BLS PROVIDER EXAM – QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED
AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS PLUS RATIONALES |
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1. You find an unresponsive adult in the hallway of a commercial office building. There is
no automated external defibrillator (AED) immediately visible, and you are working alone.
What is the very first action you must take after confirming unresponsiveness?
A. Begin immediate chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute
B. Shout for nearby help and simultaneously check for normal breathing and a pulse for no more
than 10 seconds
C. Run immediately to the nearest parking garage to locate an emergency phone
D. Leave the victim completely unattended to search all floors for an AED
ANSWER: B. Shout for nearby help and simultaneously check for normal breathing and a
pulse for no more than 10 seconds
Evaluating the victim for responsiveness, assessing breathing and pulse simultaneously, and
shouting for help ensures rapid identification of cardiac arrest without wasting critical time.
2. A 45-year-old coworker suddenly collapses at his desk. You witness the event, check the
scene for safety, and determine the patient is unresponsive, is not breathing normally, and
has no definite pulse. Another coworker runs to get the building AED. What is your
immediate priority action?
A. Administer 2 rescue breaths before starting compressions
B. Begin high-quality chest compressions immediately with minimal interruptions
C. Place the victim in a prone position on a soft office chair
D. Wait until the AED arrives before touching the patient
ANSWER: B. Begin high-quality chest compressions immediately with minimal
interruptions
Immediate initiation of high-quality chest compressions is vital in adult cardiac arrest to
circulate oxygenated blood to vital organs until defibrillation is available.
,3. While performing single-rescuer adult CPR, what is the correct compression-to-
ventilation ratio you must maintain?
A. 15 compressions to 2 ventilations
B. 30 compressions to 2 ventilations
C. 5 compressions to 1 ventilation
D. Continuous compressions without ventilations
ANSWER: B. 30 compressions to 2 ventilations
The standard single-rescuer CPR ratio for adults is 30 chest compressions followed by 2
rescue breaths to balance perfusion and gas exchange.
4. What is the recommended compression depth when performing chest compressions on
an average adult victim?
A. At least 1 inch (2.5 cm)
B. At least 2 inches (5 cm) but not greater than 2.4 inches (6 cm)
C. Exactly 3 inches (7.6 cm)
D. Half an inch (1.3 cm)
ANSWER: B. At least 2 inches (5 cm) but not greater than 2.4 inches (6 cm)
Adequate compression depth ensures blood is successfully squeezed out of the heart chambers
and into circulation, while avoiding excessive depth that could cause internal trauma.
5. What is the target rate for performing chest compressions during adult, child, and infant
high-quality CPR?
A. 60 to 80 compressions per minute
B. 80 to 100 compressions per minute
C. 100 to 120 compressions per minute
D. 140 to 160 compressions per minute
ANSWER: C. 100 to 120 compressions per minute
,Compressions delivered at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute optimize cardiac output during
resuscitation without compromising stroke volume.
6. Why is complete chest recoil essential after each individual chest compression?
A. It allows the heart chambers to refill with blood between compressions, maximizing cardiac
output
B. It keeps the rescuer's arms from getting tired too quickly
C. It prevents the victim's ribs from fusing together
D. It ensures the AED pads remain securely attached to the skin
ANSWER: A. It allows the heart chambers to refill with blood between compressions,
maximizing cardiac output
Leaning on the chest prevents the heart from refilling adequately, significantly reducing the
effectiveness of subsequent compressions.
7. You are performing CPR with a partner. To prevent compressor fatigue and maintain
high-quality compressions, how often should rescuers switch compressor and ventilator
roles?
A. Every 1 minute or 3 cycles
B. Every 2 minutes or 5 cycles, or sooner if the compressor shows signs of fatigue
C. Only when the AED specifically prompts a role change
D. Every 10 minutes regardless of fatigue levels
ANSWER: B. Every 2 minutes or 5 cycles, or sooner if the compressor shows signs of
fatigue
Compressor fatigue sets in rapidly, reducing compression depth and rate; switching every 2
minutes helps maintain consistent, high-quality CPR.
