Aligned with 2026–2027 AHA & ARC Guidelines
CPR Final Exam
Practice Questions and Answers
50-Question Comprehensive Certification Practice Examination
Adult • Child • Infant CPR • AED Operation • Choking Interventions
Team Dynamics • Special Populations • Post-Resuscitation Care
EXAM INFORMATION
Total Questions: 50 (Multiple Choice)
Cognitive Mix: 30% Recall • 50% Application • 20% Analysis
Format: 75% Scenario-based • 25% Direct recall
Sections: 5 (Adult CPR & AED, Pediatric CPR, Choking,
Team Dynamics, Post-Resuscitation Care)
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Select the single best answer for each question (A, B, C, or D).
2. The correct answer is marked [CORRECT] and a rationale is provided.
3. Rationales cite current AHA/ARC guidelines, technique principles, and
evidence-based resuscitation standards.
4. Use this exam as a self-assessment tool for BLS / CPR certification prep.
For educational use — aligns with AHA Basic Life Support and ARC CPR certification standards.
,CPR Final Exam Practice Questions and Answers 2026/2027 AHA & ARC Aligned
Section 1: Adult CPR and AED
Adult Chain of Survival, Scene Safety, Assessment, Compression/Rescue Breath Ratios, AED Use, and Rescue
Breathing (Q1–Q18)
Q1. A 54-year-old man collapses in a shopping mall. A bystander witnesses the event and
shouts for help. According to the 2026/2027 AHA Adult Chain of Survival, which sequence
correctly lists the six links in the order they should occur?
A. Early CPR, Rapid defibrillation, Advanced life support, Post-cardiac arrest care, Recovery,
Recognition and activation
B. Recognition and activation of the emergency response system, Early CPR, Rapid
defibrillation, Advanced life support, Post-cardiac arrest care, Recovery [CORRECT]
C. Rapid defibrillation, Early CPR, Recognition and activation, Advanced life support, Recovery,
Post-cardiac arrest care
D. Advanced life support, Post-cardiac arrest care, Recovery, Early CPR, Recognition and
activation, Rapid defibrillation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The 2026/2027 AHA Adult In-Hospital and Out-of-Hospital Chain of Survival consists of six links in this
exact order: (1) Recognition and activation of the emergency response system, (2) Immediate high-quality
CPR, (3) Rapid defibrillation, (4) Advanced life support, (5) Post-cardiac arrest care, and (6) Recovery.
Recovery was formally added as the sixth link to emphasize survivorship, rehabilitation, and ongoing support
after arrest. The other options scramble the sequence, which would compromise the time-sensitive flow from
recognition through long-term recovery.
Q2. You arrive at a construction site where a worker is lying motionless next to an exposed
electrical panel with sparks visible. What is your FIRST action before providing care?
A. Immediately begin chest compressions to minimize no-flow time
B. Tap and shout to assess responsiveness while approaching the victim
C. Ensure the scene is safe by disconnecting power or waiting for trained personnel before
approaching [CORRECT]
D. Retrieve the AED and apply pads while another rescuer calls 911
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Scene safety is the universal first step in the algorithm and supersedes all patient-contact actions. An energized
electrical panel creates a life-threatening hazard to the rescuer, so power must be disconnected or the area
secured by qualified personnel before any approach. Beginning compressions or rushing in to assess
responsiveness risks electrocuting the rescuer and creating a second victim. AED retrieval is appropriate only
after the scene is safe, the patient is contacted, and arrest is confirmed.
CPR Final Exam Practice — 50 Questions Page 2
, CPR Final Exam Practice Questions and Answers 2026/2027 AHA & ARC Aligned
Q3. A woman in her 60s slumps over in a restaurant booth. You approach, tap both
shoulders, and shout, “Are you OK?” She does not respond. You then look for breathing for
approximately 6 seconds and see only irregular, slow gasps. What is your next action?
