AMERICAN RED CROSS BLS FINAL EXAM VERSION 2
1. A simulation evaluator hears a provider recommend, "Dorsalis pedis pulse.." Given that a trained
provider checks an infant for a pulse during BLS assessment. Which site is appropriate?
A. Brachial pulse.
B. Carotid pulse only.
C. Dorsalis pedis pulse.
D. Radial pulse.
Correct Answer: A. Brachial pulse.
Rationale: The brachial pulse is the standard pulse check site for infants in Red Cross BLS assessment.
2. A BLS instructor asks the group to correct this proposed response: "Deliver one more shock before
checking the patient.." For the scenario in which during CPR an adult begins moving and taking
spontaneous breaths. which choice is most accurate?
A. Remove the AED pads and leave the patient unattended.
B. Continue compressions for a full 2-minute cycle regardless of movement.
C. Stop CPR and AED use, then check breathing and a central pulse while minimizing the pause.
D. Deliver one more shock before checking the patient.
Correct Answer: C. Stop CPR and AED use, then check breathing and a central pulse while minimizing the
pause.
Rationale: Movement or spontaneous breathing may indicate ROSC. Stop CPR and AED use, assess breathing
and a carotid or femoral pulse, then provide appropriate monitoring and care.
3. In debriefing, one action is challenged: "Place both hands over the upper third of the sternum.."
Reconsider the case: A provider is performing compressions on a small 6-year-old child. Which option best
aligns with BLS guidance?
A. Use two fingertips just below the nipple line.
B. Place both hands over the upper third of the sternum.
C. Use one or two hands on the lower half of the sternum.
D. Compress over the left ribs to avoid the sternum.
Correct Answer: C. Use one or two hands on the lower half of the sternum.
Rationale: For children, one or two hands may be used on the lower half of the sternum, with emphasis on
achieving adequate depth.
4. A simulation evaluator hears a provider recommend, "140 to 160 compressions per minute.." Given that
a CPR feedback device is displaying the compressor rate during adult resuscitation. Which rate is the
target range? CPR quality metric Observed value Compression rate 132/min
A. 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
B. 80 to 100 compressions per minute.
C. 120 to 140 compressions per minute.
D. 140 to 160 compressions per minute.
Correct Answer: A. 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
Rationale: High-quality CPR uses a compression rate of 100 to 120 per minute for adults, children and infants.
5. A BLS instructor asks the group to correct this proposed response: "Perform 10 minutes of CPR before
calling for help.." For the scenario in which a lone healthcare provider witnesses a child suddenly collapse.
which choice is most accurate?
A. Perform 10 minutes of CPR before calling for help.
B. Give only ventilations until a second rescuer arrives.
C. Wait to see whether the child awakens spontaneously.
D. Activate the emergency response system and get the AED immediately, then begin or resume care.
Correct Answer: D. Activate the emergency response system and get the AED immediately, then begin or
resume care.
Rationale: For a witnessed pediatric arrest, the lone provider should call for help promptly because a sudden
witnessed collapse may be a shockable cardiac event.
6. In debriefing, one action is challenged: "Pause after every 10 compressions to check a pulse.."
Reconsider the case: During CPR, a provider keeps part of their weight on the patient chest between
compressions. Which option best aligns with BLS guidance?
,A. Use shallower compressions to reduce fatigue.
B. Increase the compression rate above 130 per minute.
C. Release pressure fully after each compression to allow complete chest recoil.
D. Pause after every 10 compressions to check a pulse.
Correct Answer: C. Release pressure fully after each compression to allow complete chest recoil.
Rationale: Leaning prevents complete recoil and reduces venous return. High-quality CPR requires full chest
recoil after each compression.
7. A provider is about to follow this plan: "Temporal pulse.." Before the action is taken, the team notes: A
trained provider checks a child for a central pulse during BLS assessment. Which site is appropriate?
A. Temporal pulse.
B. Posterior tibial pulse.
C. Carotid pulse.
D. Radial pulse only.
Correct Answer: C. Carotid pulse.
Rationale: Red Cross assessment guidance identifies the carotid pulse as a standard site for children.
