Basic Life Support (BLS) & CPR/AED Training
Original Practice Questions & Answers |
Comprehensive BLS Certification & Emergency
Response Study Guide | Adult & Pediatric CPR, AED
Operation, Cardiac Arrest Response, Rescue
Breathing, Chest Compressions, Airway
Management, Choking Response, Team-Based
Resuscitation, Emergency Assessment, Scene Safety
& Detailed Rationales
Question 1: What is the most critical initial step when approaching a potential
cardiac arrest victim?
A. Check for a pulse for 10 seconds
B. Begin chest compressions immediately
C. Ensure scene safety and assess responsiveness
D. Open the airway using the head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Ensure scene safety and assess responsiveness
Rationale:The BLS algorithm prioritizes scene safety for the rescuer and victim. Before
any intervention, one must ensure the environment is safe and then assess the victim's
responsiveness. This prevents additional harm and sets the stage for the subsequent
steps of the Chain of Survival.
Question 2: What is the recommended compression depth for adult CPR?
A. At least 1 inch (2.5 cm)
B. At least 1.5 inches (4 cm)
C. At least 2 inches (5 cm)
D. At least 3 inches (7.5 cm)
CORRECT ANSWER: C. At least 2 inches (5 cm)
Rationale:High-quality CPR requires compressing the adult chest at a depth of at least
2 inches (5 cm), but not exceeding 2.4 inches (6 cm). This depth ensures adequate blood
flow to vital organs during cardiac arrest.
Question 3: What is the recommended chest compression rate for adults in
CPR?
A. 60-80 compressions per minute
B. 80-100 compressions per minute
C. 100-120 compressions per minute
D. 120-140 compressions per minute
,CORRECT ANSWER: C. 100-120 compressions per minute
Rationale:The AHA guidelines recommend a compression rate of 100 to 120 per
minute. This rate balances the need for adequate cardiac output with sufficient time for
ventricular filling between compressions.
Question 4: What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for a lone
rescuer performing CPR on an adult?
A. 15:2
B. 30:2
C. 30:1
D. Continuous compressions without breaths
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 30:2
Rationale:For a single rescuer performing CPR on an adult, the ratio is 30 chest
compressions to 2 rescue breaths. This ratio maximizes the number of compressions
delivered while still providing oxygenation.
Question 5: What should you do immediately after an AED delivers a shock?
A. Check for a pulse
B. Remove the AED pads
C. Resume chest compressions immediately
D. Turn off the AED
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Resume chest compressions immediately
Rationale:After a shock is delivered, the AED will analyze again, but the rescuer must
immediately resume high-quality CPR, starting with chest compressions, for 2 minutes
or until the AED prompts another analysis.
Question 6: When should the rescuer check for a pulse in an unresponsive
adult?
A. Immediately after delivering a shock
B. Before starting CPR if the victim is not breathing
C. Only if the victim shows signs of life
D. Not more than 10 seconds, and only if there is a question of cardiac arrest
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Not more than 10 seconds, and only if there is a
question of cardiac arrest
,Rationale:Pulse checks are fallible and take time away from compressions. In BLS, a
pulse check should be performed only if the victim is unresponsive and not breathing
normally, and it should take no more than 10 seconds.
Question 7: A child is defined as what age range for BLS purposes?
A. 1 month to 1 year
B. 1 year to puberty (approximately 12-14 years)
C. 1 year to 18 years
D. 8 years to 18 years
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 1 year to puberty (approximately 12-14 years)
Rationale:In BLS, the pediatric age groups are infant (less than 1 year) and child (1 year
to puberty). The onset of puberty is the general marker for transitioning to adult CPR
techniques.
Question 8: What is the preferred method to open the airway in an
unresponsive adult with a suspected neck injury?
A. Head-tilt/chin-lift
B. Jaw-thrust maneuver
C. Neck extension
D. Supraglottic airway insertion
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Jaw-thrust maneuver
Rationale:The jaw-thrust maneuver is the preferred technique when a cervical spine
injury is suspected. It lifts the jaw forward without extending the neck, minimizing spinal
movement.
