AHA BLS CPR EXAM – QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | ACCURATE
AND WELL DETAILED | COMPLETE GUIDE & RATIONALES | A+
MATERIAL | NEWEST UPDATE
(Core Domains)
(1. High-Quality CPR Mechanics and Techniques)
(2. Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Operation)
(3. Chain of Survival and System Response)
(4. Foreign-Body Airway Obstruction Management)
(5. Team Dynamics and Multi-Rescuer Resuscitation)
(6. Special Resuscitation Circumstances and Safety Considerations)
(7. Post-Cardiac Arrest Care and Ethics in Resuscitation)
(Introduction)
(This comprehensive examination serves to evaluate professional
mastery of American Heart Association Basic Life Support standards. The
assessment rigorous measures critical competencies including high-
quality chest compressions, early defibrillation, effective rescue
ventilations, and synchronized team dynamics across diverse pre-hospital
and clinical environments. Through a challenging mix of multiple-choice
and complex scenario-based items, candidates must demonstrate
advanced critical thinking, rapid decision-making, and precise execution
under pressure. Special emphasis is placed on real-world application,
safety protocols, and evidence-based resuscitation guidelines to ensure
optimal patient outcomes during life-threatening cardiovascular
emergencies.)
What is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for a
single rescuer performing CPR on an adult in cardiac arrest?
A. 15 compressions to 2 ventilations
B. 30 compressions to 2 ventilations
C. 50 compressions to 5 ventilations
D. Continuous compressions with 1 ventilation every 10 seconds
🟢 B. 30 compressions to 2 ventilations
🔴 Explanation: For adult victims, the single-rescuer BLS protocol
mandates a ratio of 30 chest compressions followed by 2 breaths to
maximize perfusion while providing essential oxygenation.
What is the proper hand placement for performing chest
compressions on an adult victim?
,A. Over the upper third of the sternum
B. On the lower half of the breastbone (sternum)
C. Over the xiphoid process at the base of the sternum
D. Directly over the left lateral border of the rib cage
🟢 B. On the lower half of the breastbone (sternum)
🔴 Explanation: Compressions must be delivered on the lower half of the
sternum to effectively compress the heart between the sternum and spine
without damaging internal organs or the xiphoid process.
What is the recommended chest compression depth for an adult
victim during high-quality CPR?
A. At least 1.0 inch (2.5 cm)
B. At least 1.5 inches (4 cm)
C. At least 2.0 inches (5 cm), but not greater than 2.4 inches (6 cm)
D. Exactly 3.0 inches (7.5 cm)
🟢 C. At least 2.0 inches (5 cm), but not greater than 2.4 inches (6 cm)
🔴 Explanation: AHA guidelines specify a compression depth of at least 2
inches to generate adequate cardiac output, while capping depth at 2.4
inches to prevent traumatic injuries.
What is the target compression rate per minute for an adult, child, or
infant in cardiac arrest?
A. 60 to 80 compressions per minute
B. 80 to 100 compressions per minute
C. 100 to 120 compressions per minute
D. 120 to 140 compressions per minute
🟢 C. 100 to 120 compressions per minute
🔴 Explanation: A rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute is clinically
proven to optimize blood flow and coronary perfusion pressure during
resuscitation.
When performing 2-rescuer CPR on an infant, what is the
compression-to-ventilation ratio?
A. 15 compressions to 2 ventilations
B. 30 compressions to 2 ventilations
C. 20 compressions to 2 ventilations
D. 5 compressions to 1 ventilation
,🟢 A. 15 compressions to 2 ventilations
🔴 Explanation: For infants and children when two rescuers are present,
the ratio shifts to 15 compressions and 2 ventilations to deliver a higher
frequency of ventilations suited to pediatric physiology.
Which technique is recommended for performing chest
compressions during 2-rescuer CPR on an infant?
A. The heel of one hand technique
B. Two-finger technique
C. Two thumb-encircling hands technique
D. Dual palm-overlap technique
🟢 C. Two thumb-encircling hands technique
🔴 Explanation: The two thumb-encircling hands technique is the
preferred method for 2-rescuer infant CPR because it generates superior
blood flow and consistent compression depth.
What is the correct compression depth for a child victim (from 1 year
of age to puberty)?
