Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice
Examination
Limited Edition Comprehensive Exam Preparation Guide
Quick Reference: Core BLS Parameters
Parameter Adult Child (1 yr to Puberty) Inf
Compression Depth 2 - 2.4 in (5 - 6 cm) ~2 in (5 cm) [1/3 AP depth] ~1
Compression Rate 100 - 120 / min 100 - 120 / min 10
Ratio (1-Rescuer) 30:2 30:2 30
Ratio (2-Rescuer) 30:2 15:2 15
Pulse Check Site Carotid Artery Carotid or Femoral Artery Br
Practice Questions
1. What is the first priority for a rescuer upon discovering a casualty who appears
unresponsive?
○ A. Check for a carotid pulse immediately.
○ B. Ensure the scene is safe for yourself, the casualty, and any bystanders.
○ C. Begin chest compressions at a rate of 100 per minute.
○ D. Deliver two rescue breaths using a bag-valve mask.
Answer: B
Explanation: Assessing scene safety prevents the rescuer from becoming a
second victim before initiating life suppor
t measures.
2. What is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for single-rescuer
CPR on an adult casualty?
, ○ A. 15 compressions to 2 breaths
○ B. 30 compressions to 2 breaths
○ C. 50 compressions to 5 breaths
○ D. 5 compressions to 1 breath
Answer: B
Explanation: Standard adult basic life support guidelines mandate a compression-
to-ventilation ratio of 30 chest compressions followed b
y 2 rescue breaths.
3. At what rate should chest compressions be delivered during adult
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)?
○ A. 60 to 80 compressions per minute
○ B. 80 to 100 compressions per minute
○ C. 100 to 120 compressions per minute
○ D. 140 to 160 compressions per minute
Answer: C
Explanation: Maintaining a compression rate of 10
0 to 120 compressions per minute optimizes coronary and cerebral perfusion pressures.
4. What is the recommended chest compression depth for an average adult
casualty during high-quality CPR?
○ A. 1 to 2 cm (0.5 inches)
○ B. At least 5 cm (2 inches), but not exceeding 6 cm (2.4 inches)
○ C. 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4 inches)
○ D. Depth does not matter as long as rate is fast.
Answer: B
Explanation: Compressing the adult sternum at a depth of 5 t
o 6 cm ensures adequate stroke volume without causing excessive internal trauma.
5. What action should a rescuer take to open the airway of an unconscious adult
casualty without suspected spinal trauma?
○ A. Perform a jaw-thrust maneuver without head movement.
○ B. Use the head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver.
, ○ C. Turn the casualty onto their abdomen.
○ D. Flex the chin forward onto the chest.
Answer: B
Explanation: The head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver lifts the tongue away from the back
of th
e pharynx, opening the upper airway.
6. What is the correct hand placement for delivering chest compressions on an
adult casualty?
○ A. On the upper third of the sternum near the throat.
○ B. On the lower half of the sternum in the center of the chest.
○ C. Over the stomach xiphoid process directly.
○ D. Over the left side of the ribcage directly above the heart apex.
Answer: B
Explanation: Placing the heel of one hand on the center of th
e lower half of the sternum allows effective cardiac compression while minimizing rib
fracture risks.
7. Why is full chest recoil essential between compressions during CPR?
○ A. It allows the rescuer to rest their arms completely.
○ B. It permits complete venous blood return to the heart chambers between
compressions.
○ C. It vents residual air from the pulmonary system.
○ D. It prevents the automated external defibrillator (AED) from shocking
accidentally.
Answer: B
Explanation: Complete chest wall relaxation allows full cardiac refill, maximizing
blood volum
e ejected during subsequent compressions.
8. How soon should an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) be applied when
available at a cardiac arrest scene?
○ A. After completing exactly 5 cycles of CPR.
Examination
Limited Edition Comprehensive Exam Preparation Guide
Quick Reference: Core BLS Parameters
Parameter Adult Child (1 yr to Puberty) Inf
Compression Depth 2 - 2.4 in (5 - 6 cm) ~2 in (5 cm) [1/3 AP depth] ~1
Compression Rate 100 - 120 / min 100 - 120 / min 10
Ratio (1-Rescuer) 30:2 30:2 30
Ratio (2-Rescuer) 30:2 15:2 15
Pulse Check Site Carotid Artery Carotid or Femoral Artery Br
Practice Questions
1. What is the first priority for a rescuer upon discovering a casualty who appears
unresponsive?
○ A. Check for a carotid pulse immediately.
○ B. Ensure the scene is safe for yourself, the casualty, and any bystanders.
○ C. Begin chest compressions at a rate of 100 per minute.
○ D. Deliver two rescue breaths using a bag-valve mask.
Answer: B
Explanation: Assessing scene safety prevents the rescuer from becoming a
second victim before initiating life suppor
t measures.
2. What is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for single-rescuer
CPR on an adult casualty?
, ○ A. 15 compressions to 2 breaths
○ B. 30 compressions to 2 breaths
○ C. 50 compressions to 5 breaths
○ D. 5 compressions to 1 breath
Answer: B
Explanation: Standard adult basic life support guidelines mandate a compression-
to-ventilation ratio of 30 chest compressions followed b
y 2 rescue breaths.
3. At what rate should chest compressions be delivered during adult
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)?
○ A. 60 to 80 compressions per minute
○ B. 80 to 100 compressions per minute
○ C. 100 to 120 compressions per minute
○ D. 140 to 160 compressions per minute
Answer: C
Explanation: Maintaining a compression rate of 10
0 to 120 compressions per minute optimizes coronary and cerebral perfusion pressures.
4. What is the recommended chest compression depth for an average adult
casualty during high-quality CPR?
○ A. 1 to 2 cm (0.5 inches)
○ B. At least 5 cm (2 inches), but not exceeding 6 cm (2.4 inches)
○ C. 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4 inches)
○ D. Depth does not matter as long as rate is fast.
Answer: B
Explanation: Compressing the adult sternum at a depth of 5 t
o 6 cm ensures adequate stroke volume without causing excessive internal trauma.
5. What action should a rescuer take to open the airway of an unconscious adult
casualty without suspected spinal trauma?
○ A. Perform a jaw-thrust maneuver without head movement.
○ B. Use the head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver.
, ○ C. Turn the casualty onto their abdomen.
○ D. Flex the chin forward onto the chest.
Answer: B
Explanation: The head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver lifts the tongue away from the back
of th
e pharynx, opening the upper airway.
6. What is the correct hand placement for delivering chest compressions on an
adult casualty?
○ A. On the upper third of the sternum near the throat.
○ B. On the lower half of the sternum in the center of the chest.
○ C. Over the stomach xiphoid process directly.
○ D. Over the left side of the ribcage directly above the heart apex.
Answer: B
Explanation: Placing the heel of one hand on the center of th
e lower half of the sternum allows effective cardiac compression while minimizing rib
fracture risks.
7. Why is full chest recoil essential between compressions during CPR?
○ A. It allows the rescuer to rest their arms completely.
○ B. It permits complete venous blood return to the heart chambers between
compressions.
○ C. It vents residual air from the pulmonary system.
○ D. It prevents the automated external defibrillator (AED) from shocking
accidentally.
Answer: B
Explanation: Complete chest wall relaxation allows full cardiac refill, maximizing
blood volum
e ejected during subsequent compressions.
8. How soon should an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) be applied when
available at a cardiac arrest scene?
○ A. After completing exactly 5 cycles of CPR.