Question 9: What is the appropriate compression depth for an infant (less than
1 year old) during CPR?
A. At least 1/3 the anterior-posterior (AP) diameter of the chest (about 1.5 inches / 4
cm)
B. At least 2 inches (5 cm)
C. At least 1/2 the AP diameter of the chest (about 2 inches / 5 cm)
D. At least 1 inch (2.5 cm)
CORRECT ANSWER: A. At least 1/3 the anterior-posterior (AP) diameter of the
chest (about 1.5 inches / 4 cm)
Rationale:For infants, the recommended compression depth is at least one-third of the
chest's AP diameter, which is approximately 1.5 inches (4 cm). This is shallower than the
depth for adults and children.
, Question 10: How should a lone rescuer perform CPR on an infant?
A. Using two hands, encircling the chest
B. Using one hand on the sternum
C. Using two fingers on the center of the chest, just below the nipple line
D. Using the heel of one hand on the lower half of the sternum
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Using two fingers on the center of the chest, just below
the nipple line
Rationale:For a lone rescuer performing CPR on an infant, the two-finger technique is
recommended. The fingers are placed on the center of the chest, just below the nipple
line.
Question 11: What is the compression-to-ventilation ratio for a lone rescuer
performing CPR on an infant or child?
A. 15:2
B. 30:2
C. 15:1
D. 30:1
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 30:2
Rationale:For a lone rescuer performing CPR on an infant or child, the ratio is 30:2, the
same as for adults. This emphasizes the priority of chest compressions in single-rescuer
scenarios.
Question 12: When two or more rescuers are present, what is the compression-
to-ventilation ratio for a child?
A. 30:2
B. 15:2
C. 30:1
D. 15:1
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 15:2
Rationale:When two or more rescuers are available for pediatric CPR, the ratio changes
to 15:2. The higher compression-to-ventilation ratio allows for more frequent
ventilations, which is beneficial in pediatric arrests, which are often respiratory in origin.
Question 13: What is the single most important action to improve survival
from cardiac arrest?
Original Practice Questions & Answers |
Comprehensive BLS Certification & Emergency
Response Study Guide | Adult & Pediatric CPR, AED
Operation, Cardiac Arrest Response, Rescue
Breathing, Chest Compressions, Airway
Management, Choking Response, Team-Based
Resuscitation, Emergency Assessment, Scene Safety
& Detailed Rationales
Question 1: What is the most critical initial step when approaching a potential
cardiac arrest victim?
A. Check for a pulse for 10 seconds
B. Begin chest compressions immediately
C. Ensure scene safety and assess responsiveness
D. Open the airway using the head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Ensure scene safety and assess responsiveness
Rationale:The BLS algorithm prioritizes scene safety for the rescuer and victim. Before
any intervention, one must ensure the environment is safe and then assess the victim's
responsiveness. This prevents additional harm and sets the stage for the subsequent
steps of the Chain of Survival.
Question 2: What is the recommended compression depth for adult CPR?
A. At least 1 inch (2.5 cm)
B. At least 1.5 inches (4 cm)
C. At least 2 inches (5 cm)
D. At least 3 inches (7.5 cm)
CORRECT ANSWER: C. At least 2 inches (5 cm)
Rationale:High-quality CPR requires compressing the adult chest at a depth of at least
2 inches (5 cm), but not exceeding 2.4 inches (6 cm). This depth ensures adequate blood
flow to vital organs during cardiac arrest.
Question 3: What is the recommended chest compression rate for adults in
CPR?
A. 60-80 compressions per minute
B. 80-100 compressions per minute
C. 100-120 compressions per minute
D. 120-140 compressions per minute
,CORRECT ANSWER: C. 100-120 compressions per minute
Rationale:The AHA guidelines recommend a compression rate of 100 to 120 per
minute. This rate balances the need for adequate cardiac output with sufficient time for
ventricular filling between compressions.
Question 4: What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for a lone
rescuer performing CPR on an adult?
