Healthcare Certification CPR & Basic Life Support (BLS) Procedures &
Guidelines Practice Exam | Updated 2026 Complete Study Guide | Verified
Questions with Detailed Rationales on Adult, Child & Infant CPR, AED Use,
Choking Management, High-Quality Chest Compressions, Rescue
Breathing, BLS Algorithms, Team Response, Emergency Assessment, and
AHA Guideline-Based Life-Saving Procedures for Certification Success
Question 1: What is the recommended compression depth for adult CPR according to
current AHA guidelines?
A. At least 1.5 inches (4 cm)
B. At least 2 inches (5 cm) but not exceeding 2.4 inches (6 cm)
C. Exactly 3 inches (7.5 cm)
D. As deep as possible regardless of depth
CORRECT ANSWER: B. At least 2 inches (5 cm) but not exceeding 2.4 inches (6 cm)
RATIONALE The 2020 AHA Guidelines specify that adult chest compressions should be
performed at a depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm) but should not exceed 2.4 inches (6 cm) to
maximize effectiveness while minimizing risk of injury such as rib fractures or internal organ
damage.
cpr.heart.org
Question 2: What is the recommended compression rate for high-quality CPR across all
age groups?
A. 80-100 compressions per minute
B. 100-120 compressions per minute
C. 120-140 compressions per minute
D. 60-80 compressions per minute
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 100-120 compressions per minute
RATIONALE Current guidelines uniformly recommend a compression rate of 100-120 per
minute for adult, pediatric, and infant CPR. Rates outside this range are associated with
decreased coronary perfusion pressure and reduced likelihood of ROSC.
cpr.heart.org
Question 3: When performing two-rescuer CPR on an infant, which hand technique is
preferred for chest compressions?
A. Two-finger technique on the sternum
B. Heel of one hand on the lower sternum
C. Two-thumb encircling hands technique
D. Heel of both hands on the sternum
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Two-thumb encircling hands technique
RATIONALE The two-thumb encircling hands technique is preferred for two-rescuer infant CPR
because it generates higher coronary perfusion pressure and more consistent compression
depth compared to the two-finger technique. The rescuer encircles the infant's chest with both
hands, placing thumbs side-by-side on the lower third of the sternum.
,Question 4: What is the compression-to-ventilation ratio for single-rescuer adult CPR?
A. 15:2
B. 30:2
C. 5:1
D. 10:1
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 30:2
RATIONALE For single-rescuer CPR in adults, children, and infants, the recommended
compression-to-ventilation ratio is 30:2. This ratio optimizes the balance between maintaining
coronary perfusion through compressions and providing adequate oxygenation through
ventilations.
emedicine.medscape.com
Question 5: What is the compression-to-ventilation ratio for two-rescuer CPR on a child or
infant?
A. 30:2
B. 15:2
C. 20:2
D. 10:1
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 15:2
RATIONALE When two trained rescuers are performing CPR on an infant or child, the
recommended ratio is 15 compressions to 2 ventilations. This modification accounts for the
higher likelihood of respiratory etiology in pediatric cardiac arrest and allows more frequent
ventilations while maintaining adequate circulation.
Question 6: What is the first action a healthcare provider should take upon finding an
unresponsive adult?
A. Begin chest compressions immediately
B. Check for a pulse for no more than 10 seconds
C. Ensure scene safety
D. Activate the emergency response system
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Ensure scene safety
RATIONALE Scene safety is always the first priority in any emergency response. The provider
must ensure the environment is safe for themselves, the victim, and bystanders before initiating
any assessment or intervention to prevent additional casualties.
Question 7: After confirming an adult victim is unresponsive and not breathing normally,
what is the next immediate action?
