BLS BLS Special Situations & Scenarios 2

Question 1

Manual left uterine displacement (LUD) during CPR in pregnancy is performed primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Relieve compression of the inferior vena cava and aorta by the gravid uterus

Answer

LUD moves the uterus off the major vessels, restoring venous return and improving cardiac output during CPR.

Question 2

A victim of a lightning strike has no pulse. Which statement about rescuer safety is correct?

Accepted Answer

Lightning strike victims do not retain an electrical charge and are safe to touch — begin CPR immediately

Answer

Unlike live electrical sources, lightning strike victims do not hold a charge and are completely safe to touch; CPR should begin without delay.

Question 3

In a trauma patient in cardiac arrest with a suspected open chest wound (sucking chest wound), what should be done as part of BLS?

Accepted Answer

Seal the open chest wound with an occlusive dressing as CPR is performed

Answer

An unsealed open chest wound causes a tension pneumothorax that makes CPR ineffective; sealing it restores thoracic pressure mechanics.

Question 4

In a patient with suspected cervical spine injury who requires BLS, how should the airway be opened?

Accepted Answer

Jaw thrust maneuver to minimize cervical spine movement

Answer

The jaw thrust opens the airway by displacing the mandible forward without extending the neck, minimizing risk of spinal injury.

Question 5

A lone rescuer finds an unresponsive, non-breathing child who was just pulled from a pool. When should EMS be activated?

Accepted Answer

Provide approximately 2 minutes (5 cycles) of CPR first, then activate EMS

Answer

For pediatric drowning victims, hypoxia is the primary cause, so 2 minutes of CPR is prioritized before a lone rescuer leaves to activate EMS.

BLS - Basic Life Support Practice Test