American Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS) Exam A 2026 Questions and
Answers – A+ Graded with Expert Solutions
1. What is the minimum depth for chest compressions on an adult during CPR?
At least 3 inches (7.5 cm)
At least 1 inch (2.5 cm)
At least 2 inches (5 cm)
At least 4 inches (10 cm)
2. What is the preferred method to relieve choking in infants?
Finger sweep
Back slaps and chest thrusts
Abdominal thrusts
Back slaps only
3. What maneuver should be used to open the airway of a victim with a
suspected neck injury?
Jaw-Thrust maneuver
Tongue lift-finger sweep
Head tilt-chin lift
Head tilt only
4. Why is ensuring the safety of the scene the first step in a CPR scenario?
It allows the rescuer to assess the victim's condition.
Ensuring the safety of the scene prevents further harm to the
rescuer and the victim.
, It helps in quickly calling for emergency services.
It ensures that an AED is available for use.
5. In a scenario where two rescuers are performing CPR on an infant, what
would be the immediate action if the compressions to breaths ratio is
mistakenly applied as 30:2 instead of 15:2?
The rescuers should switch to adult CPR guidelines immediately.
The infant will receive more oxygen than needed, improving
outcomes.
The effectiveness of CPR may be compromised, leading to
inadequate oxygenation and circulation for the infant.
The CPR will be performed correctly, as the ratio is not critical.
6. What is the compression to breath ratio when performing CPR on an infant
with two providers?
30:2
20:2
25:2
15:2
7. Describe the significance of prevention in the Chain of Survival for infants.
Prevention is less important than immediate CPR.
Prevention only applies to adults, not infants.
Prevention is only about teaching CPR.
Prevention is crucial as it helps to avoid emergencies that require
BLS.
, 8. Describe the significance of the recommended compression depth for
infants during CPR.
The recommended compression depth of approximately 1.5 inches
(4 cm) is crucial to ensure effective blood circulation without
causing injury to the infant's chest.
Compression depth is only relevant for adults, not infants.
Infants require deeper compressions than adults to be effective.
The compression depth is less important than the rate of
compressions.
9. What is the primary responsibility of the second rescuer during 2 rescuer
CPR?
Count compressions out loud
Monitor the victim for breaths and a pulse
Wait until the first rescuer gets tired before helping
Open the airway and give breaths
10. What is the correct compressions to breaths ratio for adult CPR when
performed by two rescuers?
15:2
30:2
5:1
20:2
Answers – A+ Graded with Expert Solutions
1. What is the minimum depth for chest compressions on an adult during CPR?
At least 3 inches (7.5 cm)
At least 1 inch (2.5 cm)
At least 2 inches (5 cm)
At least 4 inches (10 cm)
2. What is the preferred method to relieve choking in infants?
Finger sweep
Back slaps and chest thrusts
Abdominal thrusts
Back slaps only
3. What maneuver should be used to open the airway of a victim with a
suspected neck injury?
Jaw-Thrust maneuver
Tongue lift-finger sweep
Head tilt-chin lift
Head tilt only
4. Why is ensuring the safety of the scene the first step in a CPR scenario?
It allows the rescuer to assess the victim's condition.
Ensuring the safety of the scene prevents further harm to the
rescuer and the victim.
, It helps in quickly calling for emergency services.
It ensures that an AED is available for use.
5. In a scenario where two rescuers are performing CPR on an infant, what
would be the immediate action if the compressions to breaths ratio is
mistakenly applied as 30:2 instead of 15:2?
The rescuers should switch to adult CPR guidelines immediately.
The infant will receive more oxygen than needed, improving
outcomes.
The effectiveness of CPR may be compromised, leading to
inadequate oxygenation and circulation for the infant.
The CPR will be performed correctly, as the ratio is not critical.
6. What is the compression to breath ratio when performing CPR on an infant
with two providers?
30:2
20:2
25:2
15:2
7. Describe the significance of prevention in the Chain of Survival for infants.
Prevention is less important than immediate CPR.
Prevention only applies to adults, not infants.
Prevention is only about teaching CPR.
Prevention is crucial as it helps to avoid emergencies that require
BLS.
, 8. Describe the significance of the recommended compression depth for
infants during CPR.
The recommended compression depth of approximately 1.5 inches
(4 cm) is crucial to ensure effective blood circulation without
causing injury to the infant's chest.
Compression depth is only relevant for adults, not infants.
Infants require deeper compressions than adults to be effective.
The compression depth is less important than the rate of
compressions.
9. What is the primary responsibility of the second rescuer during 2 rescuer
CPR?
Count compressions out loud
Monitor the victim for breaths and a pulse
Wait until the first rescuer gets tired before helping
Open the airway and give breaths
10. What is the correct compressions to breaths ratio for adult CPR when
performed by two rescuers?
15:2
30:2
5:1
20:2
