Congratulations on completing FirstAidWeb’s ACLS Provider Certification Course! You’ve invested the time, effort, and commitment—now it’s time to secure your certification.
This exam isn’t meant to trick you. It’s designed to confirm your understanding of the material. Take a breath, get focused, and review the key details below before you begin.
Asystole is a non-shockable rhythm in ACLS.
Incorrect. Asystole is a non-shockable rhythm requiring immediate CPR and epinephrine administration.
Correct. Asystole is a non-shockable rhythm requiring immediate CPR and epinephrine administration.
What is the initial treatment for symptomatic bradycardia?
Incorrect. Atropine is the first-line drug for symptomatic bradycardia, increasing heart rate by blocking vagal stimulation.
Correct. Atropine is the first-line drug for symptomatic bradycardia, increasing heart rate by blocking vagal stimulation.
How long should you pause chest compressions to deliver a shock?
Incorrect. Minimizes interruptions to maintain blood flow to vital organs.
Correct. Minimizes interruptions to maintain blood flow to vital organs.
The proper ventilation rate during advanced airway CPR is 6-8 breaths per minute.
Incorrect. Delivering 6-8 breaths per minute ensures adequate oxygenation without hyperventilation during CPR with an advanced airway.
Correct. Delivering 6-8 breaths per minute ensures adequate oxygenation without hyperventilation during CPR with an advanced airway.
Which of the following is a reversible cause of cardiac arrest?
Incorrect. Hypothermia is a reversible cause of cardiac arrest and must be corrected to restore spontaneous circulation.
Correct. Hypothermia is a reversible cause of cardiac arrest and must be corrected to restore spontaneous circulation.
Which rhythm is not shockable?
Incorrect. Asystole is a non-shockable rhythm treated with high-quality CPR and epinephrine.
Correct. Asystole is a non-shockable rhythm treated with high-quality CPR and epinephrine.
What is the recommended first action for an unresponsive infant?
Incorrect. Calling for help ensures timely assistance and access to advanced resuscitation equipment.
Correct. Calling for help ensures timely assistance and access to advanced resuscitation equipment.
What is the primary focus during the first few minutes of ROSC?
Incorrect. Adequate oxygenation and ventilation are critical to preventing hypoxia or hyperoxia after ROSC.
Correct. Adequate oxygenation and ventilation are critical to preventing hypoxia or hyperoxia after ROSC.
Synchronized cardioversion is used for unstable atrial fibrillation.
Incorrect. Synchronized cardioversion is indicated for unstable atrial fibrillation to restore sinus rhythm and prevent hemodynamic collapse.
Correct. Synchronized cardioversion is indicated for unstable atrial fibrillation to restore sinus rhythm and prevent hemodynamic collapse.
Synchronized cardioversion is the treatment of choice for unstable atrial flutter.
Incorrect. Synchronized cardioversion restores organized cardiac activity in unstable atrial flutter.
Correct. Synchronized cardioversion restores organized cardiac activity in unstable atrial flutter.
The recommended oxygen saturation goal during post-cardiac arrest care is 92-96%.
Incorrect. Maintaining oxygen saturation at 92-96% prevents hypoxia and avoids complications associated with hyperoxia.
Correct. Maintaining oxygen saturation at 92-96% prevents hypoxia and avoids complications associated with hyperoxia.
The maximum dose of atropine for bradycardia is 5 mg.
Incorrect. The maximum dose of atropine for bradycardia is 3 mg, with doses given at 0.5 mg intervals every 3-5 minutes.
Correct. The maximum dose of atropine for bradycardia is 3 mg, with doses given at 0.5 mg intervals every 3-5 minutes.
The recommended initial energy for pediatric defibrillation is 2 J/kg.
Incorrect. Pediatric defibrillation starts at 2 J/kg to safely deliver an effective shock without causing harm.
Correct. Pediatric defibrillation starts at 2 J/kg to safely deliver an effective shock without causing harm.
Synchronized cardioversion is used for pulseless ventricular tachycardia.
Incorrect. Pulseless VT is treated with defibrillation, while synchronized cardioversion is reserved for tachyarrhythmias with a pulse.
Correct. Pulseless VT is treated with defibrillation, while synchronized cardioversion is reserved for tachyarrhythmias with a pulse.
The initial treatment for unstable bradycardia is atropine.
Incorrect. Atropine is given at 0.5 mg IV every 3-5 minutes for unstable bradycardia caused by vagal stimulation or primary AV block.
Correct. Atropine is given at 0.5 mg IV every 3-5 minutes for unstable bradycardia caused by vagal stimulation or primary AV block.
Atropine is used to treat pulseless ventricular tachycardia.
Incorrect. Pulseless VT is treated with defibrillation, not atropine. Atropine is used for symptomatic bradycardia.
