Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider Exam (AHA) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What should you do if the AED advises a shock?

Check the pulse again
Turn off the AED
Start compressions
Deliver the shock immediately (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Deliver the shock immediately

If the AED advises a shock, the rescuer must ensure everyone is clear of the patient and then deliver the shock immediately. Delaying defibrillation significantly reduces the chances of survival for a victim in ventricular fibrillation. Following the AED's prompt is crucial for timely intervention.

Question 2: An infant is choking and becomes unresponsive. What is your next step?

Continue back blows and chest thrusts
Begin CPR starting with chest compressions (Correct answer)
Call 911 and wait for help
Perform abdominal thrusts

Correct answer: Begin CPR starting with chest compressions

When an infant becomes unresponsive due to choking, begin CPR starting with 30 chest compressions, looking for the object before giving breaths.

Question 3: During CPR, the AED prompts 'Analyzing rhythm.' The compressor continues chest compressions. What should happen?

Only the airway manager needs to step back
Continue compressions — the AED can analyze during CPR
All rescuers should clear the patient so the AED can analyze accurately (Correct answer)
The team leader should manually check the pulse simultaneously

Correct answer: All rescuers should clear the patient so the AED can analyze accurately

Motion artifact from compressions can interfere with rhythm analysis; all rescuers must clear the patient when the AED is analyzing.

Question 4: What does the term 'cognitive load' refer to in the context of BLS team dynamics?

The number of medications a team leader must memorize
The complexity of documentation requirements during a code
The physical strain of performing chest compressions
The mental effort required to process information and make decisions under stress (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The mental effort required to process information and make decisions under stress

High cognitive load during resuscitation can impair decision-making, which is why clear roles and communication reduce errors by distributing mental effort.

Question 5: Why must no one touch the victim during AED analysis?

It can cause injury to the rescuer
It delays CPR
It can result in incorrect analysis (Correct answer)
It reduces oxygen

Correct answer: It can result in incorrect analysis

During AED analysis, the device is detecting the victim's heart rhythm to determine if a shock is needed. Any movement or contact from a rescuer can create electrical interference, which the AED might misinterpret as a heart rhythm or an artifact. This interference can lead to an inaccurate analysis, potentially delaying a life-saving shock or causing the AED to advise against a necessary one.

Question 6: What is 'post-cardiac arrest shock' primarily characterized by?

Hypertension and bradycardia
Normal hemodynamics with fever only
Hypertension with tachycardia
Hypotension with low cardiac output due to myocardial dysfunction (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Hypotension with low cardiac output due to myocardial dysfunction

Post-arrest shock involves global myocardial stunning causing low cardiac output and hypotension requiring vasopressor or inotropic support.

Question 7: What would you do after establishing that the child is unresponsive by tapping the child's shoulder and asking, "Are you OK?" now that the kid is not responding?

begin CPR
give two rescue breaths
check for a pulse
instruct an onlooker to call 911 and get an AED (Correct answer)

Correct answer: instruct an onlooker to call 911 and get an AED

After determining that the child is unresponsive, the next critical step is to activate the emergency response system and retrieve an AED. If bystanders are present, you should instruct one to call 911 (or the local emergency number) and another to find an AED. This ensures professional help is on the way and life-saving equipment is brought to the scene.

Question 8: Which of the following is TRUE about using an AED on an infant under 1 year of age?

Use adult pads with no modification
A manual defibrillator is preferred; if unavailable, use AED with pediatric pads or attenuator (Correct answer)
Use AED but increase the energy dose
AEDs are contraindicated in all infants

Correct answer: A manual defibrillator is preferred; if unavailable, use AED with pediatric pads or attenuator

A manual defibrillator is preferred for infants under 1 year; if unavailable, use an AED with pediatric pads or a dose attenuator, or adult pads as a last resort.

Question 9: Which statement about hands-only CPR (compression-only CPR) is correct?

It is appropriate for adult bystander-witnessed cardiac arrest in the first few minutes (Correct answer)
It is equally effective as conventional CPR for drowning victims
It is recommended for infants and children
It should never be used by trained rescuers

Correct answer: It is appropriate for adult bystander-witnessed cardiac arrest in the first few minutes

Hands-only CPR is acceptable for adult witnessed sudden cardiac arrest because passive oxygenation is sufficient in the first few minutes.

Question 10: Why is it critical to call 911 even if a victim responds well to naloxone?

The victim must receive IV fluids after every naloxone administration
Naloxone has a shorter duration of action than most opioids, so overdose can recur (Correct answer)
Naloxone is only a temporary sedative, not a true antidote
Naloxone causes dangerous rebound hypertension requiring hospital monitoring

Correct answer: Naloxone has a shorter duration of action than most opioids, so overdose can recur

Naloxone's effects last only 30–90 minutes, which is shorter than most opioids; re-sedation and respiratory depression can return when naloxone wears off.

Question 11: Which of the following indicates the start of BLS is necessary?

The person is talking
The person is snoring
The person is walking slowly
The person is gasping and unresponsive (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The person is gasping and unresponsive

Gasping (agonal breathing) combined with unresponsiveness are key indicators of cardiac arrest, signaling that the person's heart has stopped or is failing, and they are not breathing effectively. Immediate initiation of BLS, including chest compressions, is necessary in this critical situation. Recognizing these signs promptly is vital for patient survival.

Question 12: A patient is found unresponsive and not breathing normally. After activating EMS, what is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer performing adult CPR?

30:1
30:2 (Correct answer)
15:1
15:2

Correct answer: 30:2

The AHA recommends a 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio for single-rescuer adult CPR.

Question 13: For a child victim (ages 1 to puberty), what is the recommended compression depth during CPR?

At least 2 inches (Correct answer)
At least 2.5 inches
At least 1.5 inches
At least 1 inch

Correct answer: At least 2 inches

For children, compressions should be at least 2 inches (5 cm) deep to be effective.

Question 14: How do you confirm that bag-mask ventilation is effective during CPR?

By observing visible chest rise with each delivered breath (Correct answer)
By listening for bowel sounds to rule out gastric inflation
By counting the number of breaths delivered per minute
By continuously monitoring oxygen saturation with a pulse oximeter

Correct answer: By observing visible chest rise with each delivered breath

Visible chest rise is the most reliable real-time indicator that ventilations are entering the lungs and not the stomach.

Question 15: An off-duty paramedic witnesses a collapse in a restaurant. Legally, their obligation to respond compared to a layperson is generally:

Lesser — they are protected by off-duty immunity statutes
Identical — no extra duty exists outside their jurisdiction
Greater — many states impose a duty to act on licensed providers (Correct answer)
Nonexistent — they have no legal standing without their equipment

Correct answer: Greater — many states impose a duty to act on licensed providers

Many states hold licensed healthcare professionals to a higher standard and may impose a duty to act even when off duty.

Question 16: A competent adult refuses CPR after being found pulseless and unresponsive. Which scenario makes refusal legally problematic?

The patient verbally refused CPR two days earlier
The patient is currently unconscious and cannot express a current wish (Correct answer)
The patient is elderly and in poor baseline health
The patient's family members disagree with the refusal

Correct answer: The patient is currently unconscious and cannot express a current wish

Refusal requires current decisional capacity; an unconscious patient cannot exercise real-time refusal, making implied consent applicable.

Question 17: The next thing you should do is start taking action to open up the airway. <br> (True or False) Up until the airway obstruction is cleared, backslaps are the preferred primary intervention for newborns.

False (Correct answer)
True

Correct answer: False

False. For infants with a complete foreign body airway obstruction, the preferred primary intervention is a combination of 5 back slaps followed by 5 chest thrusts. This sequence is repeated until the obstruction is cleared or the infant becomes unresponsive. Back slaps alone are not the sole preferred intervention.

Question 18: A child is found submerged in a pool and is unresponsive and not breathing. She has no pulse. What modification to standard CPR sequencing applies?

Call 911 first, then start CPR
Do not use an AED on drowning victims
Start compressions before rescue breaths, just as in adults
Give 2 minutes of CPR before activating EMS if alone (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Give 2 minutes of CPR before activating EMS if alone

For a lone rescuer with a pediatric drowning victim, provide 2 minutes of CPR first before leaving to call 911, because the arrest is likely hypoxic.

Question 19: Which technique is NEVER appropriate for relieving choking in an infant?

