Unlock hundreds more features
Save your Quiz to the Dashboard
View and Export Results
Use AI to Create Quizzes and Analyse Results

OR
Sign inSign in with Facebook
Sign inSign in with Google
Quizzes > Health & Medicine > Human Anatomy & Medicine

Ace the ACLS Medications Sample Exam Now

Think you can ace this ACLS sample test? Dive into free practice quizzes!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art style quiz scene with stethoscope pills meds dose charts on coral background for ACLS practice exam

Ready to elevate your ACLS skills? Our free ACLS sample exam is crafted to test your knowledge of medications and dosing in life-saving scenarios. Whether you're brushing up with a medication administration test questions and answers challenge or diving into advanced cardiac support, this ACLS practice quiz delivers realistic acls test questions answers to boost confidence. Use our acls sample test to identify knowledge gaps, reinforce best practices, master interventions, and prepare with free acls practice exams. Perfect for paramedics, nurses, and healthcare students, this quiz provides instant feedback, detailed rationales, and study tips. Don't wait - take the ACLS quiz now and ace your next certification!

What is the recommended adult dose of epinephrine for a pulseless cardiac arrest?
1 mg IV push every 3-5 minutes
0.1 mg IV push every 3-5 minutes
2 mg IV push every 2-3 minutes
5 mg IV push once
The American Heart Association recommends 1 mg of epinephrine IV/IO every 3-5 minutes during pulseless arrest to improve coronary and cerebral perfusion. Lower doses are insufficient to produce the desired vasoconstrictive effect, while higher doses are not routinely recommended due to potential harm. This dosing strategy is supported by clinical guidelines and improves the chances of return of spontaneous circulation. AHA ACLS Guidelines
What is the first-line antiarrhythmic for refractory ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia?
Amiodarone
Lidocaine
Procainamide
Magnesium sulfate
Amiodarone is the recommended first-line antiarrhythmic for shock-refractory VF/pulseless VT per ACLS guidelines. It has a broad spectrum of action on sodium, potassium, and calcium channels and ?- and ?-receptors. Lidocaine is an alternative if amiodarone is unavailable. AHA ACLS Guidelines
What is the initial dose of atropine for symptomatic bradycardia?
0.5 mg IV bolus, repeat every 3-5 minutes
1 mg IV once
0.2 mg IV bolus
2 mg IV bolus
Atropine 0.5 mg IV is given as the initial dose for symptomatic bradycardia and may be repeated every 3–5 minutes to a total dose of 3 mg. Lower or higher initial doses are either ineffective or increase the risk of adverse effects. This is outlined in the ACLS guidelines. AHA ACLS Bradycardia Algorithm
Which calcium salt is preferred for rapid membrane stabilization in hyperkalemia during ACLS?
Calcium chloride
Calcium gluconate
Calcium carbonate
Calcium phosphate
Calcium chloride contains three times more elemental calcium per volume than calcium gluconate and is preferred for rapid membrane stabilization in life-threatening hyperkalemia. It should be given via a secure IV line to minimize tissue injury. Hyperkalemia Treatment
What is the standard adult dose of magnesium sulfate for torsades de pointes?
1-2 g IV push over 1-2 minutes
0.5 g IV push over 5 minutes
2-4 g IV over 10 minutes
5 g IV push once
Magnesium sulfate 1–2 g IV push over 1–2 minutes is the recommended dose for torsades de pointes, even if serum magnesium is normal. It stabilizes the cardiac membrane and terminates the arrhythmia. Higher doses or slower administration are not routinely recommended. AHA ACLS Guidelines
What is the usual initial bolus dose of lidocaine for shock-refractory ventricular fibrillation?
1.0-1.5 mg/kg IV
0.5 mg/kg IV
2 mg/kg IV
0.25 mg/kg IV
Lidocaine 1.0–1.5 mg/kg IV is the recommended initial bolus dose for shock-refractory VF/pulseless VT when amiodarone is unavailable. It can be repeated at 0.5–0.75 mg/kg to a maximum of 3 mg/kg. This dosing helps suppress ventricular arrhythmias. AHA ACLS Guidelines
What is the initial dose of adenosine for the conversion of stable narrow-complex supraventricular tachycardia?
6 mg rapid IV push
12 mg rapid IV push
3 mg rapid IV push
0.1 mg/kg IV