A. Approximately 1.0 inch (2.5 cm)
B. Approximately one-third the depth of the chest, or about 2 inches (5
cm)
C. Exactly 3.0 inches (7.5 cm)
D. Half the depth of the thorax
🟢 B. Approximately one-third the depth of the chest, or about 2 inches (5
cm)
🔴 Explanation: Child chest compression depth should be approximately
one-third of the anterior-posterior chest diameter, translating to about 2
inches for an average child.
When should the rescuer activate the emergency response system
and retrieve an AED when encountering an unresponsive adult
outside of a hospital setting?
A. Immediately after verifying scene safety and determining
unresponsiveness
B. After performing two minutes of continuous CPR
C. Only after administering two rescue breaths
D. After checking for a radial pulse for 30 seconds
🟢 A. Immediately after verifying scene safety and determining
unresponsiveness
, 🔴 Explanation: For adults with sudden collapse, early activation and
retrieval of an AED are vital because the primary rhythm is often
ventricular fibrillation, which requires prompt defibrillation.
What is the first step a lone rescuer should take when encountering
a child or infant victim who is found unresponsive?
A. Immediately call 911 from a mobile phone on speaker
B. Perform 2 minutes of CPR before leaving to call 911
C. Deliver 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts
D. Check for a carotid pulse for at least 15 seconds
🟢 B. Perform 2 minutes of CPR before leaving to call 911
🔴 Explanation: For unwitnessed pediatric arrest, a lone rescuer must
prioritize 2 minutes of high-quality CPR before leaving the child to activate
the emergency response system, as pediatric arrests are typically
asphyxial.
What is the maximum amount of time that should be spent checking
for a pulse in a non-breathing patient?
A. 3 seconds
B. 5 seconds
C. 10 seconds
D. 20 seconds
🟢 C. 10 seconds
🔴 Explanation: Rescuers must take no longer than 10 seconds to check
for a pulse; if a pulse is not definitively felt within this timeframe, chest
compressions must be initiated immediately.
Where is the pulse checked on an infant victim?
A. Carotid artery in the neck
B. Radial artery in the wrist
C. Brachial artery on the inside of the upper arm
D. Femoral artery in the groin
🟢 C. Brachial artery on the inside of the upper arm
🔴 Explanation: The brachial pulse is the standard anatomical location for
checking circulation in an infant due to neck anatomy and ease of access.
Where is the pulse checked on an adult or child victim?
A. Carotid artery
B. Brachial artery
AND WELL DETAILED | COMPLETE GUIDE & RATIONALES | A+
MATERIAL | NEWEST UPDATE
(Core Domains)
(1. High-Quality CPR Mechanics and Techniques)
(2. Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Operation)
(3. Chain of Survival and System Response)
(4. Foreign-Body Airway Obstruction Management)
(5. Team Dynamics and Multi-Rescuer Resuscitation)
(6. Special Resuscitation Circumstances and Safety Considerations)
(7. Post-Cardiac Arrest Care and Ethics in Resuscitation)
(Introduction)
(This comprehensive examination serves to evaluate professional
mastery of American Heart Association Basic Life Support standards. The
assessment rigorous measures critical competencies including high-
quality chest compressions, early defibrillation, effective rescue
ventilations, and synchronized team dynamics across diverse pre-hospital
and clinical environments. Through a challenging mix of multiple-choice
and complex scenario-based items, candidates must demonstrate
advanced critical thinking, rapid decision-making, and precise execution
under pressure. Special emphasis is placed on real-world application,
safety protocols, and evidence-based resuscitation guidelines to ensure
optimal patient outcomes during life-threatening cardiovascular
emergencies.)
What is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for a
single rescuer performing CPR on an adult in cardiac arrest?
A. 15 compressions to 2 ventilations
B. 30 compressions to 2 ventilations
C. 50 compressions to 5 ventilations
D. Continuous compressions with 1 ventilation every 10 seconds
🟢 B. 30 compressions to 2 ventilations
🔴 Explanation: For adult victims, the single-rescuer BLS protocol
mandates a ratio of 30 chest compressions followed by 2 breaths to
maximize perfusion while providing essential oxygenation.
What is the proper hand placement for performing chest
compressions on an adult victim?
,A. Over the upper third of the sternum
B. On the lower half of the breastbone (sternum)
C. Over the xiphoid process at the base of the sternum
D. Directly over the left lateral border of the rib cage
🟢 B. On the lower half of the breastbone (sternum)
🔴 Explanation: Compressions must be delivered on the lower half of the
sternum to effectively compress the heart between the sternum and spine
without damaging internal organs or the xiphoid process.
