BLS CPR Techniques & Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient is found unresponsive but is breathing normally. What should the rescuer do?
- Begin CPR immediately
- Place the patient in the recovery position and monitor (Correct answer)
- Deliver two rescue breaths then reassess
- Apply the AED and analyze the rhythm
Correct answer: Place the patient in the recovery position and monitor
An unresponsive patient who is breathing normally should be placed in the recovery (lateral) position to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration.
Question 2: During infant CPR, what is the correct finger placement for chest compressions?
- Heel of one hand on the lower sternum
- Two fingers on the center of the chest just below the nipple line (Correct answer)
- Thumb placed on the upper sternum
- Entire palm placed over the sternum
Correct answer: Two fingers on the center of the chest just below the nipple line
For infant single-rescuer CPR, two fingers are placed just below the nipple line on the center of the chest.
Question 3: What compression depth is recommended for infant CPR?
- At least 3 inches
- At least 2 inches
- At least 1.5 inches (approximately one-third the anterior-posterior chest depth) (Correct answer)
- At least 1 inch
Correct answer: At least 1.5 inches (approximately one-third the anterior-posterior chest depth)
For infants, compressions should be at least one-third the anterior-posterior diameter of the chest, approximately 1.5 inches.
Question 4: When using a bag-mask device for ventilation during CPR, what is the recommended seal technique for two rescuers?
- One rescuer holds the mask with one hand while the other squeezes the bag
- One rescuer uses both hands (E-C clamp) to hold the mask while the second squeezes the bag (Correct answer)
- Both rescuers take turns squeezing the bag alternately
- One rescuer holds the chin-lift while the other delivers the breath
Correct answer: One rescuer uses both hands (E-C clamp) to hold the mask while the second squeezes the bag
With two rescuers, one uses the two-hand E-C clamp technique to maintain a tight mask seal while the other squeezes the bag.
Question 5: A rescuer performing CPR hears a 'crack' during chest compressions. What should the rescuer do?
- Stop CPR immediately and wait for EMS
- Reposition the hands and continue CPR (Correct answer)
- Reduce compression depth to 1 inch
- Switch to compression-only CPR
Correct answer: Reposition the hands and continue CPR
Rib fractures can occur during CPR but do not outweigh the benefit; the rescuer should recheck hand position and continue effective compressions.
Question 6: How long should a rescuer take to check for a pulse before beginning CPR?
- Up to 5 seconds
- No more than 10 seconds (Correct answer)
- Up to 20 seconds to be certain
- 30 seconds using both carotid and radial pulses
Correct answer: No more than 10 seconds
Pulse checks should take no more than 10 seconds; if no pulse is felt within that time, begin CPR.
Question 7: Which of the following is true about compression-only (hands-only) CPR?
- It is the preferred method for infant resuscitation
- It is recommended for lay rescuers who witness an adult cardiac arrest and are unwilling or unable to give breaths (Correct answer)
- It should replace standard CPR in all out-of-hospital settings
- It is only effective when an AED is not available
Correct answer: It is recommended for lay rescuers who witness an adult cardiac arrest and are unwilling or unable to give breaths
Hands-only CPR is recommended for untrained bystanders or those unwilling to provide breaths for witnessed adult cardiac arrest.
BLS CPR Techniques & Procedures 3
A patient is found unresponsive but is breathing normally.
What should the rescuer do?