Adenosine 6 mg rapid IV push followed by a saline flush is the first-line therapy for stable narrow-complex SVT. If there is no response after 1-2 minutes, a second dose of 12 mg may be given. Rapid administration is required due to its very short half-life. AHA SVT Recommendations
In which scenario is sodium bicarbonate indicated during cardiac arrest?
Suspected hyperkalemia or tricyclic overdose
All pulseless arrests
To terminate supraventricular tachycardia
As a first-line vasopressor
Sodium bicarbonate is indicated during cardiac arrest when hyperkalemia or tricyclic antidepressant overdose is suspected to correct severe acidosis. Routine use in all pulseless arrests is not recommended due to potential adverse effects. Its use must be targeted to specific toxicologic or metabolic conditions. AHA ACLS Guidelines
What is the concentration in mcg/mL of epinephrine when prepared as a 1:10,000 solution?
100 mcg/mL
10 mcg/mL
1 mcg/mL
10 mg/mL
A 1:10,000 solution of epinephrine contains 0.1 mg/mL, which is equivalent to 100 mcg/mL. This dilution is used for IV/IO boluses during cardiac arrest. Understanding concentrations prevents dosing errors. Drug Preparations
What infusion rate of dopamine is typically used to treat symptomatic bradycardia in ACLS?
2-10 mcg/kg/min
0.5-2 mcg/kg/min
10-20 mcg/kg/min
>20 mcg/kg/min
Dopamine at 2–10 mcg/kg/min is used for bradycardia or hypotension refractory to atropine. Lower rates have primarily dopaminergic effects, while higher rates produce more ?-adrenergic vasoconstriction. This range supports heart rate and perfusion. ACLS Bradycardia Algorithm
Vasopressin was previously used as an alternative to epinephrine in pulseless arrest. What was the recommended one-time dose?
40 units IV
20 units IV
80 units IV
10 units IV every 3-5 minutes
Historically, a one-time dose of vasopressin 40 units IV was an alternative to the first or second dose of epinephrine in pulseless arrest. It was removed from the 2020 guidelines but remains a part of older ACLS protocols. Its vasoconstrictive effects improve coronary perfusion. ACLS History
After administering adenosine, how quickly should you follow with a saline flush?
Immediately
After 1 minute
Only if no effect
After 5 seconds
Adenosine has a very short half-life (<10 seconds), so an immediate rapid saline flush is essential to push the drug into the central circulation and achieve therapeutic effect. Delayed flushing significantly reduces efficacy. Adenosine Pharmacology
What is the recommended atropine dose for organophosphate poisoning in ACLS?
2-6 mg IV every 5-10 minutes until secretions dry
0.5 mg IV once
10-20 mg IV every hour
0.1 mg/kg IV once
In organophosphate poisoning, atropine dosing starts at 2–6 mg IV and is repeated every 5–10 minutes until muscarinic symptoms (e.g., bronchial secretions) resolve. Doses often far exceed those used in bradycardia. This high-dose regimen counteracts cholinergic excess. Organophosphate Management
What is the standard initial bolus dose of amiodarone for shock-refractory VF/pulseless VT?
300 mg IV push
150 mg IV push
100 mg IV push
50 mg IV push
Amiodarone 300 mg IV push is the recommended initial bolus for shock-refractory VF/pulseless VT. If the arrhythmia persists, an additional 150 mg may be administered. This dosing improves defibrillation success. AHA ACLS Guidelines
What is the initial dose of sodium bicarbonate for tricyclic antidepressant overdose?
1 mEq/kg IV bolus
0.5 mEq/kg IV bolus
2 mEq/kg IV bolus
5 mEq/kg IV bolus
Sodium bicarbonate 1 mEq/kg IV bolus is recommended in TCA overdose to combat cardiac sodium channel blockade and metabolic acidosis. It narrows the QRS complex and stabilizes cardiac membranes. Higher doses may be given as needed to maintain pH. TCA Overdose Treatment
What is the recommended post-resuscitation intravenous infusion regimen of amiodarone?
1 mg/min for first 6 hours then 0.5 mg/min for next 18 hours
5 mg/min for first 6 hours then 1 mg/min
0.1 mg/min continuous
2 mg/min for first 2 hours only
After an initial 300 mg bolus and conversion, amiodarone is infused at 1 mg/min for 6 hours followed by 0.5 mg/min for 18 hours to maintain rhythm control and support hemodynamics. This staged infusion prevents toxicity while providing antiarrhythmic effects. AHA Post-ROSC Care
What is the recommended procainamide loading dose for refractory VF/pulseless VT?
20-50 mg/min IV until arrhythmia is suppressed
