Basic Life Support (BLS) & CPR/AED Training
Practice Questions & Answers | Comprehensive
Emergency Response & Certification Preparation
Study Guide | Adult & Pediatric CPR, Cardiac
Arrest Recognition, High-Quality Chest
Compressions, AED Use, Rescue Breathing, Airway
Management, Choking Response, Team
Resuscitation, Emergency Assessment, Scene Safety
& Detailed Rationales
Question 1: According to the 2020 American Heart Association (AHA)
guidelines, what is the recommended chest compression rate for a lone rescuer
performing CPR on an adult?
A. 60 to 80 compressions per minute
B. 80 to 100 compressions per minute
C. 100 to 120 compressions per minute
D. 120 to 140 compressions per minute
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 100 to 120 compressions per minute
Rationale:The AHA 2020 guidelines recommend a compression rate of 100 to 120 per
minute for all age groups. This rate is associated with improved survival outcomes, as
rates slower than 100 may result in inadequate perfusion, and rates faster than 120
reduce chest recoil and compression depth.
Question 2: What is the maximum interval for interrupting chest compressions
to deliver two rescue breaths during adult CPR?
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 seconds
C. 15 seconds
D. 20 seconds
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 10 seconds
Rationale:To maximize coronary and cerebral perfusion, interruptions in chest
compressions must be minimized. The AHA guidelines specify that the interval for
providing two rescue breaths should not exceed 10 seconds to maintain adequate blood
flow.
Question 3: In an unresponsive adult with agonal gasps, what is the first action
a healthcare provider should take?
A. Check for a pulse for 10 seconds
B. Begin chest compressions immediately
,C. Open the airway using the head-tilt chin-lift maneuver
D. Activate the emergency response system
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Activate the emergency response system
Rationale:Agonal gasps are not considered effective breathing and are a sign of cardiac
arrest. The immediate priority is to activate the emergency response system (or send
someone to do so) to get a defibrillator and advanced help, followed by initiating CPR
starting with compressions.
Question 4: What is the recommended ratio of chest compressions to
ventilations for a single rescuer performing CPR on an adult?
A. 15:2
B. 30:2
C. 30:1
D. Continuous compressions only
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 30:2
Rationale:For lone rescuers performing CPR on adults, children, and infants (excluding
newborns), the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio is 30:2. This ratio
provides a high number of compressions to support circulation while still providing
adequate oxygenation.
Question 5: A patient is in cardiac arrest and has an advanced airway
(endotracheal tube) in place. How often should ventilations be delivered
during continuous chest compressions?
A. Every 2 seconds (30 breaths/min)
B. Every 4 seconds (15 breaths/min)
C. Every 6 seconds (10 breaths/min)
D. Every 10 seconds (6 breaths/min)
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Every 6 seconds (10 breaths/min)
Rationale:Once an advanced airway is in place during CPR, the provider should deliver
one breath every 6 seconds (10 breaths per minute) without pausing compressions for
ventilation. This asynchronous approach maintains continuous perfusion.
Question 6: Which of the following pulse check locations is recommended for a
healthcare provider assessing an adult patient?
A. Radial artery
B. Brachial artery
,C. Femoral artery
D. Carotid artery
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Carotid artery
Rationale:The carotid artery is the preferred site for pulse checks in adults and children
because it is central and large, making it the most reliable location to detect a pulse in
an emergency. The brachial artery is preferred for infants.
Question 7: What is the correct compression depth for an adult during 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:The AHA guidelines mandate a compression depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm)
for adults, but not exceeding 2.4 inches (6 cm). This depth is necessary to generate
sufficient blood flow to vital organs during cardiac arrest.
Question 8: In a pediatric cardiac arrest scenario, how does the compression-
to-ventilation ratio change for a lone rescuer versus two rescuers?
A. 15:2 for both lone and two rescuers
B. 30:2 for lone, and 15:2 for two rescuers
C. 30:2 for both lone and two rescuers
D. 15:2 for lone, and 30:2 for two rescuers
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 30:2 for lone, and 15:2 for two rescuers
Rationale:For pediatric patients (children and infants), the lone rescuer uses a 30:2
ratio. With two rescuers, the ratio changes to 15:2 to increase the ventilation rate relative
to compressions, as respiratory failure is a more common cause of pediatric arrest.
