BLS BLS Special Situations & Scenarios

Question 1

In a drowning victim, why are rescue breaths considered especially important compared to standard cardiac arrest?

Accepted Answer

Because the primary cause of cardiac arrest is hypoxia from asphyxia

Answer

Because chest compressions are ineffective through wet clothing

Answer

Because the AED cannot be used near water

Answer

Because bystanders cannot safely perform compressions on drowning victims

Question 2

When performing CPR on a near-term pregnant patient, how should her body be positioned?

Accepted Answer

Tilted 15–30 degrees to the left using a wedge or manual left uterine displacement

Answer

Flat on her back with no modifications

Answer

Tilted 45 degrees to the right side

Answer

Seated upright at 90 degrees

Question 3

In a suspected opioid overdose victim who is pulseless with absent or agonal breathing, what is the correct BLS action?

Accepted Answer

Begin CPR immediately and use naloxone if available

Answer

Wait for ALS providers before starting CPR

Answer

Provide rescue breaths only — no compressions for opioid overdose

Answer

Apply AED pads immediately without starting CPR

Question 4

A victim is found pulseless in cold water (hypothermia). Which statement best reflects BLS guidelines?

Accepted Answer

'Not dead until warm and dead' — CPR should begin immediately

Answer

Withhold CPR if the patient has been submerged more than 30 minutes

Answer

Use the AED only after the patient is rewarmed to normal temperature

Answer

Provide rescue breaths only until core temperature rises above 30°C

Question 5

Before approaching a victim of electrocution, what must the rescuer confirm?

Accepted Answer

That the scene is safe and the electrical power source has been de-energized

Answer

That the victim's blood pressure is measurable

Answer

That the AED is fully charged and ready to use

Answer

That the victim is showing signs of breathing

Question 6

When performing CPR on a morbidly obese patient, which modification may be required?

Accepted Answer

Apply greater force to achieve adequate compression depth through the increased chest wall mass

Answer

Reduce compression rate to 60 per minute to conserve energy

Answer

Skip ventilations entirely to maintain compression rate

Answer

Position the patient prone for more effective compressions