medication administration
Immediate pacing
Synchronized cardioversion delivers a timed shock that is synchronized with the QRS complex, reducing the risk of further arrhythmias. This is the preferred treatment for unstable tachycardia with a shockable rhythm.
Which antiarrhythmic drug is considered first-line for refractory ventricular fibrillation in ACLS?
Amiodarone
Atropine
Beta-blockers
Lidocaine
Amiodarone is the antiarrhythmic of choice for refractory ventricular fibrillation due to its effectiveness in stabilizing the myocardium. Its use is supported by ACLS guidelines for difficult arrhythmia cases.
What does the 'H's and T's' mnemonic help identify during ACLS resuscitation?
Types of arrhythmias
Stages of myocardial infarction
Passive resuscitation techniques
Reversible causes of cardiac arrest
The 'H's and T's' mnemonic is used to identify reversible causes of cardiac arrest. Recognizing these factors guides targeted therapies during ACLS resuscitation.
Which medication is typically used as a first-line treatment for symptomatic bradycardia in ACLS?
Adenosine
Epinephrine
Amiodarone
Atropine
Atropine is the first-line medication for managing symptomatic bradycardia in ACLS. It works by reducing vagal tone, thereby increasing the sinus rate.
What temperature management strategy is recommended in post-resuscitation care?
Rapid cooling below 30°C
Aggressive warming above 38°C
No temperature management
Targeted temperature management
Targeted temperature management (TTM) is recommended to improve neurological outcomes after resuscitation. This controlled approach helps prevent secondary brain injury by avoiding extremes of temperature.
What is the recommended initial dose of epinephrine during ACLS for cardiac arrest?
1 mg every 3-5 minutes
0.5 mg every 10 minutes
5 mg every minute
2 mg as a one-time dose
ACLS guidelines recommend administering 1 mg of epinephrine every 3-5 minutes during cardiac arrest. This dosing regimen is critical for maintaining circulation during resuscitation efforts.
What is the recommended chest compression depth during adult CPR according to ACLS guidelines?
3 inches (7.6 cm)
1 inch (2.5 cm)
At least 2 inches (5 cm)
Less than 2 inches (5 cm)
For effective adult CPR, compressions should be at least 2 inches deep to generate sufficient blood flow. Adequate compression depth is essential for improving the chances of a successful resuscitation.
Which advanced monitoring parameter is most reliable for assessing the quality of CPR and predicting return of spontaneous circulation?
Heart rate
End-tidal CO2
Blood pressure
Oxygen saturation
End-tidal CO2 monitoring provides real-time feedback on the effectiveness of chest compressions during CPR. A significant rise in end-tidal CO2 is often a reliable indicator of the return of spontaneous circulation.
What is the first-line pharmacologic treatment for torsades de pointes in ACLS management?
Lidocaine
Amiodarone
Magnesium sulfate
Epinephrine
Magnesium sulfate is the treatment of choice for torsades de pointes, a type of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. It works by stabilizing the myocardium and reducing the likelihood of further arrhythmias.
During synchronized cardioversion, why must the shock be timed with the QRS complex?
To prevent skin burns
To avoid inducing ventricular fibrillation
To increase sedation effects
To decrease the energy requirement
Synchronized cardioversion times the shock with the QRS complex to avoid delivering energy during the heart's vulnerable repolarization phase. This synchronization minimizes the risk of precipitating ventricular fibrillation.
What is the role of transcutaneous pacing in ACLS?
Treating ventricular fibrillation
Temporarily managing symptomatic bradycardia
Permanent correction of arrhythmias
Reversing myocardial infarction
Transcutaneous pacing provides temporary electrical support for patients with symptomatic bradycardia unresponsive to medications. It serves as a bridge until definitive treatment can stabilize the patient's heart rate.
Which scenario indicates the need for advanced airway management during ACLS?
Stable respiratory function
Inability to maintain oxygenation with bag-valve-mask ventilation
Effective spontaneous breathing
Patient alertness
When bag-valve-mask ventilation fails to provide adequate oxygenation, advanced airway management becomes necessary. Securing the airway with devices like an endotracheal tube ensures effective ventilation during critical resuscitation efforts.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand key components and protocols of ACLS guidelines.
  2. Analyze emergency cardiovascular scenarios to determine appropriate interventions.
  3. Apply evidence-based decision-making during simulated ACLS practice questions.
  4. Evaluate exam readiness by identifying areas of strength and improvement in ACLS knowledge.
  5. Demonstrate rapid problem-solving skills in high-pressure clinical situations.

ACLS Quizzes: Practice Exam Review Cheat Sheet

  1. Master the ABCDs of Emergency Cardiovascular Care - Think of the ABCDs as your trusty compass in a storm: Airway, Breathing, Circulation, and Differential Diagnosis. This solid framework will guide every ACLS move you make and keep your resuscitation skills sharp.
  2. Understand Airway Management Techniques - Nailing airway control can be a game‑changer in critical moments. Learn how to use oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal airways effectively so you can maintain oxygenation and ventilation like a pro.
  3. Familiarize Yourself with Cardiac Rhythms - Can you spot a tachydysrhythmia or bradydysrhythmia in a heartbeat? Practice recognizing key ECG patterns and matching them with proper treatments to build confidence under pressure.
  4. Learn Electrical Therapy Procedures - Defibrillation and synchronized cardioversion aren't just buzzwords - they're lifesaving shocks when used correctly. Get hands‑on with the right protocols and timing to zap arrhythmias back into a safe rhythm.
  5. Recognize Acute Coronary Syndrome Signs - Time is muscle! Spot chest pain, shortness of breath, and ECG changes fast and know exactly which drugs or interventions to deploy to keep that heart muscle happy.
  6. Assess and Manage Acute Ischemic Stroke - Every second counts when neurons are begging for blood flow. Use the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale to triage in a snap and understand the treatment window like it's your secret weapon.
  7. Practice Interpreting ECG Rhythms - From ventricular fibrillation to pulseless electrical activity, you'll train your eyes to read the telltale waves of trouble. Regular rhythm drills will turn confusion into clarity in an emergency.
  8. Review ACLS Medication Pharmacology - Adrenaline, amiodarone, atropine - oh my! Memorize dosages, delivery routes, and contraindications so that when the moment arrives, you can draw up drugs faster than you can say "code blue."
  9. Study Post‑Resuscitation Care Strategies - The code isn't over when you get a pulse - post‑ROSC care is critical. Focus on optimizing ventilation, temperature control, and hemodynamics to boost survival and neurological outcomes.
  10. Engage in Case Studies & Megacode Scenarios - Theory is great, but simulated drills cement your skills. Dive into realistic cases that force you to apply algorithms, think on your feet, and learn from each decision.
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