Question 9: What is the purpose of allowing complete chest recoil between
compressions during CPR?
A. To allow the rescuer to rest
B. To prevent rib fractures
C. To maximize venous return and cardiac output
D. To allow for accurate pulse checks
CORRECT ANSWER: C. To maximize venous return and cardiac output
, Rationale:Full chest recoil allows the heart to refill with blood during the
decompression phase of CPR. Incomplete recoil increases intrathoracic pressure,
reduces venous return, and decreases the effectiveness of the subsequent compression.
Question 10: You are using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on a
patient. The AED advises "No shock advised." What is your immediate action?
A. Turn off the AED and wait for advanced medical support
B. Remove the pads and check for a pulse
C. Resume chest compressions immediately
D. Deliver two rescue breaths
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Resume chest compressions immediately
Rationale:A "No shock advised" message indicates that the patient's rhythm is not
shockable (e.g., asystole or PEA) or that the patient has a perfusing rhythm. In either
case, the priority is to resume high-quality CPR starting with chest compressions.
Question 11: What is the characteristic of "high-quality CPR" regarding the
rate of compression release?
A. 50% release time
B. 100% release with leaning allowed
C. 100% release with no leaning
D. 75% release with minimal leaning
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 100% release with no leaning
Rationale:High-quality CPR requires complete chest recoil (100% release) after each
compression. Leaning on the chest prevents the chest from fully expanding, which
hinders venous return and reduces the effectiveness of the next compression.
Question 12: A 6-year-old child is found unresponsive. What is the maximum
time a healthcare provider should spend checking for breathing and a pulse?
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 seconds
C. 15 seconds
D. 20 seconds
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 10 seconds
Rationale:The AHA recommends that the pulse and breathing check should be
performed simultaneously and should take no more than 10 seconds. If no pulse is felt
or the patient is not breathing normally within this timeframe, CPR should be initiated.
Practice Questions & Answers | Comprehensive
Emergency Response & Certification Preparation
Study Guide | Adult & Pediatric CPR, Cardiac
Arrest Recognition, High-Quality Chest
Compressions, AED Use, Rescue Breathing, Airway
Management, Choking Response, Team
Resuscitation, Emergency Assessment, Scene Safety
& Detailed Rationales
Question 1: According to the 2020 American Heart Association (AHA)
guidelines, what is the recommended chest compression rate for a lone rescuer
performing CPR on an adult?
A. 60 to 80 compressions per minute
B. 80 to 100 compressions per minute
C. 100 to 120 compressions per minute
D. 120 to 140 compressions per minute
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 100 to 120 compressions per minute
Rationale:The AHA 2020 guidelines recommend a compression rate of 100 to 120 per
minute for all age groups. This rate is associated with improved survival outcomes, as
rates slower than 100 may result in inadequate perfusion, and rates faster than 120
reduce chest recoil and compression depth.
Question 2: What is the maximum interval for interrupting chest compressions
to deliver two rescue breaths during adult CPR?
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 seconds
C. 15 seconds
D. 20 seconds
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 10 seconds
Rationale:To maximize coronary and cerebral perfusion, interruptions in chest
compressions must be minimized. The AHA guidelines specify that the interval for
providing two rescue breaths should not exceed 10 seconds to maintain adequate blood
flow.
Question 3: In an unresponsive adult with agonal gasps, what is the first action
a healthcare provider should take?
A. Check for a pulse for 10 seconds
B. Begin chest compressions immediately
,C. Open the airway using the head-tilt chin-lift maneuver
D. Activate the emergency response system
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Activate the emergency response system
Rationale:Agonal gasps are not considered effective breathing and are a sign of cardiac
arrest. The immediate priority is to activate the emergency response system (or send
someone to do so) to get a defibrillator and advanced help, followed by initiating CPR
starting with compressions.
Question 4: What is the recommended ratio of chest compressions to
ventilations for a single rescuer performing CPR on an adult?