What is the recommended chest compression depth for an adult
victim during high-quality CPR?
A. At least 1.0 inch (2.5 cm)
B. At least 1.5 inches (4 cm)
C. At least 2.0 inches (5 cm), but not greater than 2.4 inches (6 cm)
D. Exactly 3.0 inches (7.5 cm)
🟢 C. At least 2.0 inches (5 cm), but not greater than 2.4 inches (6 cm)
🔴 Explanation: AHA guidelines specify a compression depth of at least 2
inches to generate adequate cardiac output, while capping depth at 2.4
inches to prevent traumatic injuries.
What is the target compression rate per minute for an adult, child, or
infant in cardiac arrest?
A. 60 to 80 compressions per minute
B. 80 to 100 compressions per minute
C. 100 to 120 compressions per minute
D. 120 to 140 compressions per minute
🟢 C. 100 to 120 compressions per minute
🔴 Explanation: A rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute is clinically
proven to optimize blood flow and coronary perfusion pressure during
resuscitation.
When performing 2-rescuer CPR on an infant, what is the
compression-to-ventilation ratio?
A. 15 compressions to 2 ventilations
B. 30 compressions to 2 ventilations
C. 20 compressions to 2 ventilations
D. 5 compressions to 1 ventilation
,🟢 A. 15 compressions to 2 ventilations
🔴 Explanation: For infants and children when two rescuers are present,
the ratio shifts to 15 compressions and 2 ventilations to deliver a higher
frequency of ventilations suited to pediatric physiology.
Which technique is recommended for performing chest
compressions during 2-rescuer CPR on an infant?
A. The heel of one hand technique
B. Two-finger technique
C. Two thumb-encircling hands technique
D. Dual palm-overlap technique
🟢 C. Two thumb-encircling hands technique
🔴 Explanation: The two thumb-encircling hands technique is the
preferred method for 2-rescuer infant CPR because it generates superior
blood flow and consistent compression depth.
What is the correct compression depth for a child victim (from 1 year
of age to puberty)?
A. Approximately 1.0 inch (2.5 cm)
B. Approximately one-third the depth of the chest, or about 2 inches (5
cm)
C. Exactly 3.0 inches (7.5 cm)
D. Half the depth of the thorax
🟢 B. Approximately one-third the depth of the chest, or about 2 inches (5
cm)
🔴 Explanation: Child chest compression depth should be approximately
one-third of the anterior-posterior chest diameter, translating to about 2
inches for an average child.
When should the rescuer activate the emergency response system
and retrieve an AED when encountering an unresponsive adult
outside of a hospital setting?
A. Immediately after verifying scene safety and determining
unresponsiveness
B. After performing two minutes of continuous CPR
C. Only after administering two rescue breaths
D. After checking for a radial pulse for 30 seconds
🟢 A. Immediately after verifying scene safety and determining
unresponsiveness
, 🔴 Explanation: For adults with sudden collapse, early activation and
retrieval of an AED are vital because the primary rhythm is often
ventricular fibrillation, which requires prompt defibrillation.
What is the first step a lone rescuer should take when encountering
a child or infant victim who is found unresponsive?
A. Immediately call 911 from a mobile phone on speaker
B. Perform 2 minutes of CPR before leaving to call 911
C. Deliver 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts
D. Check for a carotid pulse for at least 15 seconds
🟢 B. Perform 2 minutes of CPR before leaving to call 911
🔴 Explanation: For unwitnessed pediatric arrest, a lone rescuer must
prioritize 2 minutes of high-quality CPR before leaving the child to activate
the emergency response system, as pediatric arrests are typically
asphyxial.
What is the maximum amount of time that should be spent checking
for a pulse in a non-breathing patient?
A. 3 seconds
B. 5 seconds
C. 10 seconds
D. 20 seconds
🟢 C. 10 seconds
🔴 Explanation: Rescuers must take no longer than 10 seconds to check
for a pulse; if a pulse is not definitively felt within this timeframe, chest
compressions must be initiated immediately.
Where is the pulse checked on an infant victim?
A. Carotid artery in the neck
B. Radial artery in the wrist
C. Brachial artery on the inside of the upper arm
D. Femoral artery in the groin
🟢 C. Brachial artery on the inside of the upper arm
🔴 Explanation: The brachial pulse is the standard anatomical location for
checking circulation in an infant due to neck anatomy and ease of access.
Where is the pulse checked on an adult or child victim?
A. Carotid artery
B. Brachial artery