1 mg/min IV continuously
100-200 mg over 10 minutes
5 mg/kg IV bolus once
Procainamide is administered at 20–50 mg/min IV until the arrhythmia is suppressed, hypotension ensues, or a total of 17 mg/kg has been given. This gradual infusion reduces the risk of hypotension and promotes rhythm control. ACLS Antiarrhythmic Guidance
After initial blockade, what maintenance infusion rate is recommended for procainamide post-ROSC?
1-4 mg/min IV
5-10 mg/min IV
10-20 mg/min IV
0.1-0.5 mg/min IV
Following a successful procainamide loading dose, a maintenance infusion of 1–4 mg/min IV is used to sustain antiarrhythmic effects while monitoring for hypotension and QRS prolongation. Higher rates increase adverse event risk. ACLS Antiarrhythmic Guidance
Which of the following is a contraindication to administering calcium during ACLS?
Hypercalcemia
Hypokalemia
Hypermagnesemia
Hypocalcemia
Administering calcium in the setting of hypercalcemia can exacerbate the condition and lead to arrhythmias or tissue injury. Hypocalcemia and hyperkalemia are indications for calcium. ACLS guidelines caution against calcium use when serum calcium is already elevated. Electrolyte Emergencies
What is the standard dose of sodium bicarbonate for metabolic acidosis during cardiac arrest?
1 mEq/kg IV bolus
0.5 mEq/kg IV bolus
2 mEq/kg IV bolus
5 mEq/kg IV bolus
Sodium bicarbonate 1 mEq/kg IV bolus is used in targeted situations such as prolonged arrest, hyperkalemia, or TCA overdose to correct severe acidosis. Routine use in all arrests is not recommended due to potential electrolyte shifts. Bicarbonate in Arrest
Which vasopressor is preferred to maintain blood pressure after return of spontaneous circulation due to minimal chronotropic effect?
Norepinephrine
Epinephrine
Dopamine
Vasopressin
Norepinephrine is favored for post-ROSC hypotension because it provides strong ?-adrenergic vasoconstriction with minimal increase in heart rate, reducing myocardial oxygen demand. Epinephrine and dopamine can increase tachycardia. Clinical trials support norepinephrine’s efficacy. Vasopressor Choice Post-ROSC
What is the recommended dose of naloxone for opioid-induced respiratory depression during ACLS?
0.4-2 mg IV
10 mg IV
0.04 mg IV
5 mg IV
Naloxone 0.4–2 mg IV is recommended to reverse opioid-induced respiratory depression during resuscitation. Titration is essential to restore adequate ventilation without precipitating acute withdrawal. Higher doses are reserved for potent opioids. Opioid Overdose Management
What is the concentration difference between 1:1,000 and 1:10,000 epinephrine solutions in mg/mL?
1:1,000 is 1 mg/mL; 1:10,000 is 0.1 mg/mL
1:1,000 is 0.1 mg/mL; 1:10,000 is 0.01 mg/mL
1:1,000 is 0.5 mg/mL; 1:10,000 is 0.05 mg/mL
1:1,000 is 10 mg/mL; 1:10,000 is 1 mg/mL
A 1:1,000 epinephrine solution contains 1 mg/mL, whereas a 1:10,000 solution contains 0.1 mg/mL. Recognizing these ratios is critical to prevent tenfold dosing errors. ACLS protocols specify 1:10,000 for IV bolus and 1:1,000 for intramuscular or endotracheal routes. Drug Ratio Conversion
A 70-kg patient requires epinephrine infusion at 0.1 ?g/kg/min. You have 1 mg epinephrine in 250 mL D5W. What infusion rate in mL/hr is required?
105 mL/hr
42 mL/hr
175 mL/hr
10.5 mL/hr
An infusion of 1 mg in 250 mL yields 4 mcg/mL. At 0.1 mcg/kg/min for a 70-kg patient, the rate is 7 mcg/min. Dividing 7 mcg/min by 4 mcg/mL gives 1.75 mL/min, which equals 105 mL/hr. Accurate calculation avoids under- or overdosing. Pressor Dosing Calculations
What volume of a 1:1,000 epinephrine solution is equivalent to a 1 mg dose?
1 mL
10 mL
0.1 mL
5 mL
A 1:1,000 concentration means 1 mg of epinephrine per 1 mL of solution. Therefore, 1 mL delivers the 1 mg dose. Knowing this prevents tenfold dosing errors in critical situations. Epinephrine Preparation
0
{"name":"What is the recommended adult dose of epinephrine for a pulseless cardiac arrest?", "url":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/QPREVIEW","txt":"What is the recommended adult dose of epinephrine for a pulseless cardiac arrest?, What is the first-line antiarrhythmic for refractory ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia?, What is the initial dose of atropine for symptomatic bradycardia?","img":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/3012/images/ogquiz.png"}

