CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) Adult CPR and AED Usage Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: You are performing CPR on an adult when an AED arrives. After applying the pads, the AED analyzes the heart rhythm and advises 'No Shock Advised'. What is your immediate next step?
- Check for a pulse for 15 seconds.
- Remove the AED pads and continue chest compressions.
- Immediately resume high-quality chest compressions, leaving the pads in place. (Correct answer)
- Reposition the AED pads to ensure good contact and re-analyze.
Correct answer: Immediately resume high-quality chest compressions, leaving the pads in place.
If an AED advises that no shock is needed, it means the person's heart rhythm is not shockable at that moment (e.g., asystole or pulseless electrical activity). The most critical action is to minimize interruptions to chest compressions to maintain blood flow to vital organs. You should leave the pads on as the AED will continue to monitor the rhythm and may advise a shock later.
Question 2: According to the latest guidelines, what is the correct rate and depth for chest compressions on an adult?
- A rate of 80-100 compressions per minute and a depth of 1.5 inches.
- A rate of 100-120 compressions per minute and a depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm). (Correct answer)
- A rate of 120-140 compressions per minute and a depth of 2.5 inches.
- A rate of at least 100 compressions per minute and a depth of 1 to 1.5 inches.
Correct answer: A rate of 100-120 compressions per minute and a depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm).
High-quality CPR is critical for survival. The 2025 American Heart Association guidelines emphasize pushing hard and fast. The recommended rate is 100 to 120 compressions per minute, and the depth should be at least 2 inches (5 cm) but not more than 2.4 inches for an average adult, ensuring full chest recoil between compressions.
Question 3: Which of the following represents the standard (anterolateral) placement of AED pads on an adult's bare chest?
- One pad on the center of the chest and the other on the back, between the shoulder blades.
- One pad on the upper left chest and the other on the lower right side.
- Both pads placed side-by-side on the center of the sternum.
- One pad on the upper right chest (below the collarbone) and the other on the lower left side of the chest (below the armpit). (Correct answer)
Correct answer: One pad on the upper right chest (below the collarbone) and the other on the lower left side of the chest (below the armpit).
Proper AED pad placement is crucial for the electrical current to pass through the heart effectively. The standard anterolateral position for adults involves placing one pad on the victim's upper right chest, just below the clavicle, and the other pad on the lower left side of the chest, a few inches below the armpit.
Question 4: A lone rescuer finds an unresponsive adult who is not breathing normally. After confirming the scene is safe, what is the most critical first step in the Chain of Survival?
- Immediately begin chest compressions.
- Give two rescue breaths.
- Activate the emergency response system (e.g., call 911 or the local emergency number). (Correct answer)
- Leave to find an AED.
Correct answer: Activate the emergency response system (e.g., call 911 or the local emergency number).
The adult out-of-hospital Chain of Survival emphasizes immediate action. After ensuring scene safety and checking for responsiveness and breathing, the first crucial step is to activate the emergency response system. This ensures that professional help is dispatched as quickly as possible while the rescuer begins other life-saving interventions like CPR.
Question 5: What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer performing CPR on an adult?
- 15 compressions to 2 breaths
- 30 compressions to 2 breaths (Correct answer)
- 5 compressions to 1 breath
- 15 compressions to 1 breath
Correct answer: 30 compressions to 2 breaths
For adult CPR, whether performed by one or two rescuers, the recommended ratio is 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. This ratio provides a balance between circulating blood and providing oxygen.
Question 6: While preparing to use an AED on an adult, you notice a transdermal medication patch on the upper right chest where a pad should be placed. What is the appropriate action?
- Place the AED pad directly over the medication patch.
- Shave the area around the patch before applying the pad.
- Remove the patch with a gloved hand and wipe the area clean before applying the pad.
- Place the pad adjacent to the patch, even if it's not the ideal location. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Place the pad adjacent to the patch, even if it's not the ideal location.
Medication patches can block the electrical current from the AED from reaching the heart and may cause burns to the skin. The correct procedure is to remove the patch using a gloved hand, quickly wipe the area to remove any residual medication, and then apply the AED pad to the bare skin.
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) Adult CPR and AED Usage Questions and Answers 1
You are performing CPR on an adult when an AED arrives.
After applying the pads, the AED analyzes the heart rhythm and advises 'No Shock Advised'.
What is your immediate next step?