ACLS Basics 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer performing CPR on an adult?
- 15:2
- 30:2 (Correct answer)
- 30:1
- 15:1
Correct answer: 30:2
A single rescuer should use a 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult CPR.
Question 2: During ACLS, what is the maximum interval recommended between recognizing cardiac arrest and delivering the first shock with a defibrillator?
- 1 minute (Correct answer)
- 2 minutes
- 3 minutes
- 5 minutes
Correct answer: 1 minute
Time-to-shock should be minimized; the goal is to defibrillate within 1 minute of recognition when a shockable rhythm is present.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of a post-cardiac arrest care bundle following ROSC?
- Immediate repeat defibrillation
- Prevent rearrest and optimize neurological outcomes (Correct answer)
- Administer prophylactic antiarrhythmics
- Perform emergency coronary angiography in all patients
Correct answer: Prevent rearrest and optimize neurological outcomes
Post-cardiac arrest care focuses on preventing rearrest and optimizing neurological recovery through targeted temperature management and hemodynamic support.
Question 4: Which rhythm is NOT considered a shockable rhythm in ACLS?
- Ventricular fibrillation
- Pulseless ventricular tachycardia
- Pulseless electrical activity (Correct answer)
- Coarse VF
Correct answer: Pulseless electrical activity
Pulseless electrical activity (PEA) is a non-shockable rhythm; defibrillation is ineffective and CPR with reversible cause treatment is required.
Question 5: What is the recommended rate for delivering rescue breaths during CPR when an advanced airway is in place?
- 1 breath every 2–3 seconds
- 1 breath every 6 seconds (Correct answer)
- 2 breaths every 30 compressions
- 1 breath every 10 seconds
Correct answer: 1 breath every 6 seconds
With an advanced airway in place, deliver 1 breath every 6 seconds (10 breaths/min) without pausing compressions.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes the ACLS 'H's and T's' framework?
- Medication dosing guidelines for cardiac arrest
- Reversible causes of cardiac arrest to identify and treat (Correct answer)
- Steps in the chain of survival
- Criteria for terminating resuscitation
Correct answer: Reversible causes of cardiac arrest to identify and treat
The H's and T's are a mnemonic for reversible causes of cardiac arrest that should be identified and treated during resuscitation.
Question 7: What tidal volume is recommended when delivering ventilations during CPR to avoid gastric inflation?
- 1,000–1,200 mL
- 800–1,000 mL
- 500–600 mL (Correct answer)
- 200–300 mL
Correct answer: 500–600 mL
A tidal volume of 500–600 mL is recommended to produce visible chest rise without causing gastric inflation.
ACLS Basics 2
What is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer performing CPR on an adult?