Basic Life Support (BLS) & CPR/AED Training
Original Practice Questions & Answers | Emergency
Response & Certification Preparation Study Guide |
Adult & Pediatric CPR, Cardiac Arrest Recognition,
High-Quality Chest Compressions, AED Operation,
Rescue Breathing, Airway Management, Choking
Response, Resuscitation Teamwork, Emergency
Assessment, Scene Safety & Detailed Rationales
Question 1: What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single
rescuer performing CPR on an adult victim?
A. 15:2
B. 30:2
C. 30:1
D. 15:1
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 30:2
Rationale: For adult CPR, the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single
rescuer is 30 compressions to 2 ventilations. This ratio maximizes coronary perfusion
pressure while still providing adequate oxygenation and ventilation.
Question 2: What is the recommended depth of chest compressions for an
adult victim during CPR?
A. At least 1.5 inches
B. At least 2 inches
C. At least 2.4 inches
D. At least 3 inches
CORRECT ANSWER: B. At least 2 inches
Rationale: According to AHA guidelines, adult chest compressions should be at least 2
inches (5 cm) deep, but not exceeding 2.4 inches (6 cm). This depth ensures adequate
cardiac output during resuscitation.
Question 3: What is the recommended chest compression rate for an adult
victim?
A. 80-100 compressions per minute
B. 100-120 compressions per minute
C. 120-140 compressions per minute
D. 140-160 compressions per minute
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 100-120 compressions per minute
,Rationale: High-quality CPR requires a compression rate of 100 to 120 per minute. This
rate balances the need for adequate perfusion with the need for sufficient recoil and
ventilation time.
Question 4: How should a rescuer ensure proper hand placement when
performing chest compressions on an adult?
A. Place hands on the upper half of the sternum
B. Place hands on the lower half of the sternum
C. Place hands on the xiphoid process
D. Place hands directly over the heart on the left side of the chest
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Place hands on the lower half of the sternum
Rationale: Proper hand placement is on the lower half of the sternum, specifically the
center of the chest between the nipples. This location ensures effective compression of
the ventricles.
Question 5: An AED advises a shock. What should the rescuer do immediately
before delivering the shock?
A. Press the shock button immediately
B. Ensure all individuals are clear of the victim
C. Remove the victim's clothing
D. Administer two rescue breaths
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Ensure all individuals are clear of the victim
Rationale: Before delivering a shock, it is critical to ensure no one is touching the victim.
A "clear" command must be given and visually confirmed to prevent accidental shock to
rescuers.
Question 6: What is the first step in the Chain of Survival for adult out-of-
hospital cardiac arrest?
A. Defibrillation
B. Early CPR
C. Recognition and activation of the emergency response system
D. Advanced life support
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Recognition and activation of the emergency response
system
Rationale: The first link in the adult out-of-hospital Chain of Survival is recognition of
cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency response system (calling 911). Early
activation ensures professional help arrives quickly.
,Question 7: How should a rescuer open the airway of an adult victim with a
suspected spinal injury?
A. Head tilt-chin lift
B. Jaw-thrust maneuver
C. Neck hyperextension
D. Tongue-jaw lift
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Jaw-thrust maneuver
Rationale: The jaw-thrust maneuver is the preferred method for opening the airway in a
victim with a suspected spinal injury, as it minimizes movement of the cervical spine.
Question 8: What is the maximum time a rescuer 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: Rescuers should check for breathing and a pulse simultaneously for no more
than 10 seconds. If the victim is not breathing or only gasping and has no pulse, CPR
should be initiated immediately.
Question 9: What is the correct action if a victim's chest does not rise after the
first rescue breath?
A. Provide a second breath immediately
B. Re-open the airway using the head tilt-chin lift and attempt the breath again
C. Begin chest compressions
D. Check for a foreign body obstruction
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Re-open the airway using the head tilt-chin lift and
attempt the breath again
Rationale: If the chest does not rise, the airway is likely not open. The rescuer should re-
open the airway using the head tilt-chin lift maneuver and attempt the rescue breath
again.
Question 10: Where should the AED pads be placed on an adult victim?
, A. Upper right chest and lower left chest
B. Upper left chest and lower right chest
C. Center of the chest and upper back
D. On both sides of the lower ribs
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Upper right chest and lower left chest
Rationale: The standard placement for AED pads on an adult is the upper right side of
the chest (below the collarbone) and the lower left side of the chest (below the armpit).
This placement allows the current to pass through the heart effectively.
Question 11: How often should rescuers switch roles during CPR to prevent
fatigue?
A. After every 10 cycles (about 2 minutes)
B. After every 5 cycles (about 1 minute)
C. After every 15 cycles (about 3 minutes)
D. After every 20 cycles (about 4 minutes)
CORRECT ANSWER: A. After every 10 cycles (about 2 minutes)
Rationale: Rescuers should switch roles approximately every 2 minutes (5 cycles of
30:2). This minimizes rescuer fatigue and ensures the quality of chest compressions is
maintained.
Question 12: What is the correct term for the abnormal breathing pattern often
seen in cardiac arrest victims?
A. Kussmaul breathing
B. Cheyne-Stokes respiration
C. Agonal gasps
D. Apneustic breathing
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Agonal gasps
Rationale: Agonal gasps are sporadic, abnormal breathing patterns that may occur
during cardiac arrest. They are not effective breathing and should be treated as a sign of
cardiac arrest requiring CPR.
Question 13: What is the first thing you should do when you find an
unresponsive adult victim?
