BLS Cardiac Arrest 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which mnemonic represents the reversible causes of cardiac arrest that rescuers should consider?
- ABCs and DEFs
- SAMPLE and OPQRST
- The Hs and Ts (Correct answer)
- AVPU and PERRL
Correct answer: The Hs and Ts
The Hs and Ts is the BLS/ACLS mnemonic for 8 potentially reversible causes of cardiac arrest (e.g., Hypovolemia, Hypoxia, Tension pneumothorax, Tamponade).
Question 2: A bystander witnesses an adult collapse and confirms unresponsiveness. She has no phone. What should she do first?
- Begin rescue breaths before compressions
- Send a bystander to call 911 and get an AED, then begin CPR (Correct answer)
- Wait for EMS before touching the patient
- Check for a pulse for up to 1 minute
Correct answer: Send a bystander to call 911 and get an AED, then begin CPR
Send someone to activate EMS and retrieve an AED while you immediately begin CPR without delay.
Question 3: After a shock is delivered by an AED, what is the immediate next step?
- Check for a pulse
- Analyze the rhythm again
- Resume CPR beginning with chest compressions (Correct answer)
- Deliver a second shock
Correct answer: Resume CPR beginning with chest compressions
Immediately after delivering a shock, resume CPR starting with chest compressions without checking the pulse first.
Question 4: A pediatric patient (8-year-old) is in cardiac arrest. Which statement about CPR for this child is correct?
- Use adult AED pads and settings without modification
- Compress the chest at least 2.4 inches (6 cm)
- Use a 15:2 ratio when two healthcare providers are present (Correct answer)
- Do not use an AED — children cannot be defibrillated
Correct answer: Use a 15:2 ratio when two healthcare providers are present
For children, two healthcare providers should use a 15:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio, unlike the 30:2 ratio for adults.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of CPR during cardiac arrest?
- To restore a normal heart rhythm
- To maintain perfusion of the brain and vital organs (Correct answer)
- To prevent post-cardiac arrest syndrome
- To cool the myocardium and reduce oxygen demand
Correct answer: To maintain perfusion of the brain and vital organs
CPR maintains blood flow to the brain and vital organs, buying time until defibrillation or ROSC can restore effective cardiac function.
Question 6: An AED is applied to a pulseless adult victim. The AED states 'No shock advised.' What should the rescuer do?
- Check the lead connections and retry analysis
- Begin CPR immediately starting with chest compressions (Correct answer)
- Deliver a manual shock if available
- Declare the patient deceased
Correct answer: Begin CPR immediately starting with chest compressions
A 'No shock advised' message means the rhythm is non-shockable (PEA or asystole) — resume CPR immediately.
Question 7: How deep should chest compressions be for an adult patient in cardiac arrest?
- At least 1 inch (2.5 cm)
- At least 2 inches (5 cm), not exceeding 2.4 inches (6 cm) (Correct answer)
- Exactly 3 inches (7.5 cm)
- As deep as possible without restriction
Correct answer: At least 2 inches (5 cm), not exceeding 2.4 inches (6 cm)
Adult chest compressions should be at least 2 inches (5 cm) deep but should not exceed 2.4 inches (6 cm) to avoid injury.
BLS Cardiac Arrest 3
Which mnemonic represents the reversible causes of cardiac arrest that rescuers should consider?