BLS Recognition of Cardiac Arrest 5

Question 1

A 70-year-old woman is found unresponsive on the floor. She is breathing in slow, irregular gasps every 8–10 seconds. What action should you take?

Accepted Answer

Begin CPR — agonal breathing is not considered normal breathing

Answer

Agonal (gasping) respirations are a sign of cardiac arrest, not normal breathing; CPR should be initiated immediately.

Question 2

Which statement BEST explains why bystander CPR improves cardiac arrest outcomes?

Accepted Answer

It maintains minimal blood flow to the brain and heart, buying time until defibrillation

Answer

Bystander CPR maintains perfusion to vital organs, slowing brain death and preserving the heart's ability to respond to defibrillation until EMS arrives.

Question 3

A dispatcher is coaching a bystander over the phone in a suspected cardiac arrest. The bystander says the victim is making gurgling sounds. The dispatcher should advise:

Accepted Answer

Begin chest compressions — gurgling sounds can be agonal breathing

Answer

Gurgling sounds may represent agonal breathing associated with cardiac arrest; the dispatcher should instruct bystanders to begin chest compressions.

Question 4

In the in-hospital setting, which team member should ideally be checking for cardiac arrest signs while another prepares the crash cart?

Accepted Answer

Any team member who first reaches the patient

Answer

In team-based resuscitation, whoever reaches the patient first should begin the assessment for cardiac arrest while others prepare equipment simultaneously.

Question 5

What is the primary purpose of the initial scene size-up before approaching a cardiac arrest victim?

Accepted Answer

To ensure rescuer safety and identify the mechanism of collapse

Answer

Scene size-up ensures the rescuer's safety (e.g., no electrical hazards, no violence) and helps identify the likely cause of collapse, guiding the response.

BLS - Basic Life Support Practice Test

BLS - Basic Life Support Practice Test

BLS Recognition of Cardiac Arrest 5