A. Begin chest compressions
B. Check for a pulse
C. Check for responsiveness and call for help
D. Open the airway
Original Practice Questions & Answers | Emergency
Response & Certification Preparation Study Guide |
Adult & Pediatric CPR, Cardiac Arrest Recognition,
High-Quality Chest Compressions, AED Operation,
Rescue Breathing, Airway Management, Choking
Response, Resuscitation Teamwork, Emergency
Assessment, Scene Safety & Detailed Rationales
Question 1: What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single
rescuer performing CPR on an adult victim?
A. 15:2
B. 30:2
C. 30:1
D. 15:1
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 30:2
Rationale: For adult CPR, the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single
rescuer is 30 compressions to 2 ventilations. This ratio maximizes coronary perfusion
pressure while still providing adequate oxygenation and ventilation.
Question 2: What is the recommended depth of chest compressions for an
adult victim during CPR?
A. At least 1.5 inches
B. At least 2 inches
C. At least 2.4 inches
D. At least 3 inches
CORRECT ANSWER: B. At least 2 inches
Rationale: According to AHA guidelines, adult chest compressions should be at least 2
inches (5 cm) deep, but not exceeding 2.4 inches (6 cm). This depth ensures adequate
cardiac output during resuscitation.
Question 3: What is the recommended chest compression rate for an adult
victim?
A. 80-100 compressions per minute
B. 100-120 compressions per minute
C. 120-140 compressions per minute
D. 140-160 compressions per minute
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 100-120 compressions per minute
,Rationale: High-quality CPR requires a compression rate of 100 to 120 per minute. This
rate balances the need for adequate perfusion with the need for sufficient recoil and
ventilation time.
Question 4: How should a rescuer ensure proper hand placement when
performing chest compressions on an adult?
A. Place hands on the upper half of the sternum
B. Place hands on the lower half of the sternum
C. Place hands on the xiphoid process
D. Place hands directly over the heart on the left side of the chest
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Place hands on the lower half of the sternum
Rationale: Proper hand placement is on the lower half of the sternum, specifically the
center of the chest between the nipples. This location ensures effective compression of
the ventricles.
Question 5: An AED advises a shock. What should the rescuer do immediately
before delivering the shock?
A. Press the shock button immediately
B. Ensure all individuals are clear of the victim
C. Remove the victim's clothing
D. Administer two rescue breaths
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Ensure all individuals are clear of the victim
Rationale: Before delivering a shock, it is critical to ensure no one is touching the victim.
A "clear" command must be given and visually confirmed to prevent accidental shock to
rescuers.
Question 6: What is the first step in the Chain of Survival for adult out-of-
hospital cardiac arrest?
A. Defibrillation
B. Early CPR
C. Recognition and activation of the emergency response system
D. Advanced life support
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Recognition and activation of the emergency response
system
Rationale: The first link in the adult out-of-hospital Chain of Survival is recognition of
cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency response system (calling 911). Early
activation ensures professional help arrives quickly.
,Question 7: How should a rescuer open the airway of an adult victim with a
suspected spinal injury?
A. Head tilt-chin lift
B. Jaw-thrust maneuver
C. Neck hyperextension
D. Tongue-jaw lift
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Jaw-thrust maneuver
Rationale: The jaw-thrust maneuver is the preferred method for opening the airway in a
victim with a suspected spinal injury, as it minimizes movement of the cervical spine.
Question 8: What is the maximum time a rescuer 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: Rescuers should check for breathing and a pulse simultaneously for no more
than 10 seconds. If the victim is not breathing or only gasping and has no pulse, CPR
should be initiated immediately.
Question 9: What is the correct action if a victim's chest does not rise after the
first rescue breath?
A. Provide a second breath immediately
B. Re-open the airway using the head tilt-chin lift and attempt the breath again
C. Begin chest compressions
D. Check for a foreign body obstruction
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Re-open the airway using the head tilt-chin lift and
attempt the breath again
Rationale: If the chest does not rise, the airway is likely not open. The rescuer should re-
open the airway using the head tilt-chin lift maneuver and attempt the rescue breath
again.
Question 10: Where should the AED pads be placed on an adult victim?
, A. Upper right chest and lower left chest
B. Upper left chest and lower right chest
C. Center of the chest and upper back
D. On both sides of the lower ribs
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Upper right chest and lower left chest
Rationale: The standard placement for AED pads on an adult is the upper right side of
the chest (below the collarbone) and the lower left side of the chest (below the armpit).
This placement allows the current to pass through the heart effectively.
Question 11: How often should rescuers switch roles during CPR to prevent
fatigue?
A. After every 10 cycles (about 2 minutes)
B. After every 5 cycles (about 1 minute)
C. After every 15 cycles (about 3 minutes)
D. After every 20 cycles (about 4 minutes)
CORRECT ANSWER: A. After every 10 cycles (about 2 minutes)
Rationale: Rescuers should switch roles approximately every 2 minutes (5 cycles of
30:2). This minimizes rescuer fatigue and ensures the quality of chest compressions is
maintained.
Question 12: What is the correct term for the abnormal breathing pattern often
seen in cardiac arrest victims?
A. Kussmaul breathing
B. Cheyne-Stokes respiration
C. Agonal gasps
D. Apneustic breathing
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Agonal gasps
Rationale: Agonal gasps are sporadic, abnormal breathing patterns that may occur
during cardiac arrest. They are not effective breathing and should be treated as a sign of
cardiac arrest requiring CPR.
Question 13: What is the first thing you should do when you find an
unresponsive adult victim?
A. Begin chest compressions
B. Check for a pulse
C. Check for responsiveness and call for help
D. Open the airway
