BLS BLS Special Situations & Scenarios 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Manual left uterine displacement (LUD) during CPR in pregnancy is performed primarily to:
- Prevent uterine rupture from chest compressions
- Relieve compression of the inferior vena cava and aorta by the gravid uterus (Correct answer)
- Improve direct fetal oxygenation
- Allow easier placement of defibrillation pads
Correct answer: Relieve compression of the inferior vena cava and aorta by the gravid uterus
LUD moves the uterus off the major vessels, restoring venous return and improving cardiac output during CPR.
Question 2: A victim of a lightning strike has no pulse. Which statement about rescuer safety is correct?
- Rescuers should wait for ALS because lightning victims remain electrified
- Lightning strike victims do not retain an electrical charge and are safe to touch — begin CPR immediately (Correct answer)
- CPR should be delayed 10 minutes to ensure the victim is stable
- Only rescue breaths should be given to lightning victims
Correct answer: Lightning strike victims do not retain an electrical charge and are safe to touch — begin CPR immediately
Unlike live electrical sources, lightning strike victims do not hold a charge and are completely safe to touch; CPR should begin without delay.
Question 3: In a trauma patient in cardiac arrest with a suspected open chest wound (sucking chest wound), what should be done as part of BLS?
- Delay CPR and transport immediately to the hospital
- Seal the open chest wound with an occlusive dressing as CPR is performed (Correct answer)
- Ignore the wound and focus solely on compressions
- Apply a tourniquet around the chest
Correct answer: Seal the open chest wound with an occlusive dressing as CPR is performed
An unsealed open chest wound causes a tension pneumothorax that makes CPR ineffective; sealing it restores thoracic pressure mechanics.
Question 4: In a patient with suspected cervical spine injury who requires BLS, how should the airway be opened?
- Head-tilt chin-lift — spinal concerns do not change BLS airway management
- Jaw thrust maneuver to minimize cervical spine movement (Correct answer)
- Leave the head in neutral position and do not attempt to open the airway
- Hyperextend the neck to maximize airway opening
Correct answer: Jaw thrust maneuver to minimize cervical spine movement
The jaw thrust opens the airway by displacing the mandible forward without extending the neck, minimizing risk of spinal injury.
Question 5: A lone rescuer finds an unresponsive, non-breathing child who was just pulled from a pool. When should EMS be activated?
- Call EMS before starting any CPR
- Provide approximately 2 minutes (5 cycles) of CPR first, then activate EMS (Correct answer)
- Activate EMS simultaneously by using a phone on speaker while compressing
- Wait until the child regains consciousness before calling EMS
Correct answer: Provide approximately 2 minutes (5 cycles) of CPR first, then activate EMS
For pediatric drowning victims, hypoxia is the primary cause, so 2 minutes of CPR is prioritized before a lone rescuer leaves to activate EMS.
Question 6: After successfully resuscitating a drowning victim, which complication requires close hospital monitoring?
- Hyