BLS Recognition of Cardiac Arrest 2

Question 1

A 55-year-old collapses at a grocery store. You tap his shoulders and shout — no response. What is your NEXT immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Call for help and activate emergency response

Answer

After confirming unresponsiveness, you should call for help and activate the emergency response system (call 911 or send someone) before or simultaneously with beginning CPR.

Question 2

Which finding would MOST strongly confirm that a victim is in cardiac arrest rather than unconscious from another cause?

Accepted Answer

Absence of normal breathing and no detectable pulse

Answer

The definitive signs of cardiac arrest are unresponsiveness combined with absence of normal breathing and absence of a detectable pulse.

Question 3

A bystander tells you the collapsed person 'took a big breath and stopped.' This description best fits which breathing pattern associated with cardiac arrest?

Accepted Answer

Agonal breathing

Answer

Agonal breathing consists of gasping, irregular breaths that can occur in the first minutes after cardiac arrest and should not be mistaken for normal breathing.

Question 4

You arrive at a scene where a person is unresponsive. How long should you check for a carotid pulse before concluding there is no pulse?

Accepted Answer

No more than 10 seconds

Answer

AHA guidelines recommend checking the carotid pulse for no more than 10 seconds; if you cannot definitively feel a pulse within that time, assume cardiac arrest and begin CPR.

Question 5

Which of the following is LEAST reliable when used alone to recognize cardiac arrest in an unresponsive adult?

Accepted Answer

Cyanosis of the lips and fingernails

Answer

Cyanosis is a late sign and is not specific to cardiac arrest; it can occur in severe respiratory distress or shock without cardiac arrest.

BLS - Basic Life Support Practice Test

BLS - Basic Life Support Practice Test

BLS Recognition of Cardiac Arrest 2