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Basic Life Support (BLS) Exam
Questions and Answers American Heart
Association (AHA) Latest Update 2026
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 - correct-answer-A
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 - correct-answer-C
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
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c. Provide 2 ventilations to the victim
d. Immediately check the carotid pulse for no more than 10 seconds - correct-
answer-B
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 - correct-answer-B
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 - correct-answer-B
6. Which of the following victims need CPR?
a. A victim with a pulse and who is having trouble breathing
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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 - correct-answer-C
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 - correct-answer-A
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 - correct-answer-B
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
Basic Life Support (BLS) Exam
Questions and Answers American Heart
Association (AHA) Latest Update 2026
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 - correct-answer-A
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 - correct-answer-C
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
,2|Page
c. Provide 2 ventilations to the victim
d. Immediately check the carotid pulse for no more than 10 seconds - correct-
answer-B
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 - correct-answer-B
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 - correct-answer-B
6. Which of the following victims need CPR?
a. A victim with a pulse and who is having trouble breathing
, 3|Page
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 - correct-answer-C
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 - correct-answer-A
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 - correct-answer-B
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
