TheoryFree ACLS Practice Test PDF
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Free ACLS PDF with 30 questions
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The PDF includes 30 ACLS questions with answers and explanations.
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Q1During a cardiac arrest resuscitation, the team leader assigns roles before CPR begins. A new nurse asks why the team leader is not doing compressions. Which response BEST explains effective team dynamics?
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✓ Correct answer: The team leader must remain free to direct, monitor, and make decisions for the entire team.
AHA ACLS guidelines designate the team leader as the coordinator who directs all actions, communicates with the team, and makes real-time decisions — a role incompatible with performing compressions, which demand full physical attention.
Q2You arrive at a patient found unresponsive. Which action is the FIRST priority in the BLS primary survey?
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✓ Correct answer: Verify scene safety before approaching the patient.
The very first step of any resuscitation is confirming that the scene is safe for rescuers, as outlined in the BLS survey; proceeding into an unsafe environment risks creating additional victims.
Q3A provider performing chest compressions on an adult patient is pushing down approximately 1.5 inches at a rate of 110/min. What correction should the team leader call out?
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✓ Correct answer: Increase compression depth to at least 2 inches; rate is acceptable.
AHA guidelines specify adult compression depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm) and rate of 100-120/min; the rate of 110/min is correct, but 1.5 inches is inadequate and must be corrected.
Q4Mid-resuscitation, a team member states: 'I've pushed 1 mg of epinephrine IV.' The team leader nods without responding verbally. According to ACLS team communication principles, what problem does this represent?
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✓ Correct answer: Absence of closed-loop communication — the team leader must verbally confirm receipt of the message.
Closed-loop communication requires that the receiver verbally acknowledges the message and the sender confirms the acknowledgment; a nod alone does not complete the loop and risks miscommunication errors.
Q5During the primary ACLS survey (ABCDE), the team has confirmed a shockable rhythm and delivered one shock. The next immediate action is:
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✓ Correct answer: Resume high-quality CPR immediately for 2 minutes before reassessing rhythm.
Per the AHA VF/pVT algorithm, after each shock CPR is resumed immediately for 2 minutes before the next rhythm and pulse check, minimizing post-shock no-flow time.
Q6A team member who is an experienced paramedic disagrees with the team leader's decision to withhold a second dose of epinephrine. What is the MOST appropriate way for that team member to communicate concern?
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✓ Correct answer: State the concern calmly and directly to the team leader using a clear, assertive statement, then defer if the leader acknowledges it.
AHA ACLS team dynamics teach 'constructive intervention': any member may calmly voice a concern to the team leader, but must still defer to the leader's final decision unless patient safety is immediately threatened.
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