AHA BLS Exam Review Questions & Answers
1.1. When should the rescuer initially ensure that the scene is safe?
a. When the rescuer first sees a potential victim
b. After the rescuer activates the emergency response system
c. As emergency medical services arrive on the scene
d. After an AED that is attached to the victim delivers a shock
ANS A
2.2. As soon as an AED becomes available, which of the following is the
first step the rescuer should perform to operate the AED?
a. Place the AED pads on the chest
b. Deliver 2 rescue breaths before using the AED
c. Turn on the AED
d. Complete 5 cycles of chest compressions
ANS C
3.3. After the AED delivers a shock, the rescuer should
a. Wait for the AED to reanalyze the rhythm
b. Immediately restart CPR, beginning with chest compressions
c. Provide 2 ventilations to the victim
d. Immediately check the carotid pulse for no more than 10 seconds
ANS B
4.4. The 2010 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC recommend that to
identify cardiac arrest in an unresponsive victim with no breathing (or no
normal breathing), a healthcare provider should check a pulse for no more
than
a. 25 seconds
b. 10 seconds
c. 15 seconds
d. 20 seconds
, ANS B
5.5. After you identify an unresponsive victim with no breathing (or no
normal breathing) and no pulse, chest compressions should be initiated
within
a. 25 seconds
b. 10 seconds
c. 30 seconds
d. 60 seconds
ANS B
6.6. Which of the following victims need CPR?
a. A victim with a pulse and who is having trouble breathing
b. A victim with chest pain and indigestion
c. A victim who is unresponsive, no normal breathing and absent/ inadequate
pulse
d. A victim who is unresponsive but is breathing adequately
ANS C
7.7. Where should the hands be placed to perform chest compressions on
an adult?
a. On the lower half of the breastbone
b. In the center of the breastbone
c. On the upper portion of the abdomen
d. On the upper half of the breastbone
ANS A
8.8. The depth of compressions for an adult victim should be at least
a. 1 inch
b. 2 inches
c. 3 inches
d. 4 inches
ANS B
, 9.9. Why is it important to compress to the appropriate depth during CPR?
a. Adequate depth of compression is needed to create blood flow
during compressions
b. Adequate depth of compression is needed to create air flow into the
lungs and adequate oxygenation
c. Adequate depth of compression is needed to prolong asystole
d. Adequate depth of compression is needed to stimulate spontaneous
respi- rations
ANS A
10.10. The recommended rate for performing chest compressions for
victims of all ages is
a. At least 40 compressions per minute
b. At least 60 compressions per minute
c. At least 80 compressions per minute
d. At least 100 compressions per minute
ANS D
11.11. The compression-to-ventilation ratio for 1-rescuer adult CPR is
a. 30:2
b. 5:1
c. 20:2
d. 15:2
ANS A
12.12. After the airway is opened, which of the following correctly states
the proper technique for delivering mouth-to-mouth ventilation?
a. The rescuer opens the airway, seals their mouth over the victim's mouth,
pinches the victim's nose closed, and gives 2 breaths while watching for
the chest to rise
b. The rescuer opens the airway, seals their mouth over the victim's
mouth, and gives several small puffs while trying to avoid making the
1.1. When should the rescuer initially ensure that the scene is safe?
a. When the rescuer first sees a potential victim
b. After the rescuer activates the emergency response system
c. As emergency medical services arrive on the scene
d. After an AED that is attached to the victim delivers a shock
ANS A
2.2. As soon as an AED becomes available, which of the following is the
first step the rescuer should perform to operate the AED?
a. Place the AED pads on the chest
b. Deliver 2 rescue breaths before using the AED
c. Turn on the AED
d. Complete 5 cycles of chest compressions
ANS C
3.3. After the AED delivers a shock, the rescuer should
a. Wait for the AED to reanalyze the rhythm
b. Immediately restart CPR, beginning with chest compressions
c. Provide 2 ventilations to the victim
d. Immediately check the carotid pulse for no more than 10 seconds
ANS B
4.4. The 2010 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC recommend that to
identify cardiac arrest in an unresponsive victim with no breathing (or no
normal breathing), a healthcare provider should check a pulse for no more
than
a. 25 seconds
b. 10 seconds
c. 15 seconds
d. 20 seconds
, ANS B
5.5. After you identify an unresponsive victim with no breathing (or no
normal breathing) and no pulse, chest compressions should be initiated
within
a. 25 seconds
b. 10 seconds
c. 30 seconds
d. 60 seconds
ANS B
6.6. Which of the following victims need CPR?
a. A victim with a pulse and who is having trouble breathing
b. A victim with chest pain and indigestion
c. A victim who is unresponsive, no normal breathing and absent/ inadequate
pulse
d. A victim who is unresponsive but is breathing adequately
ANS C
7.7. Where should the hands be placed to perform chest compressions on
an adult?
a. On the lower half of the breastbone
b. In the center of the breastbone
c. On the upper portion of the abdomen
d. On the upper half of the breastbone
ANS A
8.8. The depth of compressions for an adult victim should be at least
a. 1 inch
b. 2 inches
c. 3 inches
d. 4 inches
ANS B
, 9.9. Why is it important to compress to the appropriate depth during CPR?
a. Adequate depth of compression is needed to create blood flow
during compressions
b. Adequate depth of compression is needed to create air flow into the
lungs and adequate oxygenation
c. Adequate depth of compression is needed to prolong asystole
d. Adequate depth of compression is needed to stimulate spontaneous
respi- rations
ANS A
10.10. The recommended rate for performing chest compressions for
victims of all ages is
a. At least 40 compressions per minute
b. At least 60 compressions per minute
c. At least 80 compressions per minute
d. At least 100 compressions per minute
ANS D
11.11. The compression-to-ventilation ratio for 1-rescuer adult CPR is
a. 30:2
b. 5:1
c. 20:2
d. 15:2
ANS A
12.12. After the airway is opened, which of the following correctly states
the proper technique for delivering mouth-to-mouth ventilation?
a. The rescuer opens the airway, seals their mouth over the victim's mouth,
pinches the victim's nose closed, and gives 2 breaths while watching for
the chest to rise
b. The rescuer opens the airway, seals their mouth over the victim's
mouth, and gives several small puffs while trying to avoid making the