A. Begin chest compressions
B. Check for a carotid pulse for no more than 10 seconds
C. Apply the AED immediately
D. Provide two rescue breaths
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Check for a carotid pulse for no more than 10 seconds
,RATIONALE For healthcare providers, after confirming unresponsiveness and abnormal
breathing, the next step is to assess for a pulse at the carotid artery for no more than 10
seconds. If no definite pulse is felt, CPR should be initiated immediately. Lay rescuers are
instructed to begin compressions without pulse check.
Question 8: What is the recommended ventilation rate for an adult patient with an
advanced airway in place during CPR?
A. 1 breath every 3-4 seconds (15-20 breaths/min)
B. 1 breath every 5-6 seconds (10-12 breaths/min)
C. 1 breath every 6 seconds (10 breaths/min)
D. Continuous ventilations without pause
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 1 breath every 6 seconds (10 breaths/min)
RATIONALE Once an advanced airway (endotracheal tube or supraglottic device) is in place
during adult CPR, ventilations should be delivered at a rate of 1 breath every 6 seconds (10
breaths per minute) while continuous chest compressions are performed without pausing for
ventilations.
cpr.heart.org
Question 9: What is the recommended initial energy setting for biphasic defibrillation in
adult cardiac arrest when the manufacturer's recommendation is unknown?
A. 120 J
B. 200 J
C. Maximum available energy
D. 360 J
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Maximum available energy
RATIONALE When the manufacturer's recommended energy dose for biphasic defibrillation is
unknown, the AHA guidelines recommend using the maximum available energy setting to
ensure adequate current delivery for successful defibrillation. Subsequent shocks should be at
the same or higher energy level.
Question 10: During CPR, what is the maximum recommended duration for interrupting
chest compressions to perform a rhythm check or other intervention?
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 seconds
C. 15 seconds
D. 20 seconds
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 10 seconds
RATIONALE Interruptions in chest compressions should be minimized to less than 10 seconds
whenever possible. Prolonged pauses reduce coronary perfusion pressure and significantly
decrease the likelihood of ROSC. Rhythm checks, pulse assessments, and airway interventions
must be performed efficiently.
Question 11: What is the preferred method for confirming endotracheal tube placement
during cardiac arrest?
, A. Auscultation of bilateral breath sounds
B. Observation of chest rise
C. Quantitative waveform capnography
D. Fogging in the endotracheal tube
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Quantitative waveform capnography
RATIONALE Quantitative waveform capnography is the most reliable method for confirming
and continuously monitoring endotracheal tube placement during cardiac arrest. It provides
objective, real-time verification of tracheal placement and can also help monitor CPR quality
and detect ROSC.
Question 12: What is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult CPR
when an advanced airway is NOT in place?
A. 15:2
B. 20:2
C. 30:2
D. Continuous compressions with asynchronous ventilations
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 30:2
RATIONALE When no advanced airway is in place during adult CPR, rescuers should perform
cycles of 30 chest compressions followed by 2 ventilations. This ratio balances the need for
coronary perfusion with adequate oxygenation and is consistent across single and multiple
rescuer scenarios for adults.
Question 13: Which of the following best describes the "recovery" link added to the Chains
of Survival in the 2020 AHA Guidelines?
A. Immediate post-ROSC hospital admission
B. Formal assessment and support for physical, cognitive, and psychosocial needs after cardiac
arrest
C. Transfer to a specialized cardiac arrest center
D. Completion of ACLS certification for providers
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Formal assessment and support for physical, cognitive, and
psychosocial needs after cardiac arrest
RATIONALE The 2020 AHA Guidelines added a sixth link, Recovery, to both the in-hospital and
out-of-hospital Chains of Survival. This emphasizes that recovery from cardiac arrest extends
beyond hospital discharge and requires structured assessment and support for survivors'
physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being.
Question 14: What is the recommended action if an AED advises "no shock indicated"
during adult cardiac arrest?