A. Continue observing for an additional 30 seconds to confirm apnea
B. Check for a carotid pulse for no more than 10 seconds; if no pulse or unsure, begin CPR
[CORRECT]
C. Administer two rescue breaths before starting compressions
D. Place her in the recovery position and wait for EMS
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
After confirming unresponsiveness and absent or abnormal breathing, the next step is a pulse check (carotid in
adults) for no more than 10 seconds. Agonal gasps are NOT normal breathing and indicate cardiac arrest, so
the rescuer should not delay further. If no pulse is palpated—or the rescuer is unsure—CPR must begin
immediately starting with compressions. Rescue breaths alone are reserved for respiratory arrest with a pulse,
and the recovery position is inappropriate for an unresponsive, apneic patient.
Q4. Which chest compression rate is currently recommended by the AHA and ARC for adult
CPR?
A. 80–100 compressions per minute
B. 100–120 compressions per minute [CORRECT]
C. 120–140 compressions per minute
D. At least 120 compressions per minute with no upper limit
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Both the AHA and ARC recommend a compression rate of 100–120 compressions per minute for adult, child,
and infant CPR. Rates below 100 fail to generate adequate coronary and cerebral perfusion, while rates above
120 reduce chest recoil time and decrease venous return, lowering cardiac output. The metronome target of
100–120 (often cued by songs such as “Stayin’ Alive”) balances depth, recoil, and minimal interruption.
Q5. When performing chest compressions on an adult victim, what is the recommended
compression depth?
A. At least 1.5 inches (approximately 4 cm)
B. At least 2 inches (5 cm), not exceeding 2.4 inches (6 cm) [CORRECT]
C. Approximately one-third the anterior-posterior chest diameter
D. As deep as the rescuer can push without regard to an upper limit
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
For adults, the AHA and ARC recommend compressing the chest at least 2 inches (5 cm) but not exceeding
2.4 inches (6 cm). Compressions that are too shallow fail to generate effective circulation, while compressions
deeper than 2.4 inches increase the risk of rib fractures, sternal displacement, and internal organ injury without
improving outcomes. The one-third AP diameter rule applies to children and infants, not adults.
CPR Final Exam Practice — 50 Questions Page 3
CPR Final Exam
Practice Questions and Answers
50-Question Comprehensive Certification Practice Examination
Adult • Child • Infant CPR • AED Operation • Choking Interventions
Team Dynamics • Special Populations • Post-Resuscitation Care
EXAM INFORMATION
Total Questions: 50 (Multiple Choice)
Cognitive Mix: 30% Recall • 50% Application • 20% Analysis
Format: 75% Scenario-based • 25% Direct recall
Sections: 5 (Adult CPR & AED, Pediatric CPR, Choking,
Team Dynamics, Post-Resuscitation Care)
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Select the single best answer for each question (A, B, C, or D).
2. The correct answer is marked [CORRECT] and a rationale is provided.
3. Rationales cite current AHA/ARC guidelines, technique principles, and
evidence-based resuscitation standards.
4. Use this exam as a self-assessment tool for BLS / CPR certification prep.
For educational use — aligns with AHA Basic Life Support and ARC CPR certification standards.
,CPR Final Exam Practice Questions and Answers 2026/2027 AHA & ARC Aligned
Section 1: Adult CPR and AED
Adult Chain of Survival, Scene Safety, Assessment, Compression/Rescue Breath Ratios, AED Use, and Rescue
Breathing (Q1–Q18)
Q1. A 54-year-old man collapses in a shopping mall. A bystander witnesses the event and
shouts for help. According to the 2026/2027 AHA Adult Chain of Survival, which sequence
correctly lists the six links in the order they should occur?
A. Early CPR, Rapid defibrillation, Advanced life support, Post-cardiac arrest care, Recovery,
Recognition and activation
B. Recognition and activation of the emergency response system, Early CPR, Rapid
defibrillation, Advanced life support, Post-cardiac arrest care, Recovery [CORRECT]
C. Rapid defibrillation, Early CPR, Recognition and activation, Advanced life support, Recovery,
Post-cardiac arrest care
D. Advanced life support, Post-cardiac arrest care, Recovery, Early CPR, Recognition and
activation, Rapid defibrillation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The 2026/2027 AHA Adult In-Hospital and Out-of-Hospital Chain of Survival consists of six links in this
exact order: (1) Recognition and activation of the emergency response system, (2) Immediate high-quality
CPR, (3) Rapid defibrillation, (4) Advanced life support, (5) Post-cardiac arrest care, and (6) Recovery.
