Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 2, 2026

Ultrasonographic Assessment During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Published on: October 24, 2020
Evaluation of advanced cardiac life support written examinations
1Spectrum Health and Health Education Associates, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
Objective:
To examine the quality of 2 advanced cardiac life support written examinations and the relationship between demographic variables and test performance.
Design:
Descriptive.
Setting:
Advanced cardiac life support courses held at 4 midwestern hospitals, one outpatient surgery center, and one community college.
Subjects:
Nonprobability sample of 367 participants.
Outcome Measure:
Two versions of the American Heart Association advanced cardiac life support written examinations.
Results:
Reliability coefficients of test A and test B were 0.45 and 0.54, respectively. Discrimination and difficulty indices calculated on both tests revealed that test B questions were more difficult, with better discriminators. Prior experience, sex of participant, and profession were identified as factors influencing test performance.
Conclusion:
Although test B surpassed the performance of test A, both examinations were problematic. Additional investigation and refinement of the advanced cardiac life support tests are warranted.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiac Catheterization I: Pre-Procedure Overview
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation I: Adult
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation III: AED Use
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation IV: Pharmacological Management
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques

