CPR and First Aid 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During CPR, how many breaths do you give the victim?
- 3
- v
- 2 (Correct answer)
- 1
Correct answer: 2
During CPR, it is important to periodically reassess the victim's condition. While standard guidelines often recommend reassessing after about 2 minutes (or 5 cycles of compressions and breaths), some protocols may specify a slightly longer interval, such as 3 minutes, before checking for a pulse again. This reassessment helps determine if CPR is effective or if the victim has regained a pulse.
Question 2: Regardless of whether the victim is still alive or not, you cease performing CPR after two minutes.
- TRUE
- FALSE (Correct answer)
Correct answer: FALSE
While continuous CPR is generally recommended until professional help arrives or signs of life return, in some medical protocols, a period of approximately 30 minutes of continuous, effective CPR without return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) may be considered a point where medical professionals might discuss termination of resuscitation efforts. This is typically a decision made by advanced medical personnel, not a lay rescuer's reassessment interval during active CPR.
Question 3: After performing CPR on a victim, how many minutes do you wait to check their pulse again?
- 3 (Correct answer)
- 50 seconds
- 1
- 2
Correct answer: 3
The absence of a pulse, along with unresponsiveness and no normal breathing, is the primary indicator for initiating chest compressions in CPR. Chest compressions are vital to circulate blood and oxygen to the brain and other vital organs when the heart is not effectively pumping on its own. Therefore, if a victim has no pulse, CPR should be performed.
Question 4: After performing CPR on a victim, how many minutes do you wait to check their pulse again?
- 5
- 30 (Correct answer)
- 10
- 20
Correct answer: 30
It is advised that rescue breaths and chest compressions be administered in unbroken cycles for about two minutes during CPR before rechecking the victim's pulse. In addition to increasing the likelihood of successful resuscitation, this enables sufficient circulation of oxygenated blood to the essential organs. Overchecking the pulse can throw off the rhythm and efficacy of CPR.
Question 5: If a victim has no pulse, you perform CPR on them.
- TRUE (Correct answer)
- FALSE
Correct answer: TRUE
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, is a life-saving procedure given to people who are not breathing or who do not have a pulse. Until trained medical assistance arrives, CPR helps the body retain oxygenated blood by performing rescue breaths and chest compressions. To improve a victim's chances of survival, CPR must be given to them even if they do not have a pulse.
Question 6: When giving an infant or child artificial respiration for two minutes, how many breaths or seconds do you give them?
- 2 breaths/ 3 seconds
- 2 breaths/ 5 seconds
- 1 breath/ 3 seconds (Correct answer)
- 1 breath/ 5 seconds
Correct answer: 1 breath/ 3 seconds
For infants and children requiring artificial respiration, the recommended rate is one breath every 3 seconds. This translates to approximately 20 breaths per minute, which is a faster rate than for adults. This guideline ensures adequate oxygenation without over-ventilation, reflecting their higher metabolic rate and respiratory needs.
Question 7: During two minutes of artificial respiration, how many breaths or seconds do you give an adult?
- 2 breaths/ 3 seconds
- 2 breaths/ 5 seconds
- 1 breath/ 3 seconds
- 1 breath/ 5 seconds (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 1 breath/ 5 seconds
For adults needing artificial respiration, the standard guideline is to deliver one breath every 5 to 6 seconds. This rate results in about 10-12 breaths per minute, which is appropriate for an adult's respiratory physiology. Maintaining this rhythm helps prevent hyperventilation while providing sufficient oxygen.
During CPR, how many breaths do you give the victim?