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If your advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certification is soon expiring, it may be time to find an ACLS recertification course. In addition, because ACLS certification courses have recently undergone some changes, you may also want to set aside some time to review ACLS practice questions. 2021 courses now incorporate updated guidelines based on 2020 recommendations from the American Heart Association.

To help you navigate the new material and review ACLS basics, Health Ed Solutions’ online ACLS course materials include a number of ACLS practice questions, which you can revisit multiple times to prepare for the certification exam.

ACLS Practice Questions to Get You Started

ACLS Practice Question One:A volunteer emergency squad was called to the scene where a homeless man in his 40s has collapsed. Full CPR was initiated with immediate transport to the nearby emergency room. You are the leader of the emergency room staff receiving this patient.

The volunteers reported that the man had no pulse and no respirations. Chest compressions and bag mask respirations have been sustained up to this point for about 10 minutes. What is your initial response to his care?

A. Stop CPR long enough to check for a pulse.
B. Stop CPR long enough to intubate the patient.
C. Stop CPR long enough to obtain an ECG tracing of the cardiac rhythm.
D. Continue CPR and obtain a blood sample for lab testing.
E. Continue CPR and assess the patient’s airway.

If you answered E, you’re correct! Of paramount importance in any patient without a pulse is maintaining circulation. Stopping CPR only diminishes the already compromised circulation to all vital organs. Obtaining a blood sample is an urgent need to help determine the cause of the patient’s unresponsiveness, but it must take a lower priority to the emergent needs of the patient. After determining the airway is protected and adequate for respiratory support, then the patient’s cardiac rhythm should be evaluated.

ACLS Practice Question Two: A 78-year-old African American woman presents to the ED one hour after the acute onset of left-sided facial and arm weakness, confusion, and blurred vision. She has a history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hypercholesterolemia. Her mother had a stroke at the age of 65 years old. The patient has no prior history of stroke-type symptoms or transient ischemic attacks. Vital signs are BP 175/100 mmHg, pulse rate 85 and regular, and normal temperature. Physical examination reveals a left-sided facial droop and arm weakness. No carotid bruits or cardiac murmurs are heard. She does not remember her name, where she is at the present time, or the date.

How long should it take once the patient has reached the ED to assess ABCs, oxygenation, obtain IV access, obtain blood for glucose and BMP, obtain ECG, perform a neurologic exam, activate the stroke team, and order an emergent CT scan of the brain?

A. 5 minutes
B. 10 minutes
C. 30 minutes
D. 60 minutes

If you answered B, you’re correct!

About Health Ed Solutions

Health Ed Solutions is the leading online provider for ACLS certification and ACLS recertification courses. The courses are aimed toward healthcare professionals.