ISSA: CPR and AED Final Exam: Practice Questions and
Answers |Fall 2026/2027 Update | 100% Correct Latest
QUESTION 1
Which of the following is the primary purpose of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)?
A. Restart the heart completely
B. Provide oxygenated blood flow to vital organs until advanced help arrives
C. Remove obstructions from the airway
D. Deliver electrical shocks to the heart
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: CPR does not restart the heart but maintains limited circulation and respiration until
professional help or an AED can be used effectively.
QUESTION 2
When performing chest compressions on an adult, what is the recommended depth?
A. About 1 inch (2.5 cm)
B. About 1.5 inches (4 cm)
C. About 2 inches (5 cm)
D. More than 3 inches (7.5 cm)
CORRECT ANSWER: C
RATIONALE: Effective compressions in adults should be approximately 2 inches deep to generate
adequate blood flow. Too shallow compressions are ineffective, while too deep may cause injury.
QUESTION 3
Which is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult CPR when performed by a single
rescuer?
A. 15:2
B. 30:2
C. 5:1
D. Continuous compressions only
,CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: Current CPR guidelines recommend 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths when a
single rescuer performs CPR on an adult.
QUESTION 4
What should you do if an AED analyzes and advises “no shock advised”?
A. Stop CPR until a shock is needed
B. Continue chest compressions and rescue breaths immediately
C. Remove the AED pads
D. Wait for emergency personnel
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: If the AED advises “no shock,” continue CPR immediately to maintain perfusion. The
AED will reanalyze after two minutes.
QUESTION 5
For infants, where should you check for a pulse before starting CPR?
A. Radial artery
B. Brachial artery
C. Carotid artery
D. Femoral artery
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: The brachial artery, located on the inside of the upper arm, is the most accessible
and reliable pulse point for infants.
QUESTION 6
Before delivering a shock with an AED, it is critical to:
A. Hold the victim’s head still
B. Ensure that no one is touching the victim
C. Apply pressure over the heart
D. Continue compressions during shock
,CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: Everyone must stand clear to prevent accidental injury or interference with the
AED’s electrical discharge.
QUESTION 7
Which of the following best describes defibrillation?
A. The act of forcing air into lungs
B. The delivery of chest compressions
C. The delivery of an electrical shock to restore normal cardiac rhythm
D. The checking of breathing and pulse
CORRECT ANSWER: C
RATIONALE: Defibrillation resets the heart’s electrical activity, allowing normal rhythm to re -
establish.
QUESTION 8
Which component of CPR is most directly linked to improving survival rates?
A. High-quality chest compressions
B. Early ventilation
C. Advanced airway insertion
D. Defibrillation timing
CORRECT ANSWER: A
RATIONALE: Continuous, high-quality compressions are proven to maintain critical organ
perfusion and improve survival prospects.
QUESTION 9
If you find an unconscious adult with no pulse and no breathing, your next step is to:
A. Start CPR immediately
B. Look for medical ID jewelry
C. Call a friend for help
D. Place the victim in the recovery position
, CORRECT ANSWER: A
RATIONALE: After confirming unresponsiveness and absence of breathing or pulse, begin CPR
without delay.
QUESTION 10
When using an AED on a child (1–8 years), which modification should be made?
A. Use adult pads in the same position
B. Use pediatric pads and settings if available
C. Place pads on legs
D. Deliver two shocks before CPR
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: Pediatric pads reduce the energy output safely for children; if unavailable, adult
pads can be used without overlap.
QUESTION 11
If a victim is breathing normally but unresponsive, what should you do next?
A. Begin CPR immediately
B. Place the victim in the recovery position and monitor breathing
C. Leave the victim flat on their back
D. Wait without intervention
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: An unresponsive but breathing person should be placed in the recovery position to
maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration.
QUESTION 12
When performing chest compressions on an infant, the compression depth should be
approximately:
A. 1 inch (2.5 cm)
B. 1½ inches (4 cm)
C. 2 inches (5 cm)
D. 3 inches (7.5 cm)
Answers |Fall 2026/2027 Update | 100% Correct Latest
QUESTION 1
Which of the following is the primary purpose of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)?