Recovery was formally added as the sixth link to emphasize survivorship, rehabilitation, and ongoing support
after arrest. The other options scramble the sequence, which would compromise the time-sensitive flow from
recognition through long-term recovery.
Q2. You arrive at a construction site where a worker is lying motionless next to an exposed
electrical panel with sparks visible. What is your FIRST action before providing care?
A. Immediately begin chest compressions to minimize no-flow time
B. Tap and shout to assess responsiveness while approaching the victim
C. Ensure the scene is safe by disconnecting power or waiting for trained personnel before
approaching [CORRECT]
D. Retrieve the AED and apply pads while another rescuer calls 911
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Scene safety is the universal first step in the algorithm and supersedes all patient-contact actions. An energized
electrical panel creates a life-threatening hazard to the rescuer, so power must be disconnected or the area
secured by qualified personnel before any approach. Beginning compressions or rushing in to assess
responsiveness risks electrocuting the rescuer and creating a second victim. AED retrieval is appropriate only
after the scene is safe, the patient is contacted, and arrest is confirmed.
CPR Final Exam Practice — 50 Questions Page 2
, CPR Final Exam Practice Questions and Answers 2026/2027 AHA & ARC Aligned
Q3. A woman in her 60s slumps over in a restaurant booth. You approach, tap both
shoulders, and shout, “Are you OK?” She does not respond. You then look for breathing for
approximately 6 seconds and see only irregular, slow gasps. What is your next action?
A. Continue observing for an additional 30 seconds to confirm apnea
B. Check for a carotid pulse for no more than 10 seconds; if no pulse or unsure, begin CPR
[CORRECT]
C. Administer two rescue breaths before starting compressions
D. Place her in the recovery position and wait for EMS
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
After confirming unresponsiveness and absent or abnormal breathing, the next step is a pulse check (carotid in
adults) for no more than 10 seconds. Agonal gasps are NOT normal breathing and indicate cardiac arrest, so
the rescuer should not delay further. If no pulse is palpated—or the rescuer is unsure—CPR must begin
immediately starting with compressions. Rescue breaths alone are reserved for respiratory arrest with a pulse,
and the recovery position is inappropriate for an unresponsive, apneic patient.
Q4. Which chest compression rate is currently recommended by the AHA and ARC for adult
CPR?
A. 80–100 compressions per minute
B. 100–120 compressions per minute [CORRECT]
C. 120–140 compressions per minute
D. At least 120 compressions per minute with no upper limit
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Both the AHA and ARC recommend a compression rate of 100–120 compressions per minute for adult, child,
and infant CPR. Rates below 100 fail to generate adequate coronary and cerebral perfusion, while rates above
120 reduce chest recoil time and decrease venous return, lowering cardiac output. The metronome target of
100–120 (often cued by songs such as “Stayin’ Alive”) balances depth, recoil, and minimal interruption.
Q5. When performing chest compressions on an adult victim, what is the recommended
compression depth?
A. At least 1.5 inches (approximately 4 cm)
B. At least 2 inches (5 cm), not exceeding 2.4 inches (6 cm) [CORRECT]
C. Approximately one-third the anterior-posterior chest diameter
D. As deep as the rescuer can push without regard to an upper limit
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
For adults, the AHA and ARC recommend compressing the chest at least 2 inches (5 cm) but not exceeding
2.4 inches (6 cm). Compressions that are too shallow fail to generate effective circulation, while compressions
deeper than 2.4 inches increase the risk of rib fractures, sternal displacement, and internal organ injury without
improving outcomes. The one-third AP diameter rule applies to children and infants, not adults.
CPR Final Exam Practice — 50 Questions Page 3