8. During a BLS quality review, a trainee proposes: "As rapidly as possible in less than 0.25 second.." The
actual situation is: A provider is delivering manual ventilations during adult BLS. How should each
ventilation generally be delivered?
A. Over 5 seconds to maximize oxygen transfer.
B. As rapidly as possible in less than 0.25 second.
C. Only after a 20-second pause in compressions.
D. Over about 1 second, just enough to produce visible chest rise.
Correct Answer: D. Over about 1 second, just enough to produce visible chest rise.
Rationale: BLS ventilations are delivered over about 1 second and should make the chest begin to rise without
excessive volume.
9. During a BLS quality review, a trainee proposes: "Use both palms stacked as for an adult.." The actual
situation is: A provider is preparing to compress the chest of an infant in cardiac arrest. Which technique
is recommended by current Red Cross guidance?
A. Use the two-thumb/encircling hands technique.
B. Use both palms stacked as for an adult.
C. Use two fists on the lower sternum.
D. Compress over the left side of the chest with one fingertip.
Correct Answer: A. Use the two-thumb/encircling hands technique.
Rationale: Current Red Cross guidance recommends the two-thumb/encircling hands technique for infant chest
compressions.
10. During a mock code, the team pauses to review an incorrect proposal: "Wait 5 minutes for spontaneous
coughing.." The patient situation is: A rescuer wants to spend time trying to drain water from the lungs
before starting CPR. Which approach is better?
A. Begin indicated ventilations and CPR promptly rather than delaying for water-removal maneuvers.
B. Perform repeated abdominal thrusts before checking breathing.
C. Hold the patient upside down until water stops draining.
D. Wait 5 minutes for spontaneous coughing.
Correct Answer: A. Begin indicated ventilations and CPR promptly rather than delaying for water-removal
maneuvers.
Rationale: Resuscitation should not be delayed for attempts to expel water. Focus on ventilation, compressions
and early AED use as indicated.
11. A BLS instructor asks the group to correct this proposed response: "Pause after every 30 compressions
and give 2 ventilations.." For the scenario in which an advanced airway has been placed during adult
cardiac arrest. which choice is most accurate?
A. Continue compressions without pausing and give 1 ventilation every 6 seconds.
B. Give 1 ventilation every 2 to 3 seconds and pause compressions for each breath.
C. Stop compressions and ventilate at 10 breaths per minute until a pulse returns.
D. Pause after every 30 compressions and give 2 ventilations.
Correct Answer: A. Continue compressions without pausing and give 1 ventilation every 6 seconds.
, Rationale: With an advanced airway in adult cardiac arrest, compressions are continuous and ventilations are
asynchronous at 1 every 6 seconds.
12. During a mock code, the team pauses to review an incorrect proposal: "About 2.5 inches (6.4 cm).."
The patient situation is: A 6-month-old infant is in cardiac arrest. What compression depth is appropriate?
A. About 2.5 inches (6.4 cm).
B. At least one-third the chest depth, about 1.5 inches (4 cm).
C. About 0.5 inch (1.3 cm).
D. Only until the sternum begins to move.
Correct Answer: B. At least one-third the chest depth, about 1.5 inches (4 cm).
Rationale: For infants, compress at least one-third the anteroposterior chest depth, approximately 1.5 inches (4
cm).
13. During a BLS quality review, a trainee proposes: "Stop CPR for 30 seconds while the next compressor
gets into position.." The actual situation is: The compressor says the compressions are becoming tiring and
shallower after several cycles. What team action best protects CPR quality?
A. Continue with the same compressor until an AED shock is delivered.
B. Rotate compressors about every 2 minutes with minimal interruption.
C. Rotate compressors after every 30 compressions.
D. Stop CPR for 30 seconds while the next compressor gets into position.
Correct Answer: B. Rotate compressors about every 2 minutes with minimal interruption.
Rationale: Compressor fatigue reduces depth and quality. Teams should plan to switch compressors about every
2 minutes while minimizing the pause.
14. During a BLS quality review, a trainee proposes: "1 ventilation every 6 seconds.." The actual situation
is: A child with suspected opioid overdose has a definite pulse but ineffective breathing. Which ventilation
rate is appropriate?
