BLS Practice Test: Video 4 Answers (24 Questions) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: In the adult out-of-hospital Chain of Survival, which link comes immediately AFTER early CPR?

Advanced life support
Rapid defibrillation (Correct answer)
Early recognition and activation
Post-cardiac arrest care

Correct answer: Rapid defibrillation

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

Question 2: After ROSC, a patient's blood pressure is 80/50 mmHg. Which component of post-cardiac arrest care addresses this?

Discontinuation of all interventions
Return to bystander CPR
Immediate defibrillation
Hemodynamic optimization with fluids and vasopressors (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Hemodynamic optimization with fluids and vasopressors

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

Question 3: What is the first link in the adult Chain of Survival?

Early CPR
Recognition and activation of emergency response (Correct answer)
Defibrillation
Advanced care

Correct 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.

Question 4: Why is it called a 'chain' of survival?

It's a protocol for hospitals
Each step connects to the next (Correct answer)
It uses metal links
All steps are independent

Correct 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.

Question 5: When performing rescue breathing for a patient in respiratory arrest with a pulse, what is the correct rate for an adult?

1 breath every 5–6 seconds (Correct answer)
2 breaths every 5 seconds
1 breath every 10 seconds
1 breath every 2–3 seconds

Correct 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.

Question 6: The victim doesn't say anything. Therefore, you tell an instructor to dial 911 and retrieve the AED. What will be your following intervention?

begin CPR with chest compressions
wait to begin until the defibrillator arrives
check for a pulse and breathing simultaneously (Correct answer)
give two rescue breaths

Correct 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).

Question 7: You are alone with an adult who is in respiratory arrest with a pulse. Which action is most appropriate?

Give a precordial thump and reassess
Begin CPR at 30:2 without calling 911
Call 911 and wait for EMS — do not intervene alone
Call 911, then provide rescue breaths at 1 per 5–6 seconds (Correct answer)

Correct 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.

Question 8: When performing the head-tilt–chin-lift, which condition should make you use a jaw-thrust instead?

History of asthma
Known diabetes
Patient is obese
Suspected cervical spine injury (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Suspected cervical spine injury

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

Question 9: Which of the following is a common cause of respiratory arrest in adults?

Opioid overdose (Correct answer)
Atrial fibrillation
Hyperglycemia
Hyperthyroidism

Correct answer: Opioid overdose

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

Question 10: Which airway device can be used in a conscious or semi-conscious patient?

Laryngeal mask airway
Endotracheal tube
Nasopharyngeal airway (Correct answer)
Oropharyngeal airway

Correct 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.

Question 11: What is the purpose of rescue breathing in CPR?

Stimulate the heart
Increase blood pressure
Remove obstructions
Deliver oxygen (Correct answer)

Correct 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.

Question 12: A bystander says they are unwilling to perform mouth-to-mouth breathing. What should you tell them to do?

Perform chest compressions at half speed
Do nothing and wait for EMS
Perform compression-only (hands-only) CPR (Correct answer)
Only open the airway and check for breathing

Correct 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.

Question 13: If a pocket mask is available, what is the correct position for the rescuer using it on a supine patient?

Kneeling beside the patient's chest
At the top of the patient's head (Correct answer)
At the patient's side
Straddling the patient's hips

Correct 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.

Question 14: Which device is commonly used to maintain a patent airway in an unconscious patient?

Nasogastric tube
Endotracheal tube
Oropharyngeal airway (Correct answer)
Nasal cannula

Correct 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.

Question 15: A patient is found unresponsive but is breathing normally. What should the rescuer do?

Begin CPR immediately
Apply the AED and analyze the rhythm
Place the patient in the recovery position and monitor (Correct answer)
Deliver two rescue breaths then reassess

Correct 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.

Question 16: During CPR, which of the following best describes 'full chest recoil'?

Pressing faster than releasing
Keeping hands off the chest between each breath
Allowing the chest to fully rise between compressions (Correct answer)
Pressing down at least 3 inches on each compression

Correct 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.

Question 17: If a victim is gasping but not breathing normally, what should you do?

Wait and monitor
Start CPR (Correct answer)
Administer oxygen only
Place in recovery position

Correct 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.

Question 18: Which action is the first step in the BLS Assessment?

Call for help
Check responsiveness (Correct answer)
Check for breathing
Start compressions

Correct 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.

Question 19: A victim receives an AED shock but remains pulseless. What is the next immediate step?

Analyze the rhythm again before resuming CPR
Resume CPR immediately starting with chest compressions (Correct answer)
Deliver a second shock right away
Check for breathing for up to 30 seconds

Correct 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.

Question 20: Which temperature range defines fever that should be actively prevented in comatose post-arrest patients?

Above 38.5°C
Above 37.5°C (Correct answer)
Above 40°C
Above 36°C

Correct 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.

Question 21: What is the primary method for monitoring a patient during post-resuscitation care?

Checking the patient's temperature periodically
Continuous monitoring of vital signs and ECG (Correct answer)
Physical assessments without equipment
Frequent blood draws

Correct answer: Continuous monitoring of vital signs and ECG

Continuous monitoring of vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and especially a continuous electrocardiogram (ECG), is the primary method for assessing a patient post-resuscitation. This allows for immediate detection of arrhythmias, hemodynamic instability, or respiratory compromise, enabling rapid intervention. Such comprehensive monitoring is essential for maintaining physiological stability and preventing secondary complications.

Question 22: Which ECG finding after ROSC most strongly indicates the need for emergent cardiac catheterization?

Right bundle branch block
First-degree AV block
ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (Correct answer)
Sinus tachycardia

Correct answer: ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)

STEMI after ROSC warrants immediate coronary angiography regardless of neurological status, as the cause is likely coronary occlusion.

Question 23: A post-arrest patient develops a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 55 mmHg. What is the recommended MAP target?

Above 65 mmHg (Correct answer)
Exactly 50 mmHg
Above 100 mmHg
Below 60 mmHg

Correct answer: Above 65 mmHg

A MAP ≥65 mmHg is the minimum recommended target to ensure adequate organ perfusion after cardiac arrest.

Question 24: Which of the following is an important consideration when moving a patient post-resuscitation?

Position the patient to minimize airway obstruction (Correct answer)
Immediately provide fluids
Avoid checking vital signs during transport
Move quickly to prevent further complications

Correct answer: Position the patient to minimize airway obstruction

When moving a patient post-resuscitation, it is paramount to maintain a patent airway and ensure adequate ventilation. Proper positioning, such as ensuring the head and neck are aligned to prevent airway collapse, minimizes the risk of obstruction. This prevents hypoxia and further compromise to an already vulnerable patient.

BLS Practice Test: Video 4 Answers (24 Questions)

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

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