CPR Practice Test (25 Questions) | American Heart Association
CPR Review & Answers 2026
Introduction
This comprehensive practice examination contains 200 original, clinically accurate
questions designed to prepare candidates for the American Heart Association
(AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS), Heartsaver CPR/AED, and ACLS certification
examinations. The questions reflect the 2025 AHA Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary
Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care, which became effective in 2026
and introduced significant updates including a universal Chain of Survival,
streamlined choking response with alternating back blows and abdominal thrusts,
elimination of the two-finger technique for infant compressions, expanded
naloxone recommendations, and a new chapter on ethics of CPR. The exam
includes both multiple-choice and select-all-that-apply (SATA) questions spanning
adult, pediatric, and infant resuscitation, AED operation, choking management,
team dynamics, special populations, and post-resuscitation care. Each question is
followed by a detailed rationale citing evidence-based practice. A complete
answer key and high-yield review are provided at the end.
Chapter 1: Adult CPR and AED (Questions 1–50)
Q1. A 54-year-old man collapses in a shopping mall. A bystander witnesses the
event and shouts for help. According to the 2026/2027 AHA Adult Chain of
Survival, which sequence correctly lists the six links in the order they should
occur?
A. Early CPR, Rapid defibrillation, Advanced life support, Post-cardiac arrest care,
Recovery, Recognition and activation
B. Recognition and activation of the emergency response system, Early CPR, Rapid
defibrillation, Advanced life support, Post-cardiac arrest care, Recovery
C. Rapid defibrillation, Early CPR, Recognition and activation, Advanced life
support, Recovery, Post-cardiac arrest care
D. Advanced life support, Post-cardiac arrest care, Recovery, Early CPR,
Recognition and activation, Rapid defibrillation
, Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The 2026/2027 AHA Adult Chain of Survival consists of six links
in this exact order: (1) Recognition and activation of the emergency response
system, (2) Immediate high-quality CPR, (3) Rapid defibrillation, (4) Advanced life
support, (5) Post-cardiac arrest care, and (6) Recovery. Recovery was formally
added as the sixth link to emphasize survivorship, rehabilitation, and ongoing
support after arrest. The other options scramble the sequence, which would
compromise the time-sensitive flow from recognition through long-term
recovery.
Q2. You arrive at a construction site where a worker is lying motionless next to an
exposed electrical panel with sparks visible. What is your FIRST action before
providing care?
A. Immediately begin chest compressions to minimize no-flow time
B. Tap and shout to assess responsiveness while approaching the victim
C. Ensure the scene is safe by disconnecting power or waiting for trained
personnel before approaching
D. Retrieve the AED and apply pads while another rescuer calls 911
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Scene safety is the universal first step in the algorithm and
supersedes all patient-contact actions. An energized electrical panel creates a life-
threatening hazard to the rescuer, so power must be disconnected or the area
secured by qualified personnel before any approach. Beginning compressions or
rushing in to assess responsiveness risks electrocuting the rescuer and creating a
second victim. AED retrieval is appropriate only after the scene is safe, the patient
is contacted, and arrest is confirmed.
Q3. A woman in her 60s slumps over in a restaurant booth. You approach, tap
both shoulders, and shout, "Are you OK?" She does not respond. You observe she
is not breathing normally and only gasping occasionally. What is your next action?
,A. Check for a carotid pulse for 10 seconds before starting CPR
B. Begin chest compressions immediately
C. Deliver two rescue breaths first
D. Place her in the recovery position
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: For adult victims who are unresponsive and not breathing
normally (agonal gasps are not normal breathing), the rescuer should assume
cardiac arrest and begin chest compressions immediately. Delaying compressions
to check a pulse or deliver breaths increases no-flow time and reduces survival.
The 2025 guidelines emphasize starting compressions as the first priority in the C-
A-B sequence.
Q4. Which chest compression rate is currently recommended by the AHA and ARC
for adult 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
Rationale: The 2025 AHA Guidelines recommend maintaining a
compression rate of 100–120 compressions per minute for all patients, including
adults, children, and infants. Rates below 100 or above 120 are associated with
decreased survival and poorer neurological outcomes.
Q5. 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) but not exceeding 2.4 inches (6 cm)
D. At least 3 inches (7.5 cm)
, Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Adult chest compressions should be delivered at a depth of at
least 2 inches (5 cm) but should not exceed 2.4 inches (6 cm). Compressions that
are too shallow do not generate adequate circulation, while excessive depth
increases the risk of rib fractures and internal organ injury.
Q6. During single-rescuer adult CPR, what is the recommended compression-to-
ventilation ratio?
A. 15:2
B. 30:2
C. 30:1
D. 5:1
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The universal compression-to-ventilation ratio for single-
rescuer adult CPR is 30 compressions to 2 breaths. This ratio is also used for two-
rescuer adult CPR. For children and infants with two rescuers, the ratio changes to
15:2. The 30:2 ratio balances the need for adequate perfusion with the need for
ventilation in the adult population.
Q7. When performing chest compressions on an adult, where should the rescuer
place their hands?