Study Outcomes

  1. Identify ACLS Medication Indications -

    Understand the clinical scenarios and indications for key ACLS drugs, including adenosine, epinephrine, and amiodarone.

  2. Recall Accurate Drug Dosages -

    Memorize and recall dosing protocols for adult and pediatric patients tested in this ACLS sample exam.

  3. Apply Protocols in Simulated Scenarios -

    Select and administer appropriate medications in realistic case studies provided in the free ACLS practice quiz.

  4. Analyze Feedback to Improve Performance -

    Review instant feedback and detailed explanations to identify knowledge gaps and refine your approach to ACLS test questions answers.

  5. Demonstrate Confidence in Drug Administration -

    Build competence and assurance in critical care medication management through repeated practice with free ACLS sample tests.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Adenosine "6-12-12" Rule -

    Adenosine is the first-line agent for stable narrow-complex SVT, given as a rapid IV push of 6 mg followed by 12 mg if necessary. This "6-12-12" mnemonic from AHA guidelines helps you recall doses quickly during your acls sample test. Fast administration with a saline flush is crucial for peak effect (source: American Heart Association).

  2. Epinephrine Timing in Cardiac Arrest -

    In ventricular fibrillation or pulseless VT, administer epinephrine 1 mg IV every 3 - 5 minutes; this timing is a staple on acls practice quiz questions. Remember the "EPI 3-5" trick to keep your timing on target for free acls practice exams. Evidence shows early epinephrine improves perfusion pressures (source: Resuscitation journal).

  3. Amiodarone Dosing for Refractory VF/VT -

    For shock-refractory VF/VT, give 300 mg IV bolus of amiodarone, then a 150 mg follow-up if needed. The "300/150" rule is tested frequently on acls test questions answers to help you remember maintenance and repeat dosing. Infuse over 10 - 20 minutes to reduce hypotension risk (source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology).

  4. Atropine in Symptomatic Bradycardia -

    Atropine is dosed at 0.5 mg IV every 3 - 5 minutes up to 3 mg total for symptomatic bradycardia. Use the "A to B" (Atropine to Bradycardia) mnemonic when reviewing items on your acls sample exam. It's a core concept in ACLS algorithms on free acls practice exams (source: European Resuscitation Council).

  5. Dose Calculations and Drug Concentrations -

    Master mg/mL calculations by using the formula: (desired dose × volume on hand) ÷ (dose on label). For example, to give 1 mg epinephrine from a 1:10,000 vial (0.1 mg/mL), calculate 10 mL. This skill is vital for accurate drug prep on any acls practice quiz or acls sample test (source: University pharmacology labs).

Make a Quiz (FREE) Copy & Edit This Quiz Create a Quiz with AI

Human Anatomy & Medicine Quizzes

Powered by: Quiz Maker