BLS Practice Test: Video 4 Answers (24 Questions) Flashcards

In the adult out-of-hospital Chain of Survival, which link comes immediately AFTER early CPR?

Answer: Rapid defibrillation

The adult out-of-hospital chain is: recognition/activation → early CPR → rapid defibrillation → advanced life support → post-cardiac arrest care.

After ROSC, a patient's blood pressure is 80/50 mmHg. Which component of post-cardiac arrest care addresses this?

Answer: Hemodynamic optimization with fluids and vasopressors

Hemodynamic optimization targets a mean arterial pressure ≥65 mmHg to ensure adequate organ perfusion after ROSC.

What is the first link in the adult Chain of Survival?

Answer: Recognition and activation of emergency response

The first and most crucial step in the adult Chain of Survival is the immediate recognition of cardiac arrest and prompt activation of the emergency response system (e.g., calling 911/112). This ensures that professional help is on the way and sets the entire rescue process in motion. Without this initial recognition and call for help, subsequent links in the chain cannot be initiated effectively.

Why is it called a 'chain' of survival?

Answer: Each step connects to the next

It's called a 'chain' of survival because each link is dependent on the preceding one and strengthens the subsequent ones. If one link is weak or missing, the entire chain breaks, significantly reducing the chances of survival. The seamless and timely execution of all steps together maximizes the victim's outcome, highlighting the interconnectedness of each action.

When performing rescue breathing for a patient in respiratory arrest with a pulse, what is the correct rate for an adult?

Answer: 1 breath every 5–6 seconds

AHA guidelines recommend 1 breath every 5–6 seconds (10–12 breaths/min) for adults with a pulse.

The victim doesn't say anything. Therefore, you tell an instructor to dial 911 and retrieve the AED. What will be your following intervention?

Answer: check for a pulse and breathing simultaneously

After determining unresponsiveness and calling for help/AED, the next critical step is to quickly assess for both breathing and a pulse. This simultaneous check should take no more than 5-10 seconds. This assessment determines whether the victim requires rescue breaths (pulse present, no breathing) or full CPR (no pulse, no breathing).

You are alone with an adult who is in respiratory arrest with a pulse. Which action is most appropriate?

Answer: Call 911, then provide rescue breaths at 1 per 5–6 seconds

Activate EMS first, then provide rescue breaths since the patient still has a pulse.

When performing the head-tilt–chin-lift, which condition should make you use a jaw-thrust instead?

Answer: Suspected cervical spine injury

A jaw-thrust opens the airway without extending the neck, protecting a potentially injured cervical spine.

Which of the following is a common cause of respiratory arrest in adults?

Answer: Opioid overdose

Opioid overdose causes respiratory depression that can progress to complete respiratory arrest.

Which airway device can be used in a conscious or semi-conscious patient?

Answer: Nasopharyngeal airway

A Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA) is an airway device that can be used in conscious or semi-conscious patients because it is generally better tolerated than an Oropharyngeal Airway (OPA) and does not typically trigger a gag reflex. It is inserted through the nostril into the posterior pharynx, providing an open airway path.

What is the purpose of rescue breathing in CPR?

Answer: Deliver oxygen

The primary purpose of rescue breathing in CPR is to deliver oxygen to the victim's lungs, which then gets circulated to the vital organs by chest compressions. While chest compressions circulate existing oxygen, rescue breaths replenish the oxygen supply. This prevents hypoxia and improves the chances of survival.

A bystander says they are unwilling to perform mouth-to-mouth breathing. What should you tell them to do?

Answer: Perform compression-only (hands-only) CPR

Hands-only (compression-only) CPR is a recommended alternative for bystanders unwilling or unable to provide rescue breaths, especially in adult sudden cardiac arrest.

If a pocket mask is available, what is the correct position for the rescuer using it on a supine patient?

Answer: At the top of the patient's head

When using a pocket mask, the rescuer typically positions at the top of the patient's head to maintain the airway with both hands while delivering breaths.

Which device is commonly used to maintain a patent airway in an unconscious patient?

Answer: Oropharyngeal airway

An Oropharyngeal Airway (OPA) is a device commonly used in unconscious patients to maintain a patent airway by preventing the tongue from obstructing the pharynx. It is inserted into the mouth and extends to the pharynx, holding the tongue forward. OPAs are suitable for patients without a gag reflex.

A patient is found unresponsive but is breathing normally. What should the rescuer do?

Answer: Place the patient in the recovery position and monitor

An unresponsive patient who is breathing normally should be placed in the recovery (lateral) position to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration.

During CPR, which of the following best describes 'full chest recoil'?

Answer: Allowing the chest to fully rise between compressions

Full chest recoil means allowing the chest to completely return to its normal position after each compression so the heart can refill with blood.

If a victim is gasping but not breathing normally, what should you do?

Answer: Start CPR

If a victim is gasping but not breathing normally, it is considered agonal breathing, which is a sign of cardiac arrest. Agonal gasps are not effective breathing and indicate the need for immediate intervention. Therefore, the rescuer should promptly initiate CPR, starting with chest compressions, to circulate blood and oxygen.

Which action is the first step in the BLS Assessment?

Answer: Check responsiveness

The first step in the BLS Assessment is to check for responsiveness by tapping the victim and shouting, 'Are you okay?' This initial assessment determines if the victim is conscious and requires further intervention. If unresponsive, the rescuer then proceeds to call for help and assess breathing and pulse.

A victim receives an AED shock but remains pulseless. What is the next immediate step?

Answer: Resume CPR immediately starting with chest compressions

After delivering a shock, CPR should be immediately resumed starting with chest compressions without pausing to check the rhythm.

Which temperature range defines fever that should be actively prevented in comatose post-arrest patients?

Answer: Above 37.5°C

Fever is defined as ≥37.5°C in post-arrest guidelines, and active prevention is recommended to protect neurological outcomes.