8. When delivering rescue breaths using a bag-valve-mask (BVM) device during two-
rescuer adult CPR, over what duration of time should each breath be delivered?
A. Exactly 5 seconds per breath
B. Over 1 second, with just enough air to make the chest rise visibly
C. As rapidly as possible to hyperoxygenate the lungs
, D. Over 10 seconds while counting aloud
ANSWER: B. Over 1 second, with just enough air to make the chest rise visibly
Delivering breaths over 1 second helps prevent excessive gastric inflation and reduces the risk
of regurgitation and aspiration.
9. A choking adult is coughing forcefully and clutching her throat. She can speak in
strained sentences. What is the most appropriate action for a BLS provider to take?
A. Immediately perform abdominal thrusts until the object is expelled
B. Encourage her to keep coughing and monitor her closely, remaining ready to intervene if
obstruction worsens
C. Lay her flat on the floor and begin chest compressions
D. Give her a large glass of water to wash the item down
ANSWER: B. Encourage her to keep coughing and monitor her closely, remaining ready to
intervene if obstruction worsens
Severe coughing indicates effective air exchange; forceful coughing should be encouraged,
and invasive maneuvers should be withheld unless air exchange becomes poor or ineffective.
10. An adult victim suddenly becomes completely unresponsive while choking on food. He
stops coughing and is gasping silently. You lower him safely to the ground. What is your
immediate next step?
A. Open his mouth and perform a blind finger sweep
B. Begin chest compressions immediately, starting with 30 compressions, without checking for
a pulse first
C. Check a carotid pulse for 30 seconds
D. Deliver 5 back blows followed by 5 abdominal thrusts
ANSWER: B. Begin chest compressions immediately, starting with 30 compressions,
without checking for a pulse first
When an unresponsive choking victim is managed, CPR is initiated immediately starting with
chest compressions; each time the airway is opened during rescue breaths, look in the mouth
to see if the foreign object has been dislodged.
AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS PLUS RATIONALES |
GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE | EXAM PREP |
STUDY GUIDE | PRACTICE TEST| DOWNLOAD INSTANT PDF
1. You find an unresponsive adult in the hallway of a commercial office building. There is
no automated external defibrillator (AED) immediately visible, and you are working alone.
What is the very first action you must take after confirming unresponsiveness?
A. Begin immediate chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute
B. Shout for nearby help and simultaneously check for normal breathing and a pulse for no more
than 10 seconds
C. Run immediately to the nearest parking garage to locate an emergency phone
D. Leave the victim completely unattended to search all floors for an AED
ANSWER: B. Shout for nearby help and simultaneously check for normal breathing and a
pulse for no more than 10 seconds
Evaluating the victim for responsiveness, assessing breathing and pulse simultaneously, and
shouting for help ensures rapid identification of cardiac arrest without wasting critical time.
2. A 45-year-old coworker suddenly collapses at his desk. You witness the event, check the
scene for safety, and determine the patient is unresponsive, is not breathing normally, and
has no definite pulse. Another coworker runs to get the building AED. What is your
immediate priority action?
A. Administer 2 rescue breaths before starting compressions
B. Begin high-quality chest compressions immediately with minimal interruptions
C. Place the victim in a prone position on a soft office chair
D. Wait until the AED arrives before touching the patient
ANSWER: B. Begin high-quality chest compressions immediately with minimal
interruptions
Immediate initiation of high-quality chest compressions is vital in adult cardiac arrest to
circulate oxygenated blood to vital organs until defibrillation is available.
,3. While performing single-rescuer adult CPR, what is the correct compression-to-
ventilation ratio you must maintain?
A. 15 compressions to 2 ventilations
B. 30 compressions to 2 ventilations
C. 5 compressions to 1 ventilation
D. Continuous compressions without ventilations
ANSWER: B. 30 compressions to 2 ventilations
The standard single-rescuer CPR ratio for adults is 30 chest compressions followed by 2
rescue breaths to balance perfusion and gas exchange.
