Free NMC-CBT Basic Life Support and Emergency Management Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended rate for chest compressions in adult Basic Life Support (BLS)?
- 60-80 compressions per minute
- 80-100 compressions per minute
- 100-120 compressions per minute (Correct answer)
- 120-140 compressions per minute
Correct answer: 100-120 compressions per minute
The Resuscitation Council UK guidelines recommend a compression rate of 100-120 per minute. This rate is effective for circulating blood to vital organs during cardiac arrest. Maintaining this speed is crucial for maximising the chances of a positive outcome.
Question 2: For an adult patient in cardiac arrest, what is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer?
- 15 compressions to 2 breaths
- 30 compressions to 2 breaths (Correct answer)
- 15 compressions to 1 breath
- 30 compressions to 1 breath
Correct answer: 30 compressions to 2 breaths
The standard ratio for adult CPR is 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. This ratio balances the need for continuous circulation with providing oxygenation and applies to both single and two-rescuer scenarios for adults.
Question 3: A conscious adult patient is choking and unable to speak or cough. What is the immediate first aid action?
- Immediately begin chest compressions.
- Give up to 5 back blows between the shoulder blades. (Correct answer)
- Place the patient in the recovery position.
- Offer the patient a glass of water.
Correct answer: Give up to 5 back blows between the shoulder blades.
For a conscious adult with a severe airway obstruction, the initial step is to deliver up to 5 sharp back blows between the shoulder blades. If this fails to dislodge the object, proceed to give up to 5 abdominal thrusts. Chest compressions are only initiated if the patient becomes unconscious.
Question 4: When using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), what is the most important action to take immediately before the device delivers a shock?
- Continue chest compressions.
- Check the patient's pulse.
- Ensure everyone is clear of the patient. (Correct answer)
- Administer a rescue breath.
Correct answer: Ensure everyone is clear of the patient.
Safety is paramount when using an AED. Before a shock is delivered, the rescuer must loudly announce "Clear!" and perform a visual check to ensure no one is touching the patient to prevent accidental electrocution of the rescuer or bystanders.
Question 5: What is the first-line drug and route of administration for a patient experiencing anaphylaxis?
- Salbutamol via nebuliser
- Hydrocortisone intravenously
- Adrenaline intramuscularly (Correct answer)
- Chlorphenamine orally
Correct answer: Adrenaline intramuscularly
Intramuscular adrenaline is the critical first-line treatment for anaphylaxis. It acts rapidly to reverse bronchoconstriction, reduce swelling, and increase blood pressure. Other medications like antihistamines and corticosteroids are second-line treatments.
Question 6: An unconscious patient is breathing normally. In which situation is placing them in the recovery position most appropriate?
- If a spinal injury is strongly suspected.
- To maintain a patent airway and prevent aspiration. (Correct answer)
- Only after an AED has been attached and advised no shock.
- During an active seizure.
Correct answer: To maintain a patent airway and prevent aspiration.
The recovery position is used for an unconscious patient who is breathing adequately. Its primary purpose is to keep the airway clear and open by allowing fluids to drain from the mouth, preventing aspiration.
Free NMC-CBT Basic Life Support and Emergency Management Questions and Answers 1
What is the recommended rate for chest compressions in adult Basic Life Support (BLS)?