BLS BLS High-Quality CPR & Provider Skills 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended compression depth for adult CPR to meet the AHA definition of high-quality CPR?
- At least 1 inch but no more than 1.5 inches
- At least 2 inches but no more than 2.4 inches (Correct answer)
- At least 3 inches but no more than 3.5 inches
- As deep as possible — there is no upper limit for adults
Correct answer: At least 2 inches but no more than 2.4 inches
The AHA recommends 2–2.4 inches for adult compression depth; shallower depth fails to perfuse organs and deeper depth risks internal injury.
Question 2: How long should a rescuer spend checking for a carotid pulse before deciding to start CPR?
- Up to 30 seconds to be certain
- No more than 10 seconds (Correct answer)
- Exactly 15 seconds per protocol
- Until the rescuer is 100% confident no pulse exists
Correct answer: No more than 10 seconds
A pulse check must take no more than 10 seconds; if absent or uncertain, CPR must begin immediately to minimize delay.
Question 3: Where should the rescuer's hands be placed for adult chest compressions?
- Upper half of the sternum
- Lower half of the sternum, at the center of the chest (Correct answer)
- Left side of the chest directly over the heart
- On the xiphoid process at the base of the sternum
Correct answer: Lower half of the sternum, at the center of the chest
Placing hands on the lower half of the sternum at the center of the chest delivers effective compressions without xiphoid or rib injury.
Question 4: During 2-rescuer CPR, how frequently should rescuers switch compression duties?
- Every 5 minutes to limit disruption to CPR rhythm
- Approximately every 2 minutes (after 5 cycles of 30:2) (Correct answer)
- Only when the current compressor reports fatigue
- Every 10 minutes as a standard rotation interval
Correct answer: Approximately every 2 minutes (after 5 cycles of 30:2)
Compressor fatigue rapidly degrades compression depth and rate; switching every 2 minutes maintains the quality of high-quality CPR.
Question 5: What does 'allowing full chest recoil' mean during CPR?
- Pausing compressions for 5 seconds between each one to allow rest
- Releasing all downward pressure so the chest fully rises between compressions (Correct answer)
- Reducing the compression rate by half to allow cardiac recovery time
- Using only 2 fingers so the chest can recoil freely
Correct answer: Releasing all downward pressure so the chest fully rises between compressions
Full recoil between compressions allows the heart to refill with blood, optimizing venous return and coronary perfusion pressure.
Question 6: What is the maximum acceptable pause in chest compressions at any point during CPR?
- 5 seconds
- 10 seconds (Correct answer)
- 20 seconds
- 30 seconds
Correct answer: 10 seconds
The AHA states that pauses in compressions should not exceed 10 seconds to maintain coronary and cerebral perfusion.
BLS BLS High-Quality CPR & Provider Skills 1
What is the recommended compression depth for adult CPR to meet the AHA definition of high-quality CPR?