Free BLS CPR Techniques & Procedures Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the recommended rate for chest compressions during adult CPR?

60–80 compressions per minute
80–100 compressions per minute
100–120 compressions per minute (Correct answer)
Over 140 compressions per minute

Correct answer: 100–120 compressions per minute

According to current Basic Life Support (BLS) guidelines, the recommended rate for chest compressions during adult CPR is 100 to 120 compressions per minute. This specific rate ensures adequate blood flow to vital organs, maximizing the effectiveness of CPR. Maintaining this rhythm is crucial for patient outcomes.

Question 2: What is the depth of chest compressions for an adult during CPR?

1 inch
2 inches (Correct answer)
3 inches
Half an inch

Correct answer: 2 inches

For effective adult CPR, chest compressions should be delivered to a depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm). This depth is critical to adequately compress the heart and circulate blood to the brain and other vital organs. However, compressions should not exceed 2.4 inches (6 cm) to avoid injury.

Question 3: When performing CPR, what is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer?

15:1
5:1
30:2 (Correct answer)
20:2

Correct answer: 30:2

For a single rescuer performing CPR on an adult, the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio is 30 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. This ratio prioritizes chest compressions, which are the most critical component of CPR for maintaining blood flow. It ensures a balance between circulating blood and providing oxygen.

Question 4: Which action is the first step in the BLS Assessment?

Start compressions
Check for breathing
Call for help
Check responsiveness (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Check responsiveness

The first step in the BLS Assessment is to check for responsiveness by tapping the victim and shouting, 'Are you okay?' This initial assessment determines if the victim is conscious and requires further intervention. If unresponsive, the rescuer then proceeds to call for help and assess breathing and pulse.

Question 5: Which method is used to open the airway in an unresponsive victim without suspected trauma?

Jaw thrust
Head tilt–chin lift (Correct answer)
Neck tilt only
Chest thrust

Correct answer: Head tilt–chin lift

The head tilt–chin lift maneuver is the standard method for opening the airway in an unresponsive victim when there is no suspicion of spinal trauma. This technique lifts the tongue off the back of the throat, which is the most common cause of airway obstruction in an unconscious person. It ensures a clear path for air to enter the lungs.

Question 6: If a victim is gasping but not breathing normally, what should you do?

Wait and monitor
Start CPR (Correct answer)
Administer oxygen only
Place in recovery position

Correct answer: Start CPR

If a victim is gasping but not breathing normally, it is considered agonal breathing, which is a sign of cardiac arrest. Agonal gasps are not effective breathing and indicate the need for immediate intervention. Therefore, the rescuer should promptly initiate CPR, starting with chest compressions, to circulate blood and oxygen.

Question 7: How often should rescuers switch roles during two-rescuer CPR?

Every 5 minutes
Every 1 minute
Every 2 minutes (Correct answer)
Only when exhausted

Correct answer: Every 2 minutes

During two-rescuer CPR, rescuers should switch roles (compressor and ventilating rescuer) approximately every 2 minutes, or after 5 cycles of 30:2 compressions and breaths. This regular rotation helps prevent rescuer fatigue, ensuring that high-quality chest compressions are maintained without significant interruptions, which is vital for patient survival.

Question 8: What should be done immediately after delivering a shock with an AED?

Wait for AED analysis
Check for a pulse
Resume CPR (Correct answer)
Deliver another shock

Correct answer: Resume CPR

Immediately after delivering a shock with an AED, the rescuer should resume chest compressions without delay. There should be no pause to check for a pulse or rhythm, as early resumption of compressions is critical to maintain blood flow to the brain and heart. The AED will re-analyze the rhythm after two minutes of CPR.

Question 9: Which pulse is typically checked in an unresponsive adult during BLS?

Radial
Brachial
Femoral
Carotid (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Carotid

In an unresponsive adult, the carotid pulse is the most reliable and accessible pulse to check during BLS assessment. It is located in the neck, alongside the trachea. Checking for a carotid pulse helps determine if the heart is still circulating blood, guiding the decision to start or continue CPR.

Free BLS CPR Techniques & Procedures Questions and Answers

What is the recommended rate for chest compressions during adult CPR?