A. On the upper third of the sternum
B. On the lower half of the sternum (center of the chest)
C. On the xiphoid process
D. Over the left nipple
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: For adult chest compressions, the rescuer should place the
heel of one hand on the center of the chest, on the lower half of the sternum
(between the nipples), and the heel of the other hand on top. Hand placement on
the xiphoid process can cause liver laceration, while upper sternum placement is
CPR Review & Answers 2026
Introduction
This comprehensive practice examination contains 200 original, clinically accurate
questions designed to prepare candidates for the American Heart Association
(AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS), Heartsaver CPR/AED, and ACLS certification
examinations. The questions reflect the 2025 AHA Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary
Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care, which became effective in 2026
and introduced significant updates including a universal Chain of Survival,
streamlined choking response with alternating back blows and abdominal thrusts,
elimination of the two-finger technique for infant compressions, expanded
naloxone recommendations, and a new chapter on ethics of CPR. The exam
includes both multiple-choice and select-all-that-apply (SATA) questions spanning
adult, pediatric, and infant resuscitation, AED operation, choking management,
team dynamics, special populations, and post-resuscitation care. Each question is
followed by a detailed rationale citing evidence-based practice. A complete
answer key and high-yield review are provided at the end.
Chapter 1: Adult CPR and AED (Questions 1–50)
Q1. A 54-year-old man collapses in a shopping mall. A bystander witnesses the
event and shouts for help. According to the 2026/2027 AHA Adult Chain of
Survival, which sequence correctly lists the six links in the order they should
occur?
A. Early CPR, Rapid defibrillation, Advanced life support, Post-cardiac arrest care,
Recovery, Recognition and activation
B. Recognition and activation of the emergency response system, Early CPR, Rapid
defibrillation, Advanced life support, Post-cardiac arrest care, Recovery
C. Rapid defibrillation, Early CPR, Recognition and activation, Advanced life
support, Recovery, Post-cardiac arrest care
D. Advanced life support, Post-cardiac arrest care, Recovery, Early CPR,
Recognition and activation, Rapid defibrillation
, Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The 2026/2027 AHA Adult Chain of Survival consists of six links
in this exact order: (1) Recognition and activation of the emergency response
system, (2) Immediate high-quality CPR, (3) Rapid defibrillation, (4) Advanced life
support, (5) Post-cardiac arrest care, and (6) Recovery. Recovery was formally
added as the sixth link to emphasize survivorship, rehabilitation, and ongoing
support after arrest. The other options scramble the sequence, which would
compromise the time-sensitive flow from recognition through long-term
recovery.
Q2. You arrive at a construction site where a worker is lying motionless next to an
exposed electrical panel with sparks visible. What is your FIRST action before
providing care?
A. Immediately begin chest compressions to minimize no-flow time
B. Tap and shout to assess responsiveness while approaching the victim
C. Ensure the scene is safe by disconnecting power or waiting for trained
personnel before approaching
D. Retrieve the AED and apply pads while another rescuer calls 911
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Scene safety is the universal first step in the algorithm and
supersedes all patient-contact actions. An energized electrical panel creates a life-
threatening hazard to the rescuer, so power must be disconnected or the area
secured by qualified personnel before any approach. Beginning compressions or
rushing in to assess responsiveness risks electrocuting the rescuer and creating a
second victim. AED retrieval is appropriate only after the scene is safe, the patient
is contacted, and arrest is confirmed.
Q3. A woman in her 60s slumps over in a restaurant booth. You approach, tap
both shoulders, and shout, "Are you OK?" She does not respond. You observe she
is not breathing normally and only gasping occasionally. What is your next action?
,A. Check for a carotid pulse for 10 seconds before starting CPR
B. Begin chest compressions immediately
C. Deliver two rescue breaths first
D. Place her in the recovery position
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: For adult victims who are unresponsive and not breathing
normally (agonal gasps are not normal breathing), the rescuer should assume
cardiac arrest and begin chest compressions immediately. Delaying compressions
to check a pulse or deliver breaths increases no-flow time and reduces survival.
The 2025 guidelines emphasize starting compressions as the first priority in the C-
A-B sequence.
Q4. Which chest compression rate is currently recommended by the AHA and ARC
for adult 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
Rationale: The 2025 AHA Guidelines recommend maintaining a
compression rate of 100–120 compressions per minute for all patients, including
adults, children, and infants. Rates below 100 or above 120 are associated with
decreased survival and poorer neurological outcomes.
Q5. 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) but not exceeding 2.4 inches (6 cm)
D. At least 3 inches (7.5 cm)
, Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Adult chest compressions should be delivered at a depth of at
least 2 inches (5 cm) but should not exceed 2.4 inches (6 cm). Compressions that
are too shallow do not generate adequate circulation, while excessive depth
increases the risk of rib fractures and internal organ injury.
Q6. During single-rescuer adult CPR, what is the recommended compression-to-
ventilation ratio?
A. 15:2
B. 30:2
C. 30:1
D. 5:1
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The universal compression-to-ventilation ratio for single-
rescuer adult CPR is 30 compressions to 2 breaths. This ratio is also used for two-
rescuer adult CPR. For children and infants with two rescuers, the ratio changes to
15:2. The 30:2 ratio balances the need for adequate perfusion with the need for
ventilation in the adult population.
Q7. When performing chest compressions on an adult, where should the rescuer
place their hands?
A. On the upper third of the sternum
B. On the lower half of the sternum (center of the chest)
C. On the xiphoid process
D. Over the left nipple
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: For adult chest compressions, the rescuer should place the
heel of one hand on the center of the chest, on the lower half of the sternum
(between the nipples), and the heel of the other hand on top. Hand placement on
the xiphoid process can cause liver laceration, while upper sternum placement is
