BLS (BASIC LIFE SUPPORT) EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
1. High-Quality CPR (Adult, Child, Infant)
2. AED Use and Operation
3. Choking Relief (Conscious and Unconscious)
4. Team Dynamics and Resuscitation Roles
5. Recovery Position and Airway Management
6. Legal, Ethical, and Safety Considerations
7. Scene Safety and Assessment
8. Rescue Breathing and Ventilations
9. Special Situations (Opioid Overdose, Drowning, Hypothermia)
Introduction
This comprehensive examination is designed to assess candidate readiness for Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
and recertification. It measures mastery of foundational theory, high-performance team skills, and real-world
decision-making required during cardiac and respiratory emergencies. The exam includes multiple-choice
questions and scenario-based items that emphasize critical thinking, adherence to current guidelines, and
professional ethics. Each question is paired with a verified correct answer and a concise rationale to reinforce
learning. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to prioritize actions, apply algorithms, and function effectively
within a resuscitation team. This assessment reflects the latest evidence-based standards for BLS providers.
,SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1 – 100
Question 1
A healthcare provider finds an unresponsive adult patient. The patient is not breathing and has no pulse. What
is the first action after confirming unresponsiveness and absence of normal breathing?
A. Open the airway with a head tilt–chin lift
B. Give two rescue breaths
C. Activate the emergency response system and get an AED
D. Start chest compressions
🟢C
🔴 RATIONALE: For an unresponsive, non-breathing adult with no pulse, the first step after assessment is to
activate emergency response and obtain an AED. This ensures advanced help is on the way while the rescuer
continues CPR.
Question 2
What is the recommended compression depth for an adult during high-quality CPR?
A. At least 1 inch (2.5 cm)
B. At least 2 inches (5 cm) but not more than 2.4 inches (6 cm)
C. At least 3 inches (7.5 cm)
D. Exactly 1.5 inches (4 cm)
🟢B
,🔴 RATIONALE: Current guidelines recommend compressing at least 2 inches (5 cm) and no more than 2.4
inches (6 cm) for adults to ensure adequate blood flow while avoiding injury.
Question 3
A child collapses in a school hallway. You are alone and do not have a phone. What should you do first?
A. Leave the child to find a phone and call 911
B. Perform CPR for 2 minutes before leaving to call 911
C. Give 30 compressions then 2 breaths and continue
D. Check for a pulse for no more than 20 seconds
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: For an unresponsive child with no breathing and no pulse, if alone without a phone, perform 2
minutes of CPR (about 5 cycles) before leaving to activate emergency response, because cardiac arrest in
children is often due to respiratory causes.
Question 4
What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for two-rescuer infant CPR?
A. 30:2
B. 15:2
C. 20:2
D. 5:1
🟢B
, 🔴 RATIONALE: For two-rescuer CPR on an infant, the ratio is 15:2 to increase ventilation frequency given that
cardiac arrest in infants is often respiratory in origin.
Question 5
An adult patient in the cafeteria suddenly becomes unconscious, gasping occasionally, and has no pulse. An
AED arrives. What is the priority?
A. Give two rescue breaths before applying pads
B. Apply pads and allow the AED to analyze
C. Perform chest compressions for 2 minutes first
D. Check for a carotid pulse for 10 seconds
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: For a patient in cardiac arrest, the AED should be applied and used as soon as available.
Analyze rhythm immediately and shock if indicated, following the device prompts.
Question 6
While performing CPR on an adult, you notice the chest does not fully recoil between compressions. What is the
most likely consequence?
A. Increased coronary perfusion pressure
B. Decreased venous return and cardiac output
C. Reduced risk of rib fractures
D. Improved ventilation effectiveness
🟢B
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
1. High-Quality CPR (Adult, Child, Infant)
2. AED Use and Operation
3. Choking Relief (Conscious and Unconscious)
4. Team Dynamics and Resuscitation Roles
5. Recovery Position and Airway Management
6. Legal, Ethical, and Safety Considerations
7. Scene Safety and Assessment
8. Rescue Breathing and Ventilations
9. Special Situations (Opioid Overdose, Drowning, Hypothermia)
Introduction
This comprehensive examination is designed to assess candidate readiness for Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
and recertification. It measures mastery of foundational theory, high-performance team skills, and real-world
decision-making required during cardiac and respiratory emergencies. The exam includes multiple-choice
questions and scenario-based items that emphasize critical thinking, adherence to current guidelines, and
professional ethics. Each question is paired with a verified correct answer and a concise rationale to reinforce
learning. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to prioritize actions, apply algorithms, and function effectively
within a resuscitation team. This assessment reflects the latest evidence-based standards for BLS providers.
,SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1 – 100
Question 1
A healthcare provider finds an unresponsive adult patient. The patient is not breathing and has no pulse. What
is the first action after confirming unresponsiveness and absence of normal breathing?
A. Open the airway with a head tilt–chin lift
B. Give two rescue breaths
C. Activate the emergency response system and get an AED
D. Start chest compressions
🟢C
🔴 RATIONALE: For an unresponsive, non-breathing adult with no pulse, the first step after assessment is to
activate emergency response and obtain an AED. This ensures advanced help is on the way while the rescuer
continues CPR.
Question 2
What is the recommended compression depth for an adult during high-quality CPR?
A. At least 1 inch (2.5 cm)
B. At least 2 inches (5 cm) but not more than 2.4 inches (6 cm)
C. At least 3 inches (7.5 cm)
D. Exactly 1.5 inches (4 cm)
🟢B
,🔴 RATIONALE: Current guidelines recommend compressing at least 2 inches (5 cm) and no more than 2.4
inches (6 cm) for adults to ensure adequate blood flow while avoiding injury.
Question 3
A child collapses in a school hallway. You are alone and do not have a phone. What should you do first?
A. Leave the child to find a phone and call 911
B. Perform CPR for 2 minutes before leaving to call 911
C. Give 30 compressions then 2 breaths and continue
D. Check for a pulse for no more than 20 seconds
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: For an unresponsive child with no breathing and no pulse, if alone without a phone, perform 2
minutes of CPR (about 5 cycles) before leaving to activate emergency response, because cardiac arrest in
children is often due to respiratory causes.
Question 4
What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for two-rescuer infant CPR?
A. 30:2
B. 15:2
C. 20:2
D. 5:1
🟢B
, 🔴 RATIONALE: For two-rescuer CPR on an infant, the ratio is 15:2 to increase ventilation frequency given that
cardiac arrest in infants is often respiratory in origin.
Question 5
An adult patient in the cafeteria suddenly becomes unconscious, gasping occasionally, and has no pulse. An
AED arrives. What is the priority?
A. Give two rescue breaths before applying pads
B. Apply pads and allow the AED to analyze
C. Perform chest compressions for 2 minutes first
D. Check for a carotid pulse for 10 seconds
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: For a patient in cardiac arrest, the AED should be applied and used as soon as available.
Analyze rhythm immediately and shock if indicated, following the device prompts.
Question 6
While performing CPR on an adult, you notice the chest does not fully recoil between compressions. What is the
most likely consequence?
A. Increased coronary perfusion pressure
B. Decreased venous return and cardiac output
C. Reduced risk of rib fractures
D. Improved ventilation effectiveness
🟢B