A. 30 compressions before each breath despite a definite pulse.
B. 1 ventilation every 6 seconds.
C. 1 ventilation every 12 seconds.
D. 1 ventilation every 2 to 3 seconds.
Correct Answer: D. 1 ventilation every 2 to 3 seconds.
Rationale: Children and infants with respiratory arrest receive 1 ventilation every 2 to 3 seconds; naloxone may
be administered without interrupting ventilation.
15. During a BLS quality review, a trainee proposes: "Store the AED battery separately from the device.."
The actual situation is: A clinic is redesigning a public-access AED station. Which design best supports
rapid emergency use?
A. Store the AED battery separately from the device.
B. Store the AED in an immediately accessible location; an unlocked cabinet is preferred.
C. Keep the AED in a locked office with no public instructions.
D. Hide the AED to reduce the possibility of theft.
Correct Answer: B. Store the AED in an immediately accessible location; an unlocked cabinet is preferred.
Rationale: Current Red Cross guidance advises that public-access AEDs be readily accessible, with unlocked
storage preferred because locked cabinets can delay defibrillation.
16. A provider is about to follow this plan: "Stop compressions and ventilate until the pulse is checked.."
Before the action is taken, the team notes: An advanced airway is in place during pediatric cardiac arrest.
How should ventilations be delivered?
A. Stop compressions and ventilate until the pulse is checked.
B. Give 1 ventilation every 6 seconds and pause compressions for each breath.
C. Give 1 ventilation every 2 to 3 seconds while compressions continue without pauses.
D. Give 2 ventilations after every 30 compressions.
Correct Answer: C. Give 1 ventilation every 2 to 3 seconds while compressions continue without pauses.
Rationale: With an advanced airway in a child or infant, provide continuous compressions and 1 ventilation
every 2 to 3 seconds.
17. A provider is about to follow this plan: "Remove the pads and continue rescue breathing only.." Before
the action is taken, the team notes: The AED analyzes an adult in cardiac arrest and announces that no
shock is advised. What should happen next?
1. A simulation evaluator hears a provider recommend, "Dorsalis pedis pulse.." Given that a trained
provider checks an infant for a pulse during BLS assessment. Which site is appropriate?
A. Brachial pulse.
B. Carotid pulse only.
C. Dorsalis pedis pulse.
D. Radial pulse.
Correct Answer: A. Brachial pulse.
Rationale: The brachial pulse is the standard pulse check site for infants in Red Cross BLS assessment.
2. A BLS instructor asks the group to correct this proposed response: "Deliver one more shock before
checking the patient.." For the scenario in which during CPR an adult begins moving and taking
spontaneous breaths. which choice is most accurate?
A. Remove the AED pads and leave the patient unattended.
B. Continue compressions for a full 2-minute cycle regardless of movement.
C. Stop CPR and AED use, then check breathing and a central pulse while minimizing the pause.
D. Deliver one more shock before checking the patient.
Correct Answer: C. Stop CPR and AED use, then check breathing and a central pulse while minimizing the
pause.
Rationale: Movement or spontaneous breathing may indicate ROSC. Stop CPR and AED use, assess breathing
and a carotid or femoral pulse, then provide appropriate monitoring and care.
3. In debriefing, one action is challenged: "Place both hands over the upper third of the sternum.."
Reconsider the case: A provider is performing compressions on a small 6-year-old child. Which option best
aligns with BLS guidance?
A. Use two fingertips just below the nipple line.
B. Place both hands over the upper third of the sternum.
C. Use one or two hands on the lower half of the sternum.
D. Compress over the left ribs to avoid the sternum.
Correct Answer: C. Use one or two hands on the lower half of the sternum.
Rationale: For children, one or two hands may be used on the lower half of the sternum, with emphasis on
achieving adequate depth.
