Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification Practice
Examination Questions With Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
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1. What is the first step in the Basic Life Support (BLS) assessment for
an unresponsive adult?
A. Begin chest compressions
B. Check for a pulse
C. Ensure scene safety
D. Provide rescue breaths
Answer: C. Ensure scene safety
Rationale: Scene safety is always the first priority in BLS. Rescuers
must confirm the environment is safe to prevent injury to
themselves or others before initiating care.
2. After confirming scene safety and finding an adult unresponsive,
what is the next action?
A. Deliver two rescue breaths
B. Activate emergency response and get an AED
, C. Check blood pressure
D. Place in recovery position
Answer: B. Activate emergency response and get an AED
Rationale: Early activation of emergency medical services and
retrieval of an automated external defibrillator (AED) are critical
links in the chain of survival.
3. What is the recommended chest compression rate for adult CPR?
A. 60–80 compressions per minute
B. 80–100 compressions per minute
C. 100–120 compressions per minute
D. 140–160 compressions per minute
Answer: C. 100–120 compressions per minute
Rationale: High-quality CPR requires a compression rate of 100–
120 per minute to maintain adequate coronary and cerebral
perfusion.
4. What is the recommended depth of chest compressions for
adults?
A. At least 1 inch
B. At least 2 inches (5 cm)
C. 3 inches
D. 4 inches
, Answer: B. At least 2 inches (5 cm)
Rationale: Adult compressions should be at least 2 inches deep to
ensure effective blood circulation during cardiac arrest.
5. What is the compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer
performing adult CPR?
A. 15:2
B. 20:2
C. 30:2
D. 50:2
Answer: C. 30:2
Rationale: The recommended ratio for adult CPR with a single
rescuer is 30 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths.
6. When using an AED, what is the first step after turning it on?
A. Deliver a shock immediately
B. Apply pads to the victim’s chest
C. Begin chest compressions
D. Check pulse
Answer: B. Apply pads to the victim’s chest
Rationale: After powering on the AED, pads must be applied to
allow rhythm analysis and possible defibrillation.
, 7. Where should AED pads be placed on an adult?
A. Both on the left side
B. Both on the right side
C. One on upper right chest and one on lower left side
D. On the abdomen
Answer: C. One on upper right chest and one on lower left side
Rationale: Proper pad placement ensures effective electrical
current passes through the heart.
8. What should you do immediately after delivering a shock with an
AED?
A. Reassess pulse
B. Check breathing
C. Resume chest compressions
D. Remove pads
Answer: C. Resume chest compressions
Rationale: Immediate resumption of CPR after a shock improves
survival outcomes by maintaining circulation.
9. How long should you check for breathing and pulse in an
unresponsive adult?
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 seconds
Examination Questions With Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the first step in the Basic Life Support (BLS) assessment for
an unresponsive adult?
A. Begin chest compressions
B. Check for a pulse
C. Ensure scene safety
D. Provide rescue breaths
Answer: C. Ensure scene safety
Rationale: Scene safety is always the first priority in BLS. Rescuers
must confirm the environment is safe to prevent injury to
themselves or others before initiating care.
2. After confirming scene safety and finding an adult unresponsive,
what is the next action?
A. Deliver two rescue breaths
B. Activate emergency response and get an AED
, C. Check blood pressure
D. Place in recovery position
Answer: B. Activate emergency response and get an AED
Rationale: Early activation of emergency medical services and
retrieval of an automated external defibrillator (AED) are critical
links in the chain of survival.
3. What is the recommended chest compression rate for adult CPR?
A. 60–80 compressions per minute
B. 80–100 compressions per minute
C. 100–120 compressions per minute
D. 140–160 compressions per minute
Answer: C. 100–120 compressions per minute
Rationale: High-quality CPR requires a compression rate of 100–
120 per minute to maintain adequate coronary and cerebral
perfusion.
4. What is the recommended depth of chest compressions for
adults?
A. At least 1 inch
B. At least 2 inches (5 cm)
C. 3 inches
D. 4 inches
, Answer: B. At least 2 inches (5 cm)
Rationale: Adult compressions should be at least 2 inches deep to
ensure effective blood circulation during cardiac arrest.
5. What is the compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer
performing adult CPR?
A. 15:2
B. 20:2
C. 30:2
D. 50:2
Answer: C. 30:2
Rationale: The recommended ratio for adult CPR with a single
rescuer is 30 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths.
6. When using an AED, what is the first step after turning it on?
A. Deliver a shock immediately
B. Apply pads to the victim’s chest
C. Begin chest compressions
D. Check pulse
Answer: B. Apply pads to the victim’s chest
Rationale: After powering on the AED, pads must be applied to
allow rhythm analysis and possible defibrillation.
, 7. Where should AED pads be placed on an adult?
A. Both on the left side
B. Both on the right side
C. One on upper right chest and one on lower left side
D. On the abdomen
Answer: C. One on upper right chest and one on lower left side
Rationale: Proper pad placement ensures effective electrical
current passes through the heart.
8. What should you do immediately after delivering a shock with an
AED?
A. Reassess pulse
B. Check breathing
C. Resume chest compressions
D. Remove pads
Answer: C. Resume chest compressions
Rationale: Immediate resumption of CPR after a shock improves
survival outcomes by maintaining circulation.
9. How long should you check for breathing and pulse in an
unresponsive adult?
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 seconds