A. 15:2
B. 30:2
C. 30:1
D. Continuous compressions without breaths
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 30:2
Rationale:For a single rescuer performing CPR on an adult, the ratio is 30 chest
compressions to 2 rescue breaths. This ratio maximizes the number of compressions
delivered while still providing oxygenation.
Question 5: What should you do immediately after an AED delivers a shock?
A. Check for a pulse
B. Remove the AED pads
C. Resume chest compressions immediately
D. Turn off the AED
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Resume chest compressions immediately
Rationale:After a shock is delivered, the AED will analyze again, but the rescuer must
immediately resume high-quality CPR, starting with chest compressions, for 2 minutes
or until the AED prompts another analysis.
Question 6: When should the rescuer check for a pulse in an unresponsive
adult?
A. Immediately after delivering a shock
B. Before starting CPR if the victim is not breathing
C. Only if the victim shows signs of life
D. Not more than 10 seconds, and only if there is a question of cardiac arrest
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Not more than 10 seconds, and only if there is a
question of cardiac arrest
,Rationale:Pulse checks are fallible and take time away from compressions. In BLS, a
pulse check should be performed only if the victim is unresponsive and not breathing
normally, and it should take no more than 10 seconds.
Question 7: A child is defined as what age range for BLS purposes?
A. 1 month to 1 year
B. 1 year to puberty (approximately 12-14 years)
C. 1 year to 18 years
D. 8 years to 18 years
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 1 year to puberty (approximately 12-14 years)
Rationale:In BLS, the pediatric age groups are infant (less than 1 year) and child (1 year
to puberty). The onset of puberty is the general marker for transitioning to adult CPR
techniques.
Question 8: What is the preferred method to open the airway in an
unresponsive adult with a suspected neck injury?
A. Head-tilt/chin-lift
B. Jaw-thrust maneuver
C. Neck extension
D. Supraglottic airway insertion
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Jaw-thrust maneuver
Rationale:The jaw-thrust maneuver is the preferred technique when a cervical spine
injury is suspected. It lifts the jaw forward without extending the neck, minimizing spinal
movement.
Question 9: What is the appropriate compression depth for an infant (less than
1 year old) during CPR?
A. At least 1/3 the anterior-posterior (AP) diameter of the chest (about 1.5 inches / 4
cm)
B. At least 2 inches (5 cm)
C. At least 1/2 the AP diameter of the chest (about 2 inches / 5 cm)
D. At least 1 inch (2.5 cm)
CORRECT ANSWER: A. At least 1/3 the anterior-posterior (AP) diameter of the
chest (about 1.5 inches / 4 cm)
Rationale:For infants, the recommended compression depth is at least one-third of the
chest's AP diameter, which is approximately 1.5 inches (4 cm). This is shallower than the
depth for adults and children.
, Question 10: How should a lone rescuer perform CPR on an infant?
A. Using two hands, encircling the chest
B. Using one hand on the sternum
C. Using two fingers on the center of the chest, just below the nipple line
D. Using the heel of one hand on the lower half of the sternum
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Using two fingers on the center of the chest, just below
the nipple line
Rationale:For a lone rescuer performing CPR on an infant, the two-finger technique is
recommended. The fingers are placed on the center of the chest, just below the nipple
line.
Question 11: What is the compression-to-ventilation ratio for a lone rescuer
performing CPR on an infant or child?
A. 15:2
B. 30:2
C. 15:1
D. 30:1
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 30:2
Rationale:For a lone rescuer performing CPR on an infant or child, the ratio is 30:2, the
same as for adults. This emphasizes the priority of chest compressions in single-rescuer
scenarios.
Question 12: When two or more rescuers are present, what is the compression-
to-ventilation ratio for a child?
A. 30:2
B. 15:2
C. 30:1
D. 15:1
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 15:2
Rationale:When two or more rescuers are available for pediatric CPR, the ratio changes
to 15:2. The higher compression-to-ventilation ratio allows for more frequent
ventilations, which is beneficial in pediatric arrests, which are often respiratory in origin.
Question 13: What is the single most important action to improve survival
from cardiac arrest?
