Basic Life Support (BLS) & CPR/AED Training
Comprehensive Independent Practice Questions &
Answers | Emergency Care & Certification
Preparation Study Guide | Adult & Pediatric CPR,
Cardiac Arrest Recognition, High-Quality Chest
Compressions, AED Use, Rescue Breathing, Airway
Management, Choking Response, Resuscitation
Teamwork, Emergency Assessment, Scene Safety &
Detailed Rationales
Question 1: According to the 2020 American Heart Association guidelines,
what is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer
providing CPR to an adult?
A. 15:2
B. 30:2
C. 30:1
D. Continuous compressions only
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 30:2
Rationale: The AHA 2020 guidelines recommend a compression-to-ventilation ratio of
30:2 for single-rescuer CPR on adults. This ratio maximizes coronary perfusion pressure
while still providing adequate ventilation, which is essential for survival in cardiac arrest.
Question 2: In the BLS algorithm for adults, after activating the emergency
response system, what is the next step if the patient is unresponsive and not
breathing normally?
A. Check for a carotid pulse for 10 seconds
B. Begin chest compressions at a rate of 80-100 per minute
C. Give two rescue breaths
D. Attach the AED and analyze immediately
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Check for a carotid pulse for 10 seconds
Rationale: In the BLS algorithm, after ensuring scene safety and activating EMS, the
provider must simultaneously check for breathing and a pulse for no more than 10
seconds. If the victim is not breathing or only gasping and has no pulse, CPR is initiated.
Question 3: What is the correct depth for chest compressions on an adult
during CPR?
A. At least 1 inch (2.5 cm)
B. At least 2 inches (5 cm)
,C. At least 3 inches (7.5 cm)
D. At least 4 inches (10 cm)
CORRECT ANSWER: B. At least 2 inches (5 cm)
Rationale: The AHA guidelines specify that chest compressions for an adult should be at
least 2 inches (5 cm) deep, but not more than 2.4 inches (6 cm). This depth ensures
adequate blood flow to the brain and vital organs during CPR.
Question 4: For a child requiring CPR (age 1 year to puberty), what is the
recommended rate for chest compressions?
A. 80-100 per minute
B. 100-120 per minute
C. 120-140 per minute
D. 140-160 per minute
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 100-120 per minute
Rationale: The AHA 2020 guidelines recommend a compression rate of 100 to 120 per
minute for all age groups, including children and infants, to optimize cardiac output
during CPR.
Question 5: What is the single most important factor in surviving a cardiac
arrest, according to the Chain of Survival?
A. Early defibrillation
B. Early CPR
C. Early recognition and activation of EMS
D. Advanced life support
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Early defibrillation
Rationale: While all links in the Chain of Survival are critical, early defibrillation is the
single most important factor for survival in ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular
tachycardia, as defibrillation is the only way to terminate these rhythms. However, CPR
bridges the time to defibrillation.
Question 6: When performing chest compressions on an adult, what is the
correct hand placement?
A. Over the lower half of the sternum, at the xiphoid process
B. Center of the chest, on the lower half of the sternum
C. Just above the nipple line on the left side
D. On the upper half of the sternum
,CORRECT ANSWER: B. Center of the chest, on the lower half of the sternum
Rationale: The correct hand placement for adult CPR is the center of the chest, on the
lower half of the sternum. This location maximizes the effectiveness of compressions
and minimizes the risk of injury to internal organs.
Question 7: What is the maximum time recommended for checking for a pulse
in an unresponsive victim?
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 seconds
C. 15 seconds
D. 20 seconds
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 10 seconds
Rationale: The AHA recommends checking for a pulse for no more than 10 seconds. If a
pulse is not definitively felt within that time, the rescuer should begin CPR immediately,
as the risk of delaying compressions outweighs the benefit of prolonged pulse checks.
Question 8: In adult CPR, what is the proper ratio of compressions to breaths
for a two-rescuer scenario?