Abdominal thrusts (Correct answer)
Chest thrusts
Checking the mouth for visible objects
Back blows

Correct answer: Abdominal thrusts

Abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) should never be used on infants because it can damage their fragile abdominal organs.

Question 20: The baby doesn't cry and seems to be in distress. It doesn't seem like there is any air exchange going on. <br> (True or False) To clear the airway congestion, this kid needs assistance.

False
True (Correct answer)

Correct answer: True

True. If an infant is unable to cry or make noise and shows no air exchange, it indicates a severe, complete foreign body airway obstruction. This is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate intervention to clear the airway. Without intervention, the infant will quickly become unresponsive and suffer respiratory arrest.

Question 21: What is the first step when using an AED?

Begin chest compressions
Apply pads
Turn on the AED (Correct answer)
Deliver a shock

Correct answer: Turn on the AED

The very first step when using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is to turn it on. This activates the device, allowing it to provide voice prompts and instructions that guide the rescuer through the subsequent steps, such as applying pads and analyzing the heart rhythm. Following these prompts ensures correct and timely use.

Question 22: You are using an AED on an adult victim and notice significant chest hair. What should you do?

Use pediatric pads instead
Apply pads over the hair and proceed
Abandon the AED and only perform CPR
Shave the chest if a razor is available, or press pads firmly and remove quickly to clear hair, then reapply (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Shave the chest if a razor is available, or press pads firmly and remove quickly to clear hair, then reapply

Excess chest hair can prevent good pad contact; quickly shaving or using a pad to strip hair improves electrode adhesion for accurate analysis and effective shock delivery.

Question 23: Which method is used to open the airway in an unresponsive victim without suspected trauma?

Neck tilt only
Jaw thrust
Chest thrust
Head tilt–chin lift (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Head tilt–chin lift

The head tilt–chin lift maneuver is the standard method for opening the airway in an unresponsive victim when there is no suspicion of spinal trauma. This technique lifts the tongue off the back of the throat, which is the most common cause of airway obstruction in an unconscious person. It ensures a clear path for air to enter the lungs.

Question 24: You're in the hospital cafeteria on break. You observe a disturbance at a different table as you settle down to enjoy your lunch. A man appears to be in trouble as he stands up. He made the traditional choking sign by placing his hands at the victim's throat. You stand beside the person who is choking. <br> (True or False) Your first line of defense should be encircling the victim's chest.

True (Correct answer)
False

Correct answer: True

True. For a conscious adult choking victim, the first line of defense is to perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver). This involves standing behind the victim and encircling their chest with your arms, then delivering quick, upward thrusts to the abdomen. This action helps to dislodge the foreign object from the airway.

Question 25: Why is over-ventilation harmful during CPR?

It triggers the vagal reflex and slows heart rate further
It raises intrathoracic pressure, reducing venous return and cardiac output during CPR (Correct answer)
It causes rapid rescuer dehydration and fatigue
It depletes the oxygen supply in the bag-mask device too quickly

Correct answer: It raises intrathoracic pressure, reducing venous return and cardiac output during CPR

Excessive positive pressure in the chest opposes venous return, impairing heart refilling and reducing blood flow with each compression.

Question 26: Which of the following is a sign that rescue breaths are being delivered correctly?

The patient's chest visibly rises with each breath (Correct answer)
The patient's abdomen rises with each breath
The patient coughs after each breath
Air can be heard escaping from the mouth

Correct answer: The patient's chest visibly rises with each breath

Visible chest rise with each breath confirms air is entering the lungs rather than the stomach.

Question 27: A bag-mask device should deliver approximately how much air volume per breath to an adult?

400–600 mL (Correct answer)
1200–1500 mL
200–300 mL
800–1000 mL

Correct answer: 400–600 mL

Each breath should deliver approximately 500–600 mL (roughly 400–600 mL range), enough to produce visible chest rise without causing gastric inflation.

Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider Exam (AHA)

This exam certifies healthcare professionals and other personnel to recognize several life-threatening emergencies, provide CPR, use an AED, and relieve choking.

Questions

60 min

Time Limit

84%

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These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

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redcross.org — Renewal, test delivery, fees, score validity · verified Oct 2026
cpr.heart.org — Test delivery, exam format, passing score, retake policy, fees, score validity · verified Oct 2026