ACLS Instructor Competency Test

Assess your mastery of ACLS Instructor material.

Test Instructions:

This test consists of 30 multiple-choice questions designed to evaluate your understanding of the ACLS Instructor training material. Select the best answer for each question. After completing all questions, click "Submit Test" to view your score and detailed rationales for each answer.

1. What is the primary emphasis of the ACLS program, building upon foundational BLS knowledge?

A. Advanced surgical interventions B. Continuous, high-quality CPR C. Long-term rehabilitation strategies D. Basic first aid techniques

2. Which of the following is NOT a key area of instruction in the ACLS core curriculum?

A. Management of peri-arrest conditions B. Advanced topics such as airway management C. Pediatric growth and development D. Specific management of acute coronary syndromes (ACS)

3. As an ACLS Instructor, when teaching pharmacology, what is crucial to emphasize for each critical drug?

A. Only the brand names B. The rationale, dosages, and administration C. Historical context of drug discovery D. Personal anecdotes about drug use

4. Which of the following drugs is primarily used for symptomatic bradycardia in ACLS?

A. Amiodarone B. Epinephrine (for cardiac arrest) C. Atropine D. Fibrinolytics

5. When teaching airway management, what advanced technique should instructors cover?

A. Basic airway maneuvers only B. Use of nasal cannulas exclusively C. Endotracheal tubes and supraglottic airways D. Home oxygen therapy

6. What is a cornerstone of ACLS decision-making that instructors must be proficient in teaching?

A. Advanced surgical procedures B. ECG recognition and interpretation C. Dietary recommendations for cardiac patients D. Long-term medication management

7. Megacode simulations are best utilized for integrating complex concepts because they provide:

A. Theoretical discussions only B. High-fidelity practice environments where knowledge and skills are applied under pressure C. Opportunities for individual skill practice in isolation D. A simplified overview of cardiac emergencies

8. What is a key characteristic of effective team communication in ACLS, emphasized for instructors to teach?

A. Speaking quickly and loudly B. Closed-loop communication C. Limiting discussion to the team leader D. Using complex medical jargon

9. When debriefing a scenario, what should instructors primarily focus on?

A. Assigning blame for mistakes B. Evaluating what went well and identifying areas for improvement C. Moving on quickly to the next topic D. Only discussing individual performance

10. What is the primary purpose of incorporating a CPR Coach into ACLS training?

A. To replace the instructor's role B. To manage administrative tasks C. To optimize chest compression fraction and overall team choreography D. To provide medical advice to students

11. As clinical role models, ACLS instructors should enhance student learning by:

A. Strictly adhering to the lesson plan without deviation B. Sharing real-world experiences and clinical pearls C. Avoiding all patient scenarios D. Focusing only on theoretical knowledge

12. When providing constructive feedback, what is the best approach for an instructor?

A. Only highlight what the student did wrong. B. Directly explain why something is not working, then demonstrate or show correct solutions. C. Give vague suggestions without specifics. D. Avoid all negative comments.

13. To reinforce positive behaviors and build student confidence, instructors should:

A. Only provide feedback on errors. B. Acknowledge and praise students when they perform actions correctly. C. Compare students to each other. D. Keep all feedback private.

14. What is a key strategy for creating an engaging learning environment?

A. Lecturing for the entire class duration. B. Limiting student questions. C. Utilizing active learning techniques like discussions and group work. D. Rushing through skill practice.

15. How should instructors maintain currency with AHA guidelines and protocols?

A. Relying solely on outdated manuals. B. Receiving regular updates through online platforms and training bulletins. C. Avoiding all new information. D. Only attending a course once every 10 years.

16. What is the role of the Program Administration Manual (PAM) for AHA instructors?

A. It's an optional resource for advanced instructors. B. It details all aspects of program administration, policies, and procedures. C. It's a student textbook for ACLS courses. D. It's a historical document with no current relevance.

17. ACLS instructors are expected to be "change agents." What does this imply?

A. They only deliver content without further involvement. B. They are active participants in maintaining and improving the quality of resuscitation care. C. They are responsible for marketing AHA courses. D. They should avoid identifying concerns within the training network.

18. What is the primary purpose of the AHA Atlas platform for instructors?

A. To provide a social media platform for instructors. B. To unify previously separate systems into a single, comprehensive application for the Training Network. C. To sell medical equipment. D. To host research papers only.

19. When teaching about acute coronary syndromes (ACS), what should an ACLS instructor emphasize?

A. Long-term dietary changes. B. Specific management strategies. C. Historical cases of ACS. D. Non-pharmacological pain relief only.

20. What is a key objective for ACLS instructors regarding student learning?

A. To ensure students pass the written exam only. B. To ensure that students meet all learning objectives and provide effective coaching. C. To provide minimal guidance to promote self-reliance. D. To only focus on the instructor's performance.

21. When teaching about cardiac arrest rhythms, which of the following is NOT a common rhythm instructors should cover?

A. Ventricular fibrillation (VF) B. Pulseless ventricular tachycardia (pVT) C. Asystole D. Sinus arrhythmia (normal variant)

22. What is a critical aspect of ACLS instructor training regarding Megacode scenarios?

A. Only observing students perform skills. B. Learning to design, execute, and debrief Megacodes as holistic assessments. C. Providing minimal feedback during the scenario. D. Avoiding discussion of complications.

23. When teaching team leadership, what should an instructor encourage team leaders to do?

A. Make all decisions independently. B. Solicit ideas for differential diagnoses and observations from team members. C. Avoid delegating tasks. D. Keep all information to themselves.

24. What is a key aspect of constructive intervention during a scenario?

A. Publicly shaming students for errors. B. Tactfully and professionally correcting errors or offering suggestions. C. Ignoring all mistakes. D. Allowing students to continue making critical errors.

25. When approaching student struggles with empathy, an instructor might say:

A. "You're doing that completely wrong." B. "I noticed you're struggling with giving breaths. That's okay." C. "Why can't you get this right?" D. "This is unacceptable."

26. What is a key element of a safe learning environment in PALS courses?

A. Allowing students to learn safety procedures on their own. B. Setting clear procedures and guidelines for safe and respectful skill practice. C. Discouraging questions about safety. D. Prioritizing speed over safety during practice.

27. What is a primary resource for instructors to access the latest information on AHA guidelines and protocols?

A. Old textbooks from college. B. Social media groups. C. The Atlas platform and Instructor Network. D. Unofficial online forums.

28. What is the main benefit of a modular design approach for online training content?

A. It makes content development slower. B. It complicates content updates. C. It enhances user comprehension and facilitates easier content updates. D. It restricts access to information.

29. Why is it crucial for all module content to strictly adhere to the latest AHA Guidelines for CPR & ECC?

A. To make the course more challenging. B. To ensure the highest standards of content accuracy and compliance. C. To limit the scope of instructor knowledge. D. To increase administrative burden.

30. What is the ultimate goal of developing these comprehensive AHA instructor training modules?

A. To reduce the need for instructors. B. To increase administrative tasks. C. To enhance instructor proficiency and compliance, contributing to improved patient outcomes. D. To provide a basic overview of AHA programs.

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