4. A simulation evaluator hears a provider recommend, "140 to 160 compressions per minute.." Given that
a CPR feedback device is displaying the compressor rate during adult resuscitation. Which rate is the
target range? CPR quality metric Observed value Compression rate 132/min
A. 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
B. 80 to 100 compressions per minute.
C. 120 to 140 compressions per minute.
D. 140 to 160 compressions per minute.
Correct Answer: A. 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
Rationale: High-quality CPR uses a compression rate of 100 to 120 per minute for adults, children and infants.
5. A BLS instructor asks the group to correct this proposed response: "Perform 10 minutes of CPR before
calling for help.." For the scenario in which a lone healthcare provider witnesses a child suddenly collapse.
which choice is most accurate?
A. Perform 10 minutes of CPR before calling for help.
B. Give only ventilations until a second rescuer arrives.
C. Wait to see whether the child awakens spontaneously.
D. Activate the emergency response system and get the AED immediately, then begin or resume care.
Correct Answer: D. Activate the emergency response system and get the AED immediately, then begin or
resume care.
Rationale: For a witnessed pediatric arrest, the lone provider should call for help promptly because a sudden
witnessed collapse may be a shockable cardiac event.
6. In debriefing, one action is challenged: "Pause after every 10 compressions to check a pulse.."
Reconsider the case: During CPR, a provider keeps part of their weight on the patient chest between
compressions. Which option best aligns with BLS guidance?
,A. Use shallower compressions to reduce fatigue.
B. Increase the compression rate above 130 per minute.
C. Release pressure fully after each compression to allow complete chest recoil.
D. Pause after every 10 compressions to check a pulse.
Correct Answer: C. Release pressure fully after each compression to allow complete chest recoil.
Rationale: Leaning prevents complete recoil and reduces venous return. High-quality CPR requires full chest
recoil after each compression.
7. A provider is about to follow this plan: "Temporal pulse.." Before the action is taken, the team notes: A
trained provider checks a child for a central pulse during BLS assessment. Which site is appropriate?
A. Temporal pulse.
B. Posterior tibial pulse.
C. Carotid pulse.
D. Radial pulse only.
Correct Answer: C. Carotid pulse.
Rationale: Red Cross assessment guidance identifies the carotid pulse as a standard site for children.
8. During a BLS quality review, a trainee proposes: "As rapidly as possible in less than 0.25 second.." The
actual situation is: A provider is delivering manual ventilations during adult BLS. How should each
ventilation generally be delivered?
A. Over 5 seconds to maximize oxygen transfer.
B. As rapidly as possible in less than 0.25 second.
C. Only after a 20-second pause in compressions.
D. Over about 1 second, just enough to produce visible chest rise.
Correct Answer: D. Over about 1 second, just enough to produce visible chest rise.
Rationale: BLS ventilations are delivered over about 1 second and should make the chest begin to rise without
excessive volume.
9. During a BLS quality review, a trainee proposes: "Use both palms stacked as for an adult.." The actual
situation is: A provider is preparing to compress the chest of an infant in cardiac arrest. Which technique
is recommended by current Red Cross guidance?
A. Use the two-thumb/encircling hands technique.
B. Use both palms stacked as for an adult.
C. Use two fists on the lower sternum.
D. Compress over the left side of the chest with one fingertip.
Correct Answer: A. Use the two-thumb/encircling hands technique.
Rationale: Current Red Cross guidance recommends the two-thumb/encircling hands technique for infant chest
compressions.
10. During a mock code, the team pauses to review an incorrect proposal: "Wait 5 minutes for spontaneous
coughing.." The patient situation is: A rescuer wants to spend time trying to drain water from the lungs
before starting CPR. Which approach is better?
A. Begin indicated ventilations and CPR promptly rather than delaying for water-removal maneuvers.
B. Perform repeated abdominal thrusts before checking breathing.
C. Hold the patient upside down until water stops draining.
D. Wait 5 minutes for spontaneous coughing.
Correct Answer: A. Begin indicated ventilations and CPR promptly rather than delaying for water-removal
maneuvers.
Rationale: Resuscitation should not be delayed for attempts to expel water. Focus on ventilation, compressions
and early AED use as indicated.
11. A BLS instructor asks the group to correct this proposed response: "Pause after every 30 compressions
and give 2 ventilations.." For the scenario in which an advanced airway has been placed during adult
cardiac arrest. which choice is most accurate?