Correct. Pulseless VT is treated with defibrillation, not atropine. Atropine is used for symptomatic bradycardia.
What is the primary treatment for VF during cardiac arrest?
Incorrect. VF is a shockable rhythm, and immediate defibrillation is the most effective treatment.
Correct. VF is a shockable rhythm, and immediate defibrillation is the most effective treatment.
What is the recommended energy setting for synchronized cardioversion in narrow, irregular tachycardia?
Incorrect. For unstable narrow, irregular tachycardias, synchronized cardioversion at 120-200 J is recommended.
Correct. For unstable narrow, irregular tachycardias, synchronized cardioversion at 120-200 J is recommended.
What is the correct dose of epinephrine for pediatric cardiac arrest?
Incorrect. Epinephrine is dosed at 0.01 mg/kg IV/IO during pediatric cardiac arrest to improve coronary and cerebral perfusion.
Correct. Epinephrine is dosed at 0.01 mg/kg IV/IO during pediatric cardiac arrest to improve coronary and cerebral perfusion.
The goal oxygen saturation during post-cardiac arrest care is 100%.
Incorrect. The target oxygen saturation is 92-96% to avoid hyperoxia, which can contribute to oxidative injury.
Correct. The target oxygen saturation is 92-96% to avoid hyperoxia, which can contribute to oxidative injury.
What is the proper technique for opening the airway of a trauma patient?
Incorrect. The jaw thrust maneuver opens the airway without manipulating the cervical spine, protecting against spinal cord injury.
Correct. The jaw thrust maneuver opens the airway without manipulating the cervical spine, protecting against spinal cord injury.
What is the shockable rhythm in cardiac arrest?
Incorrect. Requires immediate defibrillation to restore organized cardiac activity.
Correct. Requires immediate defibrillation to restore organized cardiac activity.
Hypoglycemia is included in the reversible causes of cardiac arrest.
Incorrect. While hypoglycemia can cause critical symptoms, it is not included in the H's and T's of reversible causes of cardiac arrest.
Correct. While hypoglycemia can cause critical symptoms, it is not included in the H's and T's of reversible causes of cardiac arrest.
The correct defibrillation dose for pediatric cardiac arrest starts at 2 J/kg.
Incorrect. Pediatric defibrillation begins at 2 J/kg and increases to 4 J/kg for subsequent shocks if needed.
Correct. Pediatric defibrillation begins at 2 J/kg and increases to 4 J/kg for subsequent shocks if needed.
What is the maximum interval between defibrillation attempts during CPR?
Incorrect. Defibrillation attempts should be separated by 2-minute CPR cycles to ensure effective perfusion and rhythm evaluation.
Correct. Defibrillation attempts should be separated by 2-minute CPR cycles to ensure effective perfusion and rhythm evaluation.
A compression fraction of >60% is recommended for high-quality CPR.
Incorrect. A compression fraction >80% is required to maximize perfusion and improve survival rates during high-quality CPR.
Correct. A compression fraction >80% is required to maximize perfusion and improve survival rates during high-quality CPR.
The correct defibrillation dose for pediatric cardiac arrest starts at 4 J/kg.
Incorrect. Pediatric defibrillation starts at 2 J/kg, increasing to 4 J/kg for subsequent shocks if needed.
Correct. Pediatric defibrillation starts at 2 J/kg, increasing to 4 J/kg for subsequent shocks if needed.
How should you treat VF if it persists after 3 shocks?
Incorrect. Epinephrine is given to improve perfusion pressure and increase the chance of ROSC in persistent VF.
Correct. Epinephrine is given to improve perfusion pressure and increase the chance of ROSC in persistent VF.
The recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for single-rescuer infant CPR is 15:2.
Incorrect. The compression-to-ventilation ratio for single-rescuer infant CPR is 30:2, ensuring sufficient oxygenation and circulation.
Correct. The compression-to-ventilation ratio for single-rescuer infant CPR is 30:2, ensuring sufficient oxygenation and circulation.
What rhythm is described as a chaotic, irregular deflection with no P or QRS waves?
Incorrect. Ventricular fibrillation presents as a disorganized rhythm that requires immediate defibrillation.
Correct. Ventricular fibrillation presents as a disorganized rhythm that requires immediate defibrillation.
Magnesium sulfate is the treatment of choice for torsades de pointes.
Incorrect. Magnesium sulfate stabilizes the myocardium and is the first-line treatment for torsades de pointes.
Correct. Magnesium sulfate stabilizes the myocardium and is the first-line treatment for torsades de pointes.
Synchronized cardioversion is the treatment of choice for unstable atrial fibrillation.
Incorrect. Synchronized cardioversion is used for unstable atrial fibrillation to restore organized electrical activity.
Correct. Synchronized cardioversion is used for unstable atrial fibrillation to restore organized electrical activity.
