ACLS Precourse Self-Assessment questions to test your understanding of key concepts 2025
Rhythm Recognition
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 tachycardiaWhich rhythm requires immediate defibrillation?
A) Asystole
B) Pulseless electrical activity (PEA)
C) Ventricular tachycardia with a pulse
D) Pulseless ventricular fibrillationWhat is the first-line drug for stable narrow-complex supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)?
A) Epinephrine
B) Adenosine
C) Amiodarone
D) Atropine
Pharmacology
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 IVWhich medication is preferred for persistent ventricular tachycardia with a pulse?
A) Adenosine
B) Amiodarone
C) Atropine
D) Magnesium sulfate
Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)
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 MIWhat 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
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 IVWhich 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
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%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
Answer keys for the ACLS Precourse Self-Assessment questions
Rhythm Recognition
- C) Torsades de pointes
- D) Pulseless ventricular fibrillation
- B) Adenosine
Pharmacology
- B) 1 mg IV
- B) Amiodarone
Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)
- B) Inferior MI
- B) Fibrinolysis or PCI
Bradycardia & Tachycardia Management
- B) Atropine 1 mg IV
- B) Synchronized cardioversion
Post-Cardiac Arrest Care
- B) 90-94%
- C) 32-36°C
What is your say on this?