A. Stop CPR and reassess the patient
B. Immediately resume CPR beginning with chest compressions
C. Check the AED pads for proper placement
D. Administer epinephrine before continuing
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Immediately resume CPR beginning with chest compressions
Guidelines Practice Exam | Updated 2026 Complete Study Guide | Verified
Questions with Detailed Rationales on Adult, Child & Infant CPR, AED Use,
Choking Management, High-Quality Chest Compressions, Rescue
Breathing, BLS Algorithms, Team Response, Emergency Assessment, and
AHA Guideline-Based Life-Saving Procedures for Certification Success
Question 1: What is the recommended compression depth for adult CPR according to
current AHA guidelines?
A. At least 1.5 inches (4 cm)
B. At least 2 inches (5 cm) but not exceeding 2.4 inches (6 cm)
C. Exactly 3 inches (7.5 cm)
D. As deep as possible regardless of depth
CORRECT ANSWER: B. At least 2 inches (5 cm) but not exceeding 2.4 inches (6 cm)
RATIONALE The 2020 AHA Guidelines specify that adult chest compressions should be
performed at a depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm) but should not exceed 2.4 inches (6 cm) to
maximize effectiveness while minimizing risk of injury such as rib fractures or internal organ
damage.
cpr.heart.org
Question 2: What is the recommended compression rate for high-quality CPR across all
age groups?
A. 80-100 compressions per minute
B. 100-120 compressions per minute
C. 120-140 compressions per minute
D. 60-80 compressions per minute
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 100-120 compressions per minute
RATIONALE Current guidelines uniformly recommend a compression rate of 100-120 per
minute for adult, pediatric, and infant CPR. Rates outside this range are associated with
decreased coronary perfusion pressure and reduced likelihood of ROSC.
cpr.heart.org
Question 3: When performing two-rescuer CPR on an infant, which hand technique is
preferred for chest compressions?
A. Two-finger technique on the sternum
B. Heel of one hand on the lower sternum
C. Two-thumb encircling hands technique
D. Heel of both hands on the sternum
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Two-thumb encircling hands technique
RATIONALE The two-thumb encircling hands technique is preferred for two-rescuer infant CPR
because it generates higher coronary perfusion pressure and more consistent compression
depth compared to the two-finger technique. The rescuer encircles the infant's chest with both
hands, placing thumbs side-by-side on the lower third of the sternum.
,Question 4: What is the compression-to-ventilation ratio for single-rescuer adult CPR?
A. 15:2
B. 30:2
C. 5:1
D. 10:1
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 30:2
RATIONALE For single-rescuer CPR in adults, children, and infants, the recommended
compression-to-ventilation ratio is 30:2. This ratio optimizes the balance between maintaining
coronary perfusion through compressions and providing adequate oxygenation through
ventilations.
emedicine.medscape.com
Question 5: What is the compression-to-ventilation ratio for two-rescuer CPR on a child or
infant?
A. 30:2
B. 15:2
C. 20:2
D. 10:1
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 15:2
RATIONALE When two trained rescuers are performing CPR on an infant or child, the
recommended ratio is 15 compressions to 2 ventilations. This modification accounts for the
higher likelihood of respiratory etiology in pediatric cardiac arrest and allows more frequent
ventilations while maintaining adequate circulation.
Question 6: What is the first action a healthcare provider should take upon finding an
unresponsive adult?
A. Begin chest compressions immediately
B. Check for a pulse for no more than 10 seconds
C. Ensure scene safety
D. Activate the emergency response system
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Ensure scene safety
RATIONALE Scene safety is always the first priority in any emergency response. The provider
must ensure the environment is safe for themselves, the victim, and bystanders before initiating
any assessment or intervention to prevent additional casualties.
Question 7: After confirming an adult victim is unresponsive and not breathing normally,
what is the next immediate action?
A. Begin chest compressions
B. Check for a carotid pulse for no more than 10 seconds
C. Apply the AED immediately
D. Provide two rescue breaths
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Check for a carotid pulse for no more than 10 seconds
,RATIONALE For healthcare providers, after confirming unresponsiveness and abnormal
breathing, the next step is to assess for a pulse at the carotid artery for no more than 10
seconds. If no definite pulse is felt, CPR should be initiated immediately. Lay rescuers are
instructed to begin compressions without pulse check.
