NPLQ - National Pool Lifeguard Qualification Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Questions and Answers

Question 1

A lifeguard has pulled an unconscious adult casualty from the water. After confirming the casualty is not breathing normally and giving 5 initial rescue breaths, what is the correct ongoing ratio of chest compressions to rescue breaths?

Accepted Answer

30 compressions to 2 breaths

Answer

The standard CPR ratio for an adult, child, and infant casualty in the UK is 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. After the initial 5 rescue breaths specific to a drowning casualty, the lifeguard should continue with this 30:2 ratio.

Question 2

You are assessing a child who was recovered from the water. What is the first and most critical step to take immediately after opening their airway and confirming they are not breathing?

Accepted Answer

Give 5 initial rescue breaths

Answer

For drowning casualties, the primary cause of cardiac arrest is hypoxia (lack of oxygen). Therefore, the Resuscitation Council UK guidelines emphasize giving 5 initial rescue breaths to re-oxygenate the blood before starting chest compressions.

Question 3

When performing chest compressions on any casualty (adult, child, or infant), what is the correct rate a lifeguard should aim for?

Accepted Answer

100 - 120 compressions per minute

Answer

The Resuscitation Council UK and international guidelines recommend a chest compression rate of 100-120 per minute for all casualties. This rate is optimal for maintaining blood flow to the vital organs.

Question 4

A lifeguard is performing single-rescuer CPR on a child casualty. What is the correct depth to which they should compress the chest?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 5 cm

Answer

For a child, the chest should be compressed by approximately 5 cm, which is about one-third of the chest's depth. Compressing too deep or too shallow can be ineffective or cause injury. For adults, the depth is 5-6cm, and for infants, it is 4cm.

Question 5

You are the sole lifeguard performing CPR on an infant (under 1 year old). Which of the following describes the correct technique for delivering chest compressions?

Accepted Answer

Using the tips of two fingers

Answer

For a single rescuer performing CPR on an infant, the recommended technique is to use the tips of two fingers (index and middle finger) in the centre of the chest. This provides effective compressions without applying excessive force. The two-thumb encircling technique is typically used in two-rescuer infant CPR.

(NPLQ) National Pool Lifeguard Qualification Practice Test

(NPLQ) National Pool Lifeguard Qualification Practice Test

NPLQ - National Pool Lifeguard Qualification Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Questions and Answers