A. Continue compressions without pausing and give 1 ventilation every 6 seconds.
B. Give 1 ventilation every 2 to 3 seconds and pause compressions for each breath.
C. Stop compressions and ventilate at 10 breaths per minute until a pulse returns.
D. Pause after every 30 compressions and give 2 ventilations.
Correct Answer: A. Continue compressions without pausing and give 1 ventilation every 6 seconds.
, Rationale: With an advanced airway in adult cardiac arrest, compressions are continuous and ventilations are
asynchronous at 1 every 6 seconds.
12. During a mock code, the team pauses to review an incorrect proposal: "About 2.5 inches (6.4 cm).."
The patient situation is: A 6-month-old infant is in cardiac arrest. What compression depth is appropriate?
A. About 2.5 inches (6.4 cm).
B. At least one-third the chest depth, about 1.5 inches (4 cm).
C. About 0.5 inch (1.3 cm).
D. Only until the sternum begins to move.
Correct Answer: B. At least one-third the chest depth, about 1.5 inches (4 cm).
Rationale: For infants, compress at least one-third the anteroposterior chest depth, approximately 1.5 inches (4
cm).
13. During a BLS quality review, a trainee proposes: "Stop CPR for 30 seconds while the next compressor
gets into position.." The actual situation is: The compressor says the compressions are becoming tiring and
shallower after several cycles. What team action best protects CPR quality?
A. Continue with the same compressor until an AED shock is delivered.
B. Rotate compressors about every 2 minutes with minimal interruption.
C. Rotate compressors after every 30 compressions.
D. Stop CPR for 30 seconds while the next compressor gets into position.
Correct Answer: B. Rotate compressors about every 2 minutes with minimal interruption.
Rationale: Compressor fatigue reduces depth and quality. Teams should plan to switch compressors about every
2 minutes while minimizing the pause.
14. During a BLS quality review, a trainee proposes: "1 ventilation every 6 seconds.." The actual situation
is: A child with suspected opioid overdose has a definite pulse but ineffective breathing. Which ventilation
rate is appropriate?
A. 30 compressions before each breath despite a definite pulse.
B. 1 ventilation every 6 seconds.
C. 1 ventilation every 12 seconds.
D. 1 ventilation every 2 to 3 seconds.
Correct Answer: D. 1 ventilation every 2 to 3 seconds.
Rationale: Children and infants with respiratory arrest receive 1 ventilation every 2 to 3 seconds; naloxone may
be administered without interrupting ventilation.
15. During a BLS quality review, a trainee proposes: "Store the AED battery separately from the device.."
The actual situation is: A clinic is redesigning a public-access AED station. Which design best supports
rapid emergency use?
A. Store the AED battery separately from the device.
B. Store the AED in an immediately accessible location; an unlocked cabinet is preferred.
C. Keep the AED in a locked office with no public instructions.
D. Hide the AED to reduce the possibility of theft.
Correct Answer: B. Store the AED in an immediately accessible location; an unlocked cabinet is preferred.
Rationale: Current Red Cross guidance advises that public-access AEDs be readily accessible, with unlocked
storage preferred because locked cabinets can delay defibrillation.
16. A provider is about to follow this plan: "Stop compressions and ventilate until the pulse is checked.."
Before the action is taken, the team notes: An advanced airway is in place during pediatric cardiac arrest.
How should ventilations be delivered?
A. Stop compressions and ventilate until the pulse is checked.
B. Give 1 ventilation every 6 seconds and pause compressions for each breath.
C. Give 1 ventilation every 2 to 3 seconds while compressions continue without pauses.
D. Give 2 ventilations after every 30 compressions.
Correct Answer: C. Give 1 ventilation every 2 to 3 seconds while compressions continue without pauses.
Rationale: With an advanced airway in a child or infant, provide continuous compressions and 1 ventilation
every 2 to 3 seconds.
17. A provider is about to follow this plan: "Remove the pads and continue rescue breathing only.." Before
the action is taken, the team notes: The AED analyzes an adult in cardiac arrest and announces that no
shock is advised. What should happen next?