4. What is the recommended compression depth when performing chest compressions on
an average adult victim?
A. At least 1 inch (2.5 cm)
B. At least 2 inches (5 cm) but not greater than 2.4 inches (6 cm)
C. Exactly 3 inches (7.6 cm)
D. Half an inch (1.3 cm)
ANSWER: B. At least 2 inches (5 cm) but not greater than 2.4 inches (6 cm)
Adequate compression depth ensures blood is successfully squeezed out of the heart chambers
and into circulation, while avoiding excessive depth that could cause internal trauma.
5. What is the target rate for performing chest compressions during adult, child, and infant
high-quality CPR?
A. 60 to 80 compressions per minute
B. 80 to 100 compressions per minute
C. 100 to 120 compressions per minute
D. 140 to 160 compressions per minute
ANSWER: C. 100 to 120 compressions per minute
,Compressions delivered at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute optimize cardiac output during
resuscitation without compromising stroke volume.
6. Why is complete chest recoil essential after each individual chest compression?
A. It allows the heart chambers to refill with blood between compressions, maximizing cardiac
output
B. It keeps the rescuer's arms from getting tired too quickly
C. It prevents the victim's ribs from fusing together
D. It ensures the AED pads remain securely attached to the skin
ANSWER: A. It allows the heart chambers to refill with blood between compressions,
maximizing cardiac output
Leaning on the chest prevents the heart from refilling adequately, significantly reducing the
effectiveness of subsequent compressions.
7. You are performing CPR with a partner. To prevent compressor fatigue and maintain
high-quality compressions, how often should rescuers switch compressor and ventilator
roles?
A. Every 1 minute or 3 cycles
B. Every 2 minutes or 5 cycles, or sooner if the compressor shows signs of fatigue
C. Only when the AED specifically prompts a role change
D. Every 10 minutes regardless of fatigue levels
ANSWER: B. Every 2 minutes or 5 cycles, or sooner if the compressor shows signs of
fatigue
Compressor fatigue sets in rapidly, reducing compression depth and rate; switching every 2
minutes helps maintain consistent, high-quality CPR.
8. When delivering rescue breaths using a bag-valve-mask (BVM) device during two-
rescuer adult CPR, over what duration of time should each breath be delivered?
A. Exactly 5 seconds per breath
B. Over 1 second, with just enough air to make the chest rise visibly
C. As rapidly as possible to hyperoxygenate the lungs
, D. Over 10 seconds while counting aloud
ANSWER: B. Over 1 second, with just enough air to make the chest rise visibly
Delivering breaths over 1 second helps prevent excessive gastric inflation and reduces the risk
of regurgitation and aspiration.
9. A choking adult is coughing forcefully and clutching her throat. She can speak in
strained sentences. What is the most appropriate action for a BLS provider to take?
A. Immediately perform abdominal thrusts until the object is expelled
B. Encourage her to keep coughing and monitor her closely, remaining ready to intervene if
obstruction worsens
C. Lay her flat on the floor and begin chest compressions
D. Give her a large glass of water to wash the item down
ANSWER: B. Encourage her to keep coughing and monitor her closely, remaining ready to
intervene if obstruction worsens
Severe coughing indicates effective air exchange; forceful coughing should be encouraged,
and invasive maneuvers should be withheld unless air exchange becomes poor or ineffective.
10. An adult victim suddenly becomes completely unresponsive while choking on food. He
stops coughing and is gasping silently. You lower him safely to the ground. What is your
immediate next step?
A. Open his mouth and perform a blind finger sweep
B. Begin chest compressions immediately, starting with 30 compressions, without checking for
a pulse first
C. Check a carotid pulse for 30 seconds
D. Deliver 5 back blows followed by 5 abdominal thrusts
ANSWER: B. Begin chest compressions immediately, starting with 30 compressions,
without checking for a pulse first
When an unresponsive choking victim is managed, CPR is initiated immediately starting with
chest compressions; each time the airway is opened during rescue breaths, look in the mouth
to see if the foreign object has been dislodged.
