ACLS Precourse Self-Assessment questions to test your understanding of key concepts 2025

ACLS Precourse Self-Assessment questions to test your understanding of key concepts 2025

Rhythm Recognition

1. Identify the following rhythm on an ECG strip: Wide QRS, irregular, no P waves.
   A) Atrial fibrillation
   B) Ventricular fibrillation
   C) Torsades de pointes
   D) Sinus tachycardia

2. Which rhythm requires immediate defibrillation?
   A) Asystole
   B) Pulseless electrical activity (PEA)
   C) Ventricular tachycardia with a pulse
   D) Pulseless ventricular fibrillation

3. What is the first-line drug for stable narrow-complex supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)?
   A) Epinephrine
   B) Adenosine
   C) Amiodarone
   D) Atropine

Pharmacology

4. What is the recommended first dose of epinephrine during cardiac arrest?
   A) 0.5 mg IV
   B) 1 mg IV
   C) 2 mg IV
   D) 5 mg IV

5. Which medication is preferred for persistent ventricular tachycardia with a pulse?
   A) Adenosine
   B) Amiodarone
   C) Atropine
   D) Magnesium sulfate

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)

6. A patient with chest pain has ST-segment elevation in leads II, III, and aVF. What type of myocardial infarction is most likely?
   A) Anterior MI
   B) Inferior MI
   C) Lateral MI
   D) Posterior MI

7. What is the first-line treatment for a suspected STEMI within 12 hours of symptom onset?
   A) Aspirin and nitroglycerin
   B) Fibrinolysis or PCI
   C) Beta-blockers and statins
   D) Morphine and oxygen

Bradycardia & Tachycardia Management

8. A patient presents with symptomatic bradycardia and a heart rate of 35 bpm. What is the first drug to administer?
   A) Epinephrine 1 mg IV
   B) Atropine 1 mg IV
   C) Amiodarone 300 mg IV
   D) Adenosine 6 mg IV

9. Which intervention is indicated for unstable monomorphic ventricular tachycardia with a pulse?
   A) Defibrillation
   B) Synchronized cardioversion
   C) Epinephrine push
   D) Amiodarone infusion

Post-Cardiac Arrest Care

10. After achieving return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), what is the target range for oxygen saturation (SpO₂)?
    A) 85-90%
    B) 90-94%
    C) 94-99%
    D) 100%

11. What is the recommended target temperature range for post-cardiac arrest hypothermia management?
    A) 28-30°C
    B) 31-33°C
    C) 32-36°C
    D) 36-38°C