A. Restart the heart completely
B. Provide oxygenated blood flow to vital organs until advanced help arrives
C. Remove obstructions from the airway
D. Deliver electrical shocks to the heart
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: CPR does not restart the heart but maintains limited circulation and respiration until
professional help or an AED can be used effectively.
QUESTION 2
When performing chest compressions on an adult, what is the recommended depth?
A. About 1 inch (2.5 cm)
B. About 1.5 inches (4 cm)
C. About 2 inches (5 cm)
D. More than 3 inches (7.5 cm)
CORRECT ANSWER: C
RATIONALE: Effective compressions in adults should be approximately 2 inches deep to generate
adequate blood flow. Too shallow compressions are ineffective, while too deep may cause injury.
QUESTION 3
Which is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult CPR when performed by a single
rescuer?
A. 15:2
B. 30:2
C. 5:1
D. Continuous compressions only
,CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: Current CPR guidelines recommend 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths when a
single rescuer performs CPR on an adult.
QUESTION 4
What should you do if an AED analyzes and advises “no shock advised”?
A. Stop CPR until a shock is needed
B. Continue chest compressions and rescue breaths immediately
C. Remove the AED pads
D. Wait for emergency personnel
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: If the AED advises “no shock,” continue CPR immediately to maintain perfusion. The
AED will reanalyze after two minutes.
QUESTION 5
For infants, where should you check for a pulse before starting CPR?
A. Radial artery
B. Brachial artery
C. Carotid artery
D. Femoral artery
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: The brachial artery, located on the inside of the upper arm, is the most accessible
and reliable pulse point for infants.
QUESTION 6
Before delivering a shock with an AED, it is critical to:
A. Hold the victim’s head still
B. Ensure that no one is touching the victim
C. Apply pressure over the heart
D. Continue compressions during shock
,CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: Everyone must stand clear to prevent accidental injury or interference with the
AED’s electrical discharge.
QUESTION 7
Which of the following best describes defibrillation?
A. The act of forcing air into lungs
B. The delivery of chest compressions
C. The delivery of an electrical shock to restore normal cardiac rhythm
D. The checking of breathing and pulse
CORRECT ANSWER: C
RATIONALE: Defibrillation resets the heart’s electrical activity, allowing normal rhythm to re -
establish.
QUESTION 8
Which component of CPR is most directly linked to improving survival rates?
A. High-quality chest compressions
B. Early ventilation
C. Advanced airway insertion
D. Defibrillation timing
CORRECT ANSWER: A
RATIONALE: Continuous, high-quality compressions are proven to maintain critical organ
perfusion and improve survival prospects.
QUESTION 9
If you find an unconscious adult with no pulse and no breathing, your next step is to:
A. Start CPR immediately
B. Look for medical ID jewelry
C. Call a friend for help
D. Place the victim in the recovery position
, CORRECT ANSWER: A
RATIONALE: After confirming unresponsiveness and absence of breathing or pulse, begin CPR
without delay.
QUESTION 10
When using an AED on a child (1–8 years), which modification should be made?
A. Use adult pads in the same position
B. Use pediatric pads and settings if available
C. Place pads on legs
D. Deliver two shocks before CPR
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: Pediatric pads reduce the energy output safely for children; if unavailable, adult
pads can be used without overlap.
QUESTION 11
If a victim is breathing normally but unresponsive, what should you do next?
A. Begin CPR immediately
B. Place the victim in the recovery position and monitor breathing
C. Leave the victim flat on their back
D. Wait without intervention
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: An unresponsive but breathing person should be placed in the recovery position to
maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration.
QUESTION 12
When performing chest compressions on an infant, the compression depth should be
approximately:
A. 1 inch (2.5 cm)
B. 1½ inches (4 cm)
C. 2 inches (5 cm)
D. 3 inches (7.5 cm)