A. 15:2
B. 30:2
C. 15:1
D. 30:1
CORRECT ANSWER: A. 15:2
Rationale: For adults, the compression-to-ventilation ratio changes to 15:2 when two
trained rescuers are present. This allows for more compressions per minute than the
single-rescuer ratio, improving perfusion.
Question 9: What is the recommended method for opening an airway in an
unresponsive adult with no suspected spinal injury?
A. Jaw-thrust maneuver
B. Head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver
C. Neck-lift maneuver
D. Modified jaw-thrust with head extension
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver
, Rationale: The head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver is the preferred method for opening the
airway in an unresponsive adult without suspected spinal injury. It effectively lifts the
tongue from the posterior pharynx, opening the airway for ventilation.
Question 10: When using a bag-mask device for a two-person rescue on an
adult, what is the correct ventilation volume to deliver?
A. 300 mL
B. 500 mL
C. 600 mL
D. 1000 mL
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 500 mL
Rationale: With a bag-mask device, the recommended tidal volume is approximately
500 mL, given over 1 second, which should produce visible chest rise. This volume is
sufficient to provide adequate oxygenation while minimizing the risk of gastric inflation.
Question 11: What is the primary cause of cardiac arrest in infants and
children?
A. Ventricular fibrillation
B. Respiratory failure or shock
C. Acute myocardial infarction
D. Pulmonary embolism
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Respiratory failure or shock
Rationale: In infants and children, cardiac arrest is most often secondary to respiratory
failure or shock. Unlike adults, where primary cardiac events (e.g., VF) are more
common, pediatric arrests are typically preceded by respiratory compromise.
Question 12: What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single
rescuer providing CPR to an infant?
A. 15:2
B. 30:2
C. 30:1
D. 20:2
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 30:2
Rationale: For a single rescuer, the compression-to-ventilation ratio is 30:2 for all age
groups, including infants. This ratio allows the single rescuer to provide both adequate
compressions and ventilations without excessive interruption.
Comprehensive Independent Practice Questions &
Answers | Emergency Care & Certification
Preparation Study Guide | Adult & Pediatric CPR,
Cardiac Arrest Recognition, High-Quality Chest
Compressions, AED Use, Rescue Breathing, Airway
Management, Choking Response, Resuscitation
Teamwork, Emergency Assessment, Scene Safety &
Detailed Rationales
Question 1: According to the 2020 American Heart Association guidelines,
what is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer
providing CPR to an adult?
A. 15:2
B. 30:2
C. 30:1
D. Continuous compressions only
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 30:2
Rationale: The AHA 2020 guidelines recommend a compression-to-ventilation ratio of
30:2 for single-rescuer CPR on adults. This ratio maximizes coronary perfusion pressure
while still providing adequate ventilation, which is essential for survival in cardiac arrest.
Question 2: In the BLS algorithm for adults, after activating the emergency
response system, what is the next step if the patient is unresponsive and not
breathing normally?
A. Check for a carotid pulse for 10 seconds
B. Begin chest compressions at a rate of 80-100 per minute
C. Give two rescue breaths
D. Attach the AED and analyze immediately
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Check for a carotid pulse for 10 seconds
Rationale: In the BLS algorithm, after ensuring scene safety and activating EMS, the
provider must simultaneously check for breathing and a pulse for no more than 10
seconds. If the victim is not breathing or only gasping and has no pulse, CPR is initiated.
Question 3: What is the correct depth for chest compressions on an adult
during CPR?
A. At least 1 inch (2.5 cm)
B. At least 2 inches (5 cm)
,C. At least 3 inches (7.5 cm)
D. At least 4 inches (10 cm)
CORRECT ANSWER: B. At least 2 inches (5 cm)
Rationale: The AHA guidelines specify that chest compressions for an adult should be at
least 2 inches (5 cm) deep, but not more than 2.4 inches (6 cm). This depth ensures
adequate blood flow to the brain and vital organs during CPR.
