BASIC LIFE SUPPORT EXAM A QUESTIONS COMPLETE WITH 100% VERIFIED ANSWERS 2026/2027

BASIC LIFE SUPPORT EXAM A QUESTIONS COMPLETE WITH 100% VERIFIED ANSWERS 1. While performing high-quality CPR on an adult, what action should you ensure is being accomplished? A) Compressing to a depth of at least 1 inch B) Compressing to a depth of at least 2 inches C) Compressing to a depth of at least 3 inches D) Compressing to a depth of at least 4 inches Correct Answer: B) Compressing to a depth of at least 2 inches Rationale: For adult CPR, the recommended compression depth is at least 2 inches (5 cm) but no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm). This depth ensures adequate blood flow to vital organs during cardiac arrest. ________________________________________ 2. A 53 year-old woman collapses while gardening. She is unresponsive, is not breathing, and does not have a pulse. A neighbor, who is an emergency medical technician, rushes to her with an AED. When the AED arrives, what is the first step for using it? A) Apply the pads to the chest B) Turn on the AED C) Check for a pulse again D) Clear the victim for analysis Correct Answer: B) Turn on the AED Rationale: The first step when an AED arrives is to power it on. This allows the device to begin its voice prompts and guide the rescuer through the subsequent steps of pad placement and analysis. ________________________________________ 3. A 53 year-old woman collapses while gardening. She is unresponsive, is not breathing, and does not have a pulse. A neighbor, who is an emergency medical technician, rushes to her with an AED. After the AED pads are attached to the victim's bare chest, the AED detects ventricular fibrillation. What is the next step when using the AED? A) Press the shock button immediately B) Check for a pulse C) Follow the AED prompts D) Remove the pads and reapply Correct Answer: C) Follow the AED prompts Rationale: After pad placement, the AED will analyze the rhythm and provide specific prompts. The rescuer must follow these prompts, which may include "shock advised" or "no shock advised." The AED will guide all subsequent actions. ________________________________________ 4. What should you do if you need to use an AED on someone who has been submerged in water? A) Use the AED while the victim is still in the water B) Dry the chest and apply the pads directly C) Pull the victim out of the water, and wipe the chest D) Wait for EMS to arrive before using the AED Correct Answer: C) Pull the victim out of the water, and wipe the chest Rationale: Victims should be removed from water before AED use because water can conduct electricity and cause burns or divert the shock. The chest must be dried thoroughly to ensure proper pad adhesion and effective shock delivery. ________________________________________ 5. How can rescuers ensure that they are providing effective breaths when using a bag mask device? A) Squeeze the bag as hard as possible B) Observing the chest rise with breaths C) Counting to 5 for each breath D) Using only room air in the bag Correct Answer: B) Observing the chest rise with breaths Rationale: Visible chest rise is the primary indicator of effective ventilation. Each breath should be delivered over 1 second and should produce visible chest rise, indicating that air is entering the lungs. ________________________________________ 6. What ratio for compressions to breaths should be used for 1-rescuer infant CPR? A) 15 compressions to 2 breaths B) 30 compressions to 2 breaths C) 15 compressions to 1 breath D) 30 compressions to 1 breath Correct Answer: B) 30 compressions to 2 breaths Rationale: For single-rescuer infant CPR, the compression-to-ventilation ratio is 30:2, consistent with adult and child single-rescuer CPR. This ratio optimizes the balance between perfusion and oxygenation. ________________________________________ 7. What is a consideration when you are using an AED? A) On a hairy chest, the pads may not stick and may fail to deliver a shock B) AEDs cannot be used on children C) AEDs require a physician to operate D) AEDs only work on victims with a pulse Correct Answer: A) On a hairy chest, the pads may not stick and may fail to deliver a shock Rationale: Excessive chest hair can prevent AED pads from adhering properly, potentially leading to poor electrical contact and ineffective shock delivery. The chest should be shaved if necessary before pad application. ________________________________________ 8. A 9 year-old child has suddenly collapsed. After confirming that the scene is safe, a single rescuer determines that the child is in cardiac arrest, shouts for nearby help, and activates the emergency response system. He immediately begins performing high-quality CPR. Two additional rescuers arrive to assist in the resuscitation attempt. What actions should occur next, to support a team-based resuscitation attempt? A) One rescuer gives breaths while the other gives compressions B) 2 rescuers alternate giving high-quality chest compressions C) All 3 rescuers take turns giving compressions every 30 seconds D) One rescuer performs CPR while the other two leave for help Correct Answer: B) 2 rescuers alternate giving high-quality chest compressions Rationale: In a team-based resuscitation, rescuers should alternate the role of compressor every 2 minutes (or sooner if fatigued) to maintain high-quality compressions. This prevents fatigue-related deterioration in compression quality. ________________________________________ 9. A 9 year-old child has suddenly collapsed. After confirming that the scene is safe, a single rescuer determines that the child is in cardiac arrest, shouts for nearby help, and activates the emergency response system. He immediately begins performing high-quality CPR. Two additional rescuers arrive to assist in the resuscitation attempt. Two rescuers begin high-quality CPR while the third rescuer leaves to get the AED. What action supports 2-rescuer CPR? A) Both rescuers give compressions simultaneously B) Alternating the compressor role every 2 minutes C) One rescuer gives breaths only D) Changing roles every 5 minutes