What is the initial dose of adenosine for pediatric SVT?
Incorrect. Adenosine is administered as a 0.1 mg/kg rapid IV push for pediatric SVT, followed by a saline flush.
Correct. Adenosine is administered as a 0.1 mg/kg rapid IV push for pediatric SVT, followed by a saline flush.
Hypokalemia is included in the "H's" of reversible cardiac arrest causes.
Incorrect. Hypokalemia can cause cardiac arrhythmias and is included in the "H's" of reversible causes of cardiac arrest.
Correct. Hypokalemia can cause cardiac arrhythmias and is included in the "H's" of reversible causes of cardiac arrest.
The correct defibrillation dose for adults using a biphasic defibrillator is 120-200 J.
Incorrect. Biphasic defibrillation begins at 120-200 J to terminate shockable rhythms like VF and pulseless VT effectively.
Correct. Biphasic defibrillation begins at 120-200 J to terminate shockable rhythms like VF and pulseless VT effectively.
What is the primary intervention for ROSC?
Incorrect. Post-ROSC care focuses on stabilizing ventilation and oxygenation to prevent hypoxia or hyperoxia.
Correct. Post-ROSC care focuses on stabilizing ventilation and oxygenation to prevent hypoxia or hyperoxia.
ROSC is defined as the return of a detectable pulse and effective blood circulation.
Incorrect. ROSC signifies the resumption of spontaneous cardiac activity with effective circulation, improving patient survival.
Correct. ROSC signifies the resumption of spontaneous cardiac activity with effective circulation, improving patient survival.
What is the maximum dose of atropine for adult bradycardia?
Incorrect. Atropine should not exceed a total dose of 3 mg when treating symptomatic bradycardia in adults.
Correct. Atropine should not exceed a total dose of 3 mg when treating symptomatic bradycardia in adults.
A compression-to-ventilation ratio of 15:2 is recommended for two-rescuer pediatric CPR.
Incorrect. A 15:2 ratio ensures efficient oxygenation and circulation in pediatric patients during two-rescuer CPR.
Correct. A 15:2 ratio ensures efficient oxygenation and circulation in pediatric patients during two-rescuer CPR.
What is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for infants with two rescuers?
Incorrect. The 15:2 ratio improves oxygenation and circulation during high-quality infant CPR performed by two rescuers.
Correct. The 15:2 ratio improves oxygenation and circulation during high-quality infant CPR performed by two rescuers.
How soon should defibrillation be delivered for VF/VT?
Incorrect. Early defibrillation is critical for survival, especially in shockable rhythms like VF/VT.
Correct. Early defibrillation is critical for survival, especially in shockable rhythms like VF/VT.
How many breaths per minute should be delivered during CPR with advanced airway?
Incorrect. Ventilations should be provided at a controlled rate of 6-8 breaths per minute to prevent hyperventilation.
Correct. Ventilations should be provided at a controlled rate of 6-8 breaths per minute to prevent hyperventilation.
How should an unconscious patient with a suspected spinal injury be positioned?
Incorrect. The jaw thrust maneuver opens the airway without moving the cervical spine, reducing the risk of spinal injury.
Correct. The jaw thrust maneuver opens the airway without moving the cervical spine, reducing the risk of spinal injury.
What is the preferred route for drug administration during ACLS?
Incorrect. IV access is preferred for rapid administration; IO is the alternative if IV access is unavailable.
Correct. IV access is preferred for rapid administration; IO is the alternative if IV access is unavailable.
What is the appropriate depth for chest compressions in adults?
Incorrect. Compressing 2-2.4 inches ensures effective perfusion during adult CPR while minimizing the risk of injury.
Correct. Compressing 2-2.4 inches ensures effective perfusion during adult CPR while minimizing the risk of injury.
Adenosine is the first-line drug for treating unstable SVT.
Incorrect. Adenosine is the first-line drug for stable SVT, while synchronized cardioversion is used for unstable SVT.
Correct. Adenosine is the first-line drug for stable SVT, while synchronized cardioversion is used for unstable SVT.
What is the compression-to-ventilation ratio for pediatric CPR with two rescuers?
Incorrect. A 15:2 ratio is used during pediatric CPR with two rescuers to optimize ventilation and circulation.
Correct. A 15:2 ratio is used during pediatric CPR with two rescuers to optimize ventilation and circulation.
Incorrect. Epinephrine is administered every 3-5 minutes during pediatric cardiac arrest to enhance coronary and cerebral perfusion.
Correct. Epinephrine is administered every 3-5 minutes during pediatric cardiac arrest to enhance coronary and cerebral perfusion.
Defibrillation is the treatment of choice for pulseless electrical activity.
Incorrect. PEA is not a shockable rhythm; it is treated with CPR and addressing reversible causes such as hypoxia or hypovolemia.
