BLS Cardiac Arrest 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the term 'ROSC' stand for in the context of cardiac arrest management?
- Rapid Onset of Sustained Compressions
- Return of Spontaneous Circulation (Correct answer)
- Resuscitation of Systemic Circulation
- Restoration of Sinus Contractility
Correct answer: Return of Spontaneous Circulation
ROSC stands for Return of Spontaneous Circulation, indicating the heart has resumed effective pumping activity.
Question 2: A rescuer is alone with an adult who suddenly collapses. The rescuer has a smartphone. What is the correct first action?
- Immediately start 30 compressions
- Check for responsiveness, then call 911 (using speakerphone) while beginning CPR (Correct answer)
- Check breathing for 30 seconds before calling 911
- Deliver rescue breaths first to open the airway
Correct answer: Check for responsiveness, then call 911 (using speakerphone) while beginning CPR
Check responsiveness, then activate EMS via speakerphone so you can begin CPR without delay while the operator stays on the line.
Question 3: Which statement correctly describes the recommended CPR compression rate?
- 60–80 compressions per minute
- 80–100 compressions per minute
- 100–120 compressions per minute (Correct answer)
- 120–140 compressions per minute
Correct answer: 100–120 compressions per minute
Current AHA guidelines recommend a compression rate of 100–120 compressions per minute for all ages.
Question 4: An AED is being used on a victim who is lying on a wet dock. What should the rescuer do before attaching the AED?
- Proceed without modification — AEDs are waterproof
- Move the victim to a dry surface and dry the chest before attaching pads (Correct answer)
- Deliver a manual precordial thump first
- Wait for EMS to arrive with specialized equipment
Correct answer: Move the victim to a dry surface and dry the chest before attaching pads
Move the patient to a dry surface and dry the chest to prevent current from being conducted away from the heart through the water.
Question 5: During CPR on an adult, the team notices gastric distension. What is the most likely cause?
- Too-rapid chest compressions
- Excessive ventilation volume or rate causing air to enter the stomach (Correct answer)
- Inadequate compression depth
- Incorrect hand position on the sternum
Correct answer: Excessive ventilation volume or rate causing air to enter the stomach
Excessive ventilation volume or rate forces air into the esophagus and stomach, causing gastric distension and risk of regurgitation.
Question 6: In which scenario is the use of a bag-mask device preferred over mouth-to-mouth ventilation during CPR?
- When the victim is an adult male
- When a trained rescuer is available and a BVM is on hand (Correct answer)
- When performing single-rescuer CPR outdoors
- Only when the patient has a known infectious disease
Correct answer: When a trained rescuer is available and a BVM is on hand
A bag-mask device is preferred when a trained rescuer is available because it can deliver higher oxygen concentrations and reduce exposure risk.
Question 7: A patient regains a pulse after CPR but remains unconscious and is not breathing adequately. What should the rescuer do?
- Place in recovery position and monitor until EMS arrives
- Continue full CPR as if no pulse were present
- Provide rescue breathing at 10–12 breaths per minute and monitor pulse (Correct answer)
- Deliver another AED shock to stabilize the rhythm
Correct answer: Provide rescue breathing at 10–12 breaths per minute and monitor pulse
After ROSC, if the patient is not breathing adequately, provide rescue breaths at 10–12/min (one every 5–6 seconds) and monitor for pulse loss.
BLS Cardiac Arrest 5
What does the term 'ROSC' stand for in the context of cardiac arrest management?