A. 15:2
B. 30:2
C. 30:1
D. Continuous compressions only
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 30:2
Rationale:For lone rescuers performing CPR on adults, children, and infants (excluding
newborns), the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio is 30:2. This ratio
provides a high number of compressions to support circulation while still providing
adequate oxygenation.
Question 5: A patient is in cardiac arrest and has an advanced airway
(endotracheal tube) in place. How often should ventilations be delivered
during continuous chest compressions?
A. Every 2 seconds (30 breaths/min)
B. Every 4 seconds (15 breaths/min)
C. Every 6 seconds (10 breaths/min)
D. Every 10 seconds (6 breaths/min)
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Every 6 seconds (10 breaths/min)
Rationale:Once an advanced airway is in place during CPR, the provider should deliver
one breath every 6 seconds (10 breaths per minute) without pausing compressions for
ventilation. This asynchronous approach maintains continuous perfusion.
Question 6: Which of the following pulse check locations is recommended for a
healthcare provider assessing an adult patient?
A. Radial artery
B. Brachial artery
,C. Femoral artery
D. Carotid artery
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Carotid artery
Rationale:The carotid artery is the preferred site for pulse checks in adults and children
because it is central and large, making it the most reliable location to detect a pulse in
an emergency. The brachial artery is preferred for infants.
Question 7: What is the correct compression depth for an adult during 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:The AHA guidelines mandate a compression depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm)
for adults, but not exceeding 2.4 inches (6 cm). This depth is necessary to generate
sufficient blood flow to vital organs during cardiac arrest.
Question 8: In a pediatric cardiac arrest scenario, how does the compression-
to-ventilation ratio change for a lone rescuer versus two rescuers?
A. 15:2 for both lone and two rescuers
B. 30:2 for lone, and 15:2 for two rescuers
C. 30:2 for both lone and two rescuers
D. 15:2 for lone, and 30:2 for two rescuers
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 30:2 for lone, and 15:2 for two rescuers
Rationale:For pediatric patients (children and infants), the lone rescuer uses a 30:2
ratio. With two rescuers, the ratio changes to 15:2 to increase the ventilation rate relative
to compressions, as respiratory failure is a more common cause of pediatric arrest.
Question 9: What is the purpose of allowing complete chest recoil between
compressions during CPR?
A. To allow the rescuer to rest
B. To prevent rib fractures
C. To maximize venous return and cardiac output
D. To allow for accurate pulse checks
CORRECT ANSWER: C. To maximize venous return and cardiac output
, Rationale:Full chest recoil allows the heart to refill with blood during the
decompression phase of CPR. Incomplete recoil increases intrathoracic pressure,
reduces venous return, and decreases the effectiveness of the subsequent compression.
Question 10: You are using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on a
patient. The AED advises "No shock advised." What is your immediate action?
A. Turn off the AED and wait for advanced medical support
B. Remove the pads and check for a pulse
C. Resume chest compressions immediately
D. Deliver two rescue breaths
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Resume chest compressions immediately
Rationale:A "No shock advised" message indicates that the patient's rhythm is not
shockable (e.g., asystole or PEA) or that the patient has a perfusing rhythm. In either
case, the priority is to resume high-quality CPR starting with chest compressions.
Question 11: What is the characteristic of "high-quality CPR" regarding the
rate of compression release?
A. 50% release time
B. 100% release with leaning allowed
C. 100% release with no leaning
D. 75% release with minimal leaning
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 100% release with no leaning
Rationale:High-quality CPR requires complete chest recoil (100% release) after each
compression. Leaning on the chest prevents the chest from fully expanding, which
hinders venous return and reduces the effectiveness of the next compression.
Question 12: A 6-year-old child is found unresponsive. What is the maximum
time a healthcare provider should spend checking for breathing and a pulse?
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 seconds
C. 15 seconds
D. 20 seconds
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 10 seconds
Rationale:The AHA recommends that the pulse and breathing check should be
performed simultaneously and should take no more than 10 seconds. If no pulse is felt
or the patient is not breathing normally within this timeframe, CPR should be initiated.