Correct. PEA is not a shockable rhythm; it is treated with CPR and addressing reversible causes such as hypoxia or hypovolemia.
What is the ideal chest compression fraction for high-quality CPR?
Incorrect. A compression fraction greater than 80% ensures that most of the resuscitation time is spent performing chest compressions.
Correct. A compression fraction greater than 80% ensures that most of the resuscitation time is spent performing chest compressions.
What is the maximum dose of lidocaine in ACLS?
Incorrect. Lidocaine is an antiarrhythmic drug used as an alternative to amiodarone for VF or pulseless VT.
Correct. Lidocaine is an antiarrhythmic drug used as an alternative to amiodarone for VF or pulseless VT.
What is the recommended interval for ventilation during advanced airway CPR?
Incorrect. Ventilation with an advanced airway should be provided at a rate of 1 breath every 6 seconds, or 10 breaths per minute.
Correct. Ventilation with an advanced airway should be provided at a rate of 1 breath every 6 seconds, or 10 breaths per minute.
What is the most reliable indicator of effective CPR?
Incorrect. A PETCO2 reading above 10 mmHg indicates adequate chest compressions and cardiac output during CPR.
Correct. A PETCO2 reading above 10 mmHg indicates adequate chest compressions and cardiac output during CPR.
What is the treatment for unstable atrial fibrillation?
Incorrect. Synchronized cardioversion is used to restore a normal rhythm in unstable atrial fibrillation.
Correct. Synchronized cardioversion is used to restore a normal rhythm in unstable atrial fibrillation.
What is the compression rate for pediatric CPR?
Incorrect. The same compression rate as adults ensures adequate perfusion in pediatric patients during CPR.
Correct. The same compression rate as adults ensures adequate perfusion in pediatric patients during CPR.
The initial dose of amiodarone for refractory VF is 300 mg IV/IO.
Incorrect. Amiodarone 300 mg IV/IO is administered after defibrillation and epinephrine to treat refractory VF or pulseless VT.
Correct. Amiodarone 300 mg IV/IO is administered after defibrillation and epinephrine to treat refractory VF or pulseless VT.
The correct dose of epinephrine for pediatric cardiac arrest is 0.01 mg/kg IV/IO.
Incorrect. Epinephrine at 0.01 mg/kg IV/IO is administered every 3-5 minutes to enhance coronary and cerebral perfusion in children.
Correct. Epinephrine at 0.01 mg/kg IV/IO is administered every 3-5 minutes to enhance coronary and cerebral perfusion in children.
PETCO2 monitoring can help assess the effectiveness of chest compressions.
Incorrect. PETCO2 >10 mmHg during CPR indicates effective chest compressions generating sufficient circulation.
Correct. PETCO2 >10 mmHg during CPR indicates effective chest compressions generating sufficient circulation.
What is the best method to monitor the quality of CPR?
Incorrect. PETCO2 monitoring provides real-time feedback on chest compressions and the effectiveness of CPR.
Correct. PETCO2 monitoring provides real-time feedback on chest compressions and the effectiveness of CPR.
What is the drug of choice for wide-complex tachycardia in stable patients?
Incorrect. Amiodarone is the preferred antiarrhythmic for stabilizing wide-complex tachycardia in stable patients.
Correct. Amiodarone is the preferred antiarrhythmic for stabilizing wide-complex tachycardia in stable patients.
Which rhythm requires transcutaneous pacing if symptomatic?
Incorrect. Symptomatic second-degree AV block type II can progress to complete heart block, requiring pacing.
Correct. Symptomatic second-degree AV block type II can progress to complete heart block, requiring pacing.
Magnesium sulfate is used to treat torsades de pointes.
Incorrect. Magnesium sulfate stabilizes cardiac myocytes and is the drug of choice for treating torsades de pointes.
Correct. Magnesium sulfate stabilizes cardiac myocytes and is the drug of choice for treating torsades de pointes.
What is the dose of epinephrine for adult cardiac arrest?
Incorrect. Epinephrine is given at a dose of 1 mg IV/IO every 3-5 minutes during adult cardiac arrest to improve perfusion.
Correct. Epinephrine is given at a dose of 1 mg IV/IO every 3-5 minutes during adult cardiac arrest to improve perfusion.
Ventricular fibrillation is considered a shockable rhythm.
Incorrect. VF is a shockable rhythm requiring immediate defibrillation to restore an organized cardiac rhythm.
Correct. VF is a shockable rhythm requiring immediate defibrillation to restore an organized cardiac rhythm.
How should you position a patient for defibrillation?
Incorrect. A supine position ensures proper electrode placement and effective delivery of defibrillation shocks.
Correct. A supine position ensures proper electrode placement and effective delivery of defibrillation shocks.