Question 8: What is the recommended ventilation rate for an adult patient with an
advanced airway in place during CPR?
A. 1 breath every 3-4 seconds (15-20 breaths/min)
B. 1 breath every 5-6 seconds (10-12 breaths/min)
C. 1 breath every 6 seconds (10 breaths/min)
D. Continuous ventilations without pause
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 1 breath every 6 seconds (10 breaths/min)
RATIONALE Once an advanced airway (endotracheal tube or supraglottic device) is in place
during adult CPR, ventilations should be delivered at a rate of 1 breath every 6 seconds (10
breaths per minute) while continuous chest compressions are performed without pausing for
ventilations.
cpr.heart.org
Question 9: What is the recommended initial energy setting for biphasic defibrillation in
adult cardiac arrest when the manufacturer's recommendation is unknown?
A. 120 J
B. 200 J
C. Maximum available energy
D. 360 J
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Maximum available energy
RATIONALE When the manufacturer's recommended energy dose for biphasic defibrillation is
unknown, the AHA guidelines recommend using the maximum available energy setting to
ensure adequate current delivery for successful defibrillation. Subsequent shocks should be at
the same or higher energy level.
Question 10: During CPR, what is the maximum recommended duration for interrupting
chest compressions to perform a rhythm check or other intervention?
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 seconds
C. 15 seconds
D. 20 seconds
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 10 seconds
RATIONALE Interruptions in chest compressions should be minimized to less than 10 seconds
whenever possible. Prolonged pauses reduce coronary perfusion pressure and significantly
decrease the likelihood of ROSC. Rhythm checks, pulse assessments, and airway interventions
must be performed efficiently.
Question 11: What is the preferred method for confirming endotracheal tube placement
during cardiac arrest?
, A. Auscultation of bilateral breath sounds
B. Observation of chest rise
C. Quantitative waveform capnography
D. Fogging in the endotracheal tube
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Quantitative waveform capnography
RATIONALE Quantitative waveform capnography is the most reliable method for confirming
and continuously monitoring endotracheal tube placement during cardiac arrest. It provides
objective, real-time verification of tracheal placement and can also help monitor CPR quality
and detect ROSC.
Question 12: What is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult CPR
when an advanced airway is NOT in place?
A. 15:2
B. 20:2
C. 30:2
D. Continuous compressions with asynchronous ventilations
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 30:2
RATIONALE When no advanced airway is in place during adult CPR, rescuers should perform
cycles of 30 chest compressions followed by 2 ventilations. This ratio balances the need for
coronary perfusion with adequate oxygenation and is consistent across single and multiple
rescuer scenarios for adults.
Question 13: Which of the following best describes the "recovery" link added to the Chains
of Survival in the 2020 AHA Guidelines?
A. Immediate post-ROSC hospital admission
B. Formal assessment and support for physical, cognitive, and psychosocial needs after cardiac
arrest
C. Transfer to a specialized cardiac arrest center
D. Completion of ACLS certification for providers
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Formal assessment and support for physical, cognitive, and
psychosocial needs after cardiac arrest
RATIONALE The 2020 AHA Guidelines added a sixth link, Recovery, to both the in-hospital and
out-of-hospital Chains of Survival. This emphasizes that recovery from cardiac arrest extends
beyond hospital discharge and requires structured assessment and support for survivors'
physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being.
Question 14: What is the recommended action if an AED advises "no shock indicated"
during adult cardiac arrest?
A. Stop CPR and reassess the patient
B. Immediately resume CPR beginning with chest compressions
C. Check the AED pads for proper placement
D. Administer epinephrine before continuing
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Immediately resume CPR beginning with chest compressions
