BLS (BASIC LIFE SUPPORT)
CERTIFICATION EXAM PRACTICE
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
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1. An adult suddenly collapses and is unresponsive. After ensuring the scene is
safe, what is the first action?
A. Check for responsiveness and normal breathing while activating the emergency response
system.
B. Begin rescue breaths immediately.
C. Obtain a blood pressure reading.
D. Search for identification.
CORRECT ANSWER: A — Check for responsiveness and normal breathing while
activating the emergency response system.
RATIONALE: After confirming scene safety, quickly assess responsiveness and breathing,
activate emergency response, obtain an AED, and check for a pulse simultaneously (within 10
seconds).
2. What is the recommended adult chest compression rate during CPR?
A. 100–120 compressions/minute.
B. 60–80 compressions/minute.
C. 80–90 compressions/minute.
D. 130–150 compressions/minute.
CORRECT ANSWER: A — 100–120 compressions/minute.
RATIONALE: High-quality CPR requires a compression rate of 100–120/min.
,3. What is the recommended compression depth for an adult?
A. At least 2 inches (5 cm), but not more than 2.4 inches (6 cm).
B. 1 inch (2.5 cm).
C. 4 inches (10 cm).
D. ½ inch (1 cm).
CORRECT ANSWER: A — At least 2 inches (5 cm), but not more than 2.4 inches (6 cm).
RATIONALE: Proper compression depth improves circulation while minimizing injury.
4. Which action helps ensure high-quality CPR?
A. Allow complete chest recoil after each compression.
B. Lean on the chest between compressions.
C. Pause frequently to reassess the patient.
D. Deliver rapid, shallow compressions.
CORRECT ANSWER: A — Allow complete chest recoil after each compression.
RATIONALE: Complete recoil promotes venous return and improves cardiac output.
5. When should an AED be used?
A. As soon as it is available.
B. After 10 minutes of CPR.
C. Only after rescue breathing.
D. Only if instructed by family members.
CORRECT ANSWER: A — As soon as it is available.
RATIONALE: Early defibrillation greatly improves survival in shockable rhythms.
6. An adult is not breathing normally but has a pulse. What should the rescuer
provide?
A. Rescue breaths only.
B. Chest compressions only.
C. Defibrillation immediately.
D. Abdominal thrusts.
, CORRECT ANSWER: A — Rescue breaths only.
RATIONALE: Adults with a pulse but inadequate breathing require rescue breathing, not
compressions.
7. What is the compression-to-ventilation ratio for one-rescuer adult CPR?
A. 30:2.
B. 15:2.
C. 5:1.
D. Continuous compressions with no breaths.
CORRECT ANSWER: A — 30:2.
RATIONALE: The ratio is 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths.
8. Which pulse should be checked in an unconscious adult?
A. Carotid pulse.
B. Radial pulse.
C. Brachial pulse.
D. Pedal pulse.
CORRECT ANSWER: A — Carotid pulse.
RATIONALE: The carotid artery is the preferred pulse site for adults.
9. Pulse assessment should take no longer than:
A. 10 seconds.
B. 30 seconds.
C. 1 minute.
D. 2 minutes.
CORRECT ANSWER: A — 10 seconds.
RATIONALE: Delayed CPR decreases survival.
CERTIFICATION EXAM PRACTICE
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF
1. An adult suddenly collapses and is unresponsive. After ensuring the scene is
safe, what is the first action?
A. Check for responsiveness and normal breathing while activating the emergency response
system.
B. Begin rescue breaths immediately.
C. Obtain a blood pressure reading.
D. Search for identification.
CORRECT ANSWER: A — Check for responsiveness and normal breathing while
activating the emergency response system.
RATIONALE: After confirming scene safety, quickly assess responsiveness and breathing,
activate emergency response, obtain an AED, and check for a pulse simultaneously (within 10
seconds).
2. What is the recommended adult chest compression rate during CPR?
A. 100–120 compressions/minute.
B. 60–80 compressions/minute.
C. 80–90 compressions/minute.
D. 130–150 compressions/minute.
CORRECT ANSWER: A — 100–120 compressions/minute.
RATIONALE: High-quality CPR requires a compression rate of 100–120/min.
,3. What is the recommended compression depth for an adult?
A. At least 2 inches (5 cm), but not more than 2.4 inches (6 cm).
B. 1 inch (2.5 cm).
C. 4 inches (10 cm).
D. ½ inch (1 cm).
CORRECT ANSWER: A — At least 2 inches (5 cm), but not more than 2.4 inches (6 cm).
RATIONALE: Proper compression depth improves circulation while minimizing injury.
4. Which action helps ensure high-quality CPR?
A. Allow complete chest recoil after each compression.
B. Lean on the chest between compressions.
C. Pause frequently to reassess the patient.
D. Deliver rapid, shallow compressions.
CORRECT ANSWER: A — Allow complete chest recoil after each compression.
RATIONALE: Complete recoil promotes venous return and improves cardiac output.
5. When should an AED be used?
A. As soon as it is available.
B. After 10 minutes of CPR.
C. Only after rescue breathing.
D. Only if instructed by family members.
CORRECT ANSWER: A — As soon as it is available.
RATIONALE: Early defibrillation greatly improves survival in shockable rhythms.
6. An adult is not breathing normally but has a pulse. What should the rescuer
provide?
A. Rescue breaths only.
B. Chest compressions only.
C. Defibrillation immediately.
D. Abdominal thrusts.
, CORRECT ANSWER: A — Rescue breaths only.
RATIONALE: Adults with a pulse but inadequate breathing require rescue breathing, not
compressions.
7. What is the compression-to-ventilation ratio for one-rescuer adult CPR?
A. 30:2.
B. 15:2.
C. 5:1.
D. Continuous compressions with no breaths.
CORRECT ANSWER: A — 30:2.
RATIONALE: The ratio is 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths.
8. Which pulse should be checked in an unconscious adult?
A. Carotid pulse.
B. Radial pulse.
C. Brachial pulse.
D. Pedal pulse.
CORRECT ANSWER: A — Carotid pulse.
RATIONALE: The carotid artery is the preferred pulse site for adults.
9. Pulse assessment should take no longer than:
A. 10 seconds.
B. 30 seconds.
C. 1 minute.
D. 2 minutes.
CORRECT ANSWER: A — 10 seconds.
RATIONALE: Delayed CPR decreases survival.
