BLS WRITTEN EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
In which locations do most out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur? - Answer-Homes
Which is the most common cause of cardiac arrest in children? - Answer-Respiratory
failure or shock
What is the third link in the adult out-of-hospital Chain of Survival? - Answer-Rapid
defibrillation
Which statement best describes sudden cardiac arrest? - Answer-When an abnormal
rhythm developed and the heart stops beating unexpectedly
A 53 year old man suddenly collapses and becomes unresponsive. You witness him
collapse and are the first to arrive at the scene. You find him lying motionless on the
floor.
Which is the first action you should take in this situation? - Answer-Verify that the scene
is safe for you and the victim
The man doesn't respond when you touch his shoulders and shout, "Are you OK?".
What is your best next option? - Answer-Shout for nearby help
several rescuers respond, and you ask them to activate the emergency response and
retrieve the AED and emergency equipment. As you check for a pulse and breathing,
you notice that the man is gasping for air and making "snorting" sounds. You do not feel
a pulse. What is your best next action? - Answer-Start high-quality CPR, beginning with
chest compressions
What is the ratio of chest compressions to breaths when providing CPR to an adult? -
Answer-30 compressions to 2 breaths
What are the rate and depth for chest compressions on an adult? - Answer-100 to 120
compressions per minute and a depth of about 2 1/2 inches
What action should you take when more rescuers arrive? - Answer-Assign tasks to
other rescuers and rotate compressors every 2 minutes or more frequently if needed to
avoid fatigue
If you suspect that an unresponsive victim has head or neck trauma, what is the
preferred method for opening the airway? - Answer-Jaw thrust
ANSWERS
In which locations do most out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur? - Answer-Homes
Which is the most common cause of cardiac arrest in children? - Answer-Respiratory
failure or shock
What is the third link in the adult out-of-hospital Chain of Survival? - Answer-Rapid
defibrillation
Which statement best describes sudden cardiac arrest? - Answer-When an abnormal
rhythm developed and the heart stops beating unexpectedly
A 53 year old man suddenly collapses and becomes unresponsive. You witness him
collapse and are the first to arrive at the scene. You find him lying motionless on the
floor.
Which is the first action you should take in this situation? - Answer-Verify that the scene
is safe for you and the victim
The man doesn't respond when you touch his shoulders and shout, "Are you OK?".
What is your best next option? - Answer-Shout for nearby help
several rescuers respond, and you ask them to activate the emergency response and
retrieve the AED and emergency equipment. As you check for a pulse and breathing,
you notice that the man is gasping for air and making "snorting" sounds. You do not feel
a pulse. What is your best next action? - Answer-Start high-quality CPR, beginning with
chest compressions
What is the ratio of chest compressions to breaths when providing CPR to an adult? -
Answer-30 compressions to 2 breaths
What are the rate and depth for chest compressions on an adult? - Answer-100 to 120
compressions per minute and a depth of about 2 1/2 inches
What action should you take when more rescuers arrive? - Answer-Assign tasks to
other rescuers and rotate compressors every 2 minutes or more frequently if needed to
avoid fatigue
If you suspect that an unresponsive victim has head or neck trauma, what is the
preferred method for opening the airway? - Answer-Jaw thrust