Question 4: For a child requiring CPR (age 1 year to puberty), what is the
recommended rate for chest compressions?
A. 80-100 per minute
B. 100-120 per minute
C. 120-140 per minute
D. 140-160 per minute
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 100-120 per minute
Rationale: The AHA 2020 guidelines recommend a compression rate of 100 to 120 per
minute for all age groups, including children and infants, to optimize cardiac output
during CPR.
Question 5: What is the single most important factor in surviving a cardiac
arrest, according to the Chain of Survival?
A. Early defibrillation
B. Early CPR
C. Early recognition and activation of EMS
D. Advanced life support
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Early defibrillation
Rationale: While all links in the Chain of Survival are critical, early defibrillation is the
single most important factor for survival in ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular
tachycardia, as defibrillation is the only way to terminate these rhythms. However, CPR
bridges the time to defibrillation.
Question 6: When performing chest compressions on an adult, what is the
correct hand placement?
A. Over the lower half of the sternum, at the xiphoid process
B. Center of the chest, on the lower half of the sternum
C. Just above the nipple line on the left side
D. On the upper half of the sternum
,CORRECT ANSWER: B. Center of the chest, on the lower half of the sternum
Rationale: The correct hand placement for adult CPR is the center of the chest, on the
lower half of the sternum. This location maximizes the effectiveness of compressions
and minimizes the risk of injury to internal organs.
Question 7: What is the maximum time recommended for checking for a pulse
in an unresponsive victim?
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 seconds
C. 15 seconds
D. 20 seconds
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 10 seconds
Rationale: The AHA recommends checking for a pulse for no more than 10 seconds. If a
pulse is not definitively felt within that time, the rescuer should begin CPR immediately,
as the risk of delaying compressions outweighs the benefit of prolonged pulse checks.
Question 8: In adult CPR, what is the proper ratio of compressions to breaths
for a two-rescuer scenario?
A. 15:2
B. 30:2
C. 15:1
D. 30:1
CORRECT ANSWER: A. 15:2
Rationale: For adults, the compression-to-ventilation ratio changes to 15:2 when two
trained rescuers are present. This allows for more compressions per minute than the
single-rescuer ratio, improving perfusion.
Question 9: What is the recommended method for opening an airway in an
unresponsive adult with no suspected spinal injury?
A. Jaw-thrust maneuver
B. Head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver
C. Neck-lift maneuver
D. Modified jaw-thrust with head extension
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver
, Rationale: The head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver is the preferred method for opening the
airway in an unresponsive adult without suspected spinal injury. It effectively lifts the
tongue from the posterior pharynx, opening the airway for ventilation.
Question 10: When using a bag-mask device for a two-person rescue on an
adult, what is the correct ventilation volume to deliver?
A. 300 mL
B. 500 mL
C. 600 mL
D. 1000 mL
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 500 mL
Rationale: With a bag-mask device, the recommended tidal volume is approximately
500 mL, given over 1 second, which should produce visible chest rise. This volume is
sufficient to provide adequate oxygenation while minimizing the risk of gastric inflation.
Question 11: What is the primary cause of cardiac arrest in infants and
children?
A. Ventricular fibrillation
B. Respiratory failure or shock
C. Acute myocardial infarction
D. Pulmonary embolism
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Respiratory failure or shock
Rationale: In infants and children, cardiac arrest is most often secondary to respiratory
failure or shock. Unlike adults, where primary cardiac events (e.g., VF) are more
common, pediatric arrests are typically preceded by respiratory compromise.
Question 12: What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single
rescuer providing CPR to an infant?
A. 15:2
B. 30:2
C. 30:1
D. 20:2
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 30:2
Rationale: For a single rescuer, the compression-to-ventilation ratio is 30:2 for all age
groups, including infants. This ratio allows the single rescuer to provide both adequate
compressions and ventilations without excessive interruption.
