CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) Cardiopulmonary Emergency Recognition Questions and Answers

Question 1

You find a person collapsed on the floor. They are unresponsive and making infrequent, snorting or gasping sounds. What is the correct interpretation of these sounds and the immediate action you should take?

Accepted Answer

These are agonal gasps, a sign of cardiac arrest; after calling for help, begin CPR immediately.

Answer

Agonal gasps are not effective breathing and are a sign of sudden cardiac arrest. A rescuer should recognize this, activate emergency services, and immediately begin high-quality chest compressions.

Question 2

A coworker suddenly becomes confused, complains that one side of their body feels weak, and when they try to smile, one side of their face droops. Which assessment tool is most appropriate for this situation?

Accepted Answer

Use the F.A.S.T. acronym.

Answer

The symptoms described (facial drooping, arm weakness, and likely speech difficulty) are classic signs of a stroke. The F.A.S.T. (Face, Arm, Speech, Time) acronym is the standard prehospital tool to quickly recognize a stroke and emphasizes the urgency of calling for help.

Question 3

An individual is awake and alert but complains of a persistent, uncomfortable pressure in the center of their chest and shortness of breath. This condition is most likely a heart attack because:

Accepted Answer

The person is still conscious and their heart is still beating.

Answer

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked, but the heart continues to beat, so the person remains conscious. Sudden cardiac arrest is an electrical problem where the heart stops beating effectively, leading to immediate unresponsiveness.

Question 4

You find an adult victim who is unresponsive. You have confirmed the scene is safe and activated emergency services. After checking for a pulse for 5-10 seconds, you feel a definite pulse but the victim is not breathing. What is the correct intervention?

Accepted Answer

Provide 1 rescue breath every 6 seconds and recheck the pulse every 2 minutes.

Answer

This victim is in respiratory arrest; they have a pulse but are not breathing. The correct treatment is to provide rescue breaths at a rate of 1 every 6 seconds (10 breaths per minute) to supply oxygen. Chest compressions are not indicated because the heart is still circulating blood.

Question 5

Upon approaching a scene where a person has collapsed in a public space, what is the absolute first priority before providing any care?

Accepted Answer

Check the scene for safety and potential hazards.

Answer

The first and most important step in any emergency response is to assess the scene for safety. A rescuer cannot help a victim if they become injured themselves. This involves looking for dangers such as traffic, fire, electrical hazards, or other threats.

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) Practice Test

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) Practice Test

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) Cardiopulmonary Emergency Recognition Questions and Answers