American Heart Association BLS Exam (pdf) | 2026/2027 | BLS
Provider Q&A | Basic Life Support
1. A healthcare provider finds an unresponsive adult patient in a hospital
bed. After ensuring the scene is safe, what is the first action the rescuer
should take?
A) Begin chest compressions immediately
B) Check for responsiveness by tapping the patient's shoulder and shouting
C) Give two rescue breaths
D) Activate the emergency response system
Correct Answer: Check for responsiveness by tapping the patient's shoulder
and shouting
Rationale: The AHA BLS algorithm begins with scene safety followed by
checking for responsiveness. This initial assessment determines the patient's
level of consciousness before proceeding to activate the emergency
response system, check for breathing and a pulse, and begin CPR if
indicated.
2. You are performing CPR on an adult victim. What is the correct
compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer?
A) 30:2
B) 15:2
C) 30:1
D) 15:1
Correct Answer: 30:2
,Rationale: The AHA recommends a compression-to-ventilation ratio of 30:2
for adult CPR, regardless of whether there is a single rescuer or two rescuers.
This ratio ensures adequate perfusion while providing oxygenation.
3. What is the recommended depth for chest compressions on an adult
victim?
A) 1 inch (2.5 cm)
B) 1.5 inches (4 cm)
C) 2 to 2.4 inches (5 to 6 cm)
D) 3 inches (7.5 cm)
Correct Answer: 2 to 2.4 inches (5 to 6 cm)
Rationale: Effective adult chest compressions should be at least 2 inches (5
cm) deep but not exceed 2.4 inches (6 cm). This depth provides adequate
perfusion to vital organs.
4. At what rate should chest compressions be performed on an adult victim?
A) 80 to 100 compressions per minute
B) 100 to 120 compressions per minute
C) 120 to 140 compressions per minute
D) 140 to 160 compressions per minute
Correct Answer: 100 to 120 compressions per minute
Rationale: The recommended compression rate for effective CPR is 100 to
120 compressions per minute. This rate optimizes blood flow during cardiac
arrest.
,5. When should an AED be used during an adult cardiac arrest?
A) Only after 10 minutes of CPR
B) As soon as it is available
C) Only after the first rescue breaths are delivered
D) Only if the patient is conscious
Correct Answer: As soon as it is available
Rationale: Early defibrillation significantly increases survival rates in cardiac
arrest. The AED should be applied and used as soon as it is available,
minimizing interruptions in chest compressions.
6. What is the first action a rescuer should take when arriving at the scene of
an unresponsive adult?
A) Begin chest compressions immediately
B) Ensure the scene is safe, then check responsiveness
C) Deliver rescue breaths immediately
D) Call EMS only
Correct Answer: Ensure the scene is safe, then check responsiveness
Rationale: Scene safety is the first priority to protect both the rescuer and
the patient. After ensuring the scene is safe, the rescuer should check for
responsiveness.
7. How often should rescuers switch roles during two-rescuer CPR to prevent
fatigue?
A) Every 1 minute
B) Every 2 minutes or sooner if fatigued
, C) After 5 minutes
D) Only after AED shocks
Correct Answer: Every 2 minutes or sooner if fatigued
Rationale: Rescuers should switch roles approximately every 2 minutes (or
about 5 cycles of 30:2) to prevent fatigue and maintain high-quality chest
compressions.
8. Which victim requires CPR?
A) A victim who is unresponsive with no normal breathing and no pulse
B) A victim who is unresponsive with gasping respirations and a weak pulse
C) A victim who is conscious but unable to speak
D) A victim who is unconscious with a palpable pulse
Correct Answer: A victim who is unresponsive with no normal breathing and
no pulse
Rationale: CPR should be initiated when a victim is unresponsive, not
breathing normally (or only gasping), and has no pulse. These are the criteria
for cardiac arrest.
9. What is the preferred method for opening the airway of an unresponsive
victim when you do not suspect a cervical spine injury?
A) Jaw-thrust maneuver
B) Head tilt-chin lift
C) Recovery position
D) Hyperextension of the neck
Provider Q&A | Basic Life Support
1. A healthcare provider finds an unresponsive adult patient in a hospital
bed. After ensuring the scene is safe, what is the first action the rescuer
should take?
A) Begin chest compressions immediately
B) Check for responsiveness by tapping the patient's shoulder and shouting
C) Give two rescue breaths
D) Activate the emergency response system
Correct Answer: Check for responsiveness by tapping the patient's shoulder
and shouting
Rationale: The AHA BLS algorithm begins with scene safety followed by
checking for responsiveness. This initial assessment determines the patient's
level of consciousness before proceeding to activate the emergency
response system, check for breathing and a pulse, and begin CPR if
indicated.
2. You are performing CPR on an adult victim. What is the correct
compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer?
A) 30:2
B) 15:2
C) 30:1
D) 15:1
Correct Answer: 30:2
,Rationale: The AHA recommends a compression-to-ventilation ratio of 30:2
for adult CPR, regardless of whether there is a single rescuer or two rescuers.
This ratio ensures adequate perfusion while providing oxygenation.
3. What is the recommended depth for chest compressions on an adult
victim?
A) 1 inch (2.5 cm)
B) 1.5 inches (4 cm)
C) 2 to 2.4 inches (5 to 6 cm)
D) 3 inches (7.5 cm)
Correct Answer: 2 to 2.4 inches (5 to 6 cm)
Rationale: Effective adult chest compressions should be at least 2 inches (5
cm) deep but not exceed 2.4 inches (6 cm). This depth provides adequate
perfusion to vital organs.
4. At what rate should chest compressions be performed on an adult victim?
A) 80 to 100 compressions per minute
B) 100 to 120 compressions per minute
C) 120 to 140 compressions per minute
D) 140 to 160 compressions per minute
Correct Answer: 100 to 120 compressions per minute
Rationale: The recommended compression rate for effective CPR is 100 to
120 compressions per minute. This rate optimizes blood flow during cardiac
arrest.
,5. When should an AED be used during an adult cardiac arrest?
A) Only after 10 minutes of CPR
B) As soon as it is available
C) Only after the first rescue breaths are delivered
D) Only if the patient is conscious
Correct Answer: As soon as it is available
Rationale: Early defibrillation significantly increases survival rates in cardiac
arrest. The AED should be applied and used as soon as it is available,
minimizing interruptions in chest compressions.
6. What is the first action a rescuer should take when arriving at the scene of
an unresponsive adult?
A) Begin chest compressions immediately
B) Ensure the scene is safe, then check responsiveness
C) Deliver rescue breaths immediately
D) Call EMS only
Correct Answer: Ensure the scene is safe, then check responsiveness
Rationale: Scene safety is the first priority to protect both the rescuer and
the patient. After ensuring the scene is safe, the rescuer should check for
responsiveness.
7. How often should rescuers switch roles during two-rescuer CPR to prevent
fatigue?
A) Every 1 minute
B) Every 2 minutes or sooner if fatigued
, C) After 5 minutes
D) Only after AED shocks
Correct Answer: Every 2 minutes or sooner if fatigued
Rationale: Rescuers should switch roles approximately every 2 minutes (or
about 5 cycles of 30:2) to prevent fatigue and maintain high-quality chest
compressions.
8. Which victim requires CPR?
A) A victim who is unresponsive with no normal breathing and no pulse
B) A victim who is unresponsive with gasping respirations and a weak pulse
C) A victim who is conscious but unable to speak
D) A victim who is unconscious with a palpable pulse
Correct Answer: A victim who is unresponsive with no normal breathing and
no pulse
Rationale: CPR should be initiated when a victim is unresponsive, not
breathing normally (or only gasping), and has no pulse. These are the criteria
for cardiac arrest.
9. What is the preferred method for opening the airway of an unresponsive
victim when you do not suspect a cervical spine injury?
A) Jaw-thrust maneuver
B) Head tilt-chin lift
C) Recovery position
D) Hyperextension of the neck
