OFA CPR Techniques & Automated External Defibrillation (AED) 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following signs indicates that CPR is being performed effectively?
- The patient's skin turns a deep blue color
- A palpable pulse can be felt in the carotid artery during compressions (Correct answer)
- The patient remains completely motionless during compressions
- The AED delivers a shock with every compression cycle
Correct answer: A palpable pulse can be felt in the carotid artery during compressions
A palpable carotid or femoral pulse during compressions indicates that blood is being circulated effectively by the rescuer.
Question 2: An AED is applied to a worker in cardiac arrest near a metal scaffolding. What precaution must the rescuer take?
- Remove the worker from the metal surface before applying pads
- Ensure no one is touching the patient when the shock is delivered (Correct answer)
- Apply pads only to the worker's back to avoid metal contact
- Use only half the recommended energy setting near metal
Correct answer: Ensure no one is touching the patient when the shock is delivered
Everyone must stand clear and avoid touching the patient at the moment of shock delivery to prevent inadvertent current transfer.
Question 3: In occupational first aid, when should CPR be stopped?
- After exactly 30 minutes regardless of outcome
- When the patient shows signs of life, EMS takes over, a physician orders cessation, or the rescuer is physically unable to continue (Correct answer)
- When the AED has delivered a total of 5 shocks
- After 10 cycles of 30:2 compressions
Correct answer: When the patient shows signs of life, EMS takes over, a physician orders cessation, or the rescuer is physically unable to continue
CPR should continue until one of these endpoints is met: return of spontaneous circulation, transfer of care to EMS, medical directive to stop, or physical exhaustion of all rescuers.
Question 4: During CPR, how long should a rescuer take to check for a pulse?
- At least 30 seconds to be accurate
- No more than 10 seconds (Correct answer)
- Exactly 15 seconds
- Up to 2 minutes between checks
Correct answer: No more than 10 seconds
A pulse check should take no more than 10 seconds; if a pulse is not definitely felt, compressions should resume immediately.
Question 5: A worker in cardiac arrest is soaked from working in the rain. What must the rescuer do before using the AED?
- Move the worker inside before applying the AED
- Dry the worker's chest before attaching the pads (Correct answer)
- Use the AED without modification — water does not affect pad adhesion
- Wrap the pads in plastic to prevent short-circuiting
Correct answer: Dry the worker's chest before attaching the pads
A wet chest can prevent pad adhesion and conduct electricity to bystanders; quickly drying the chest before pad placement is essential.
Question 6: What is the correct anteroposterior (front-to-back) pad placement used in some AED scenarios?
- One pad on the right chest, one pad on the left chest at the same level
- One pad on the center of the chest and one pad on the center of the back (Correct answer)
- One pad on the upper sternum and one on the lower abdomen
- One pad on the forehead and one on the upper back
Correct answer: One pad on the center of the chest and one pad on the center of the back
Anteroposterior pad placement positions one pad on the anterior chest and one on the posterior (back), used in certain situations such as pediatric patients or specific AED models.
Question 7: Which of the following actions is NOT part of the Chain of Survival for workplace cardiac arrest?
- Early recognition and calling for help
- Early CPR
- Administering intravenous epinephrine on scene (Correct answer)
- Early defibrillation with an AED
Correct answer: Administering intravenous epinephrine on scene
Administering IV epinephrine is an advanced life support (ALS) intervention performed by paramedics or medical professionals, not part of the workplace first aider's Chain of Survival.
OFA CPR Techniques & Automated External Defibrillation (AED) 5
Which of the following signs indicates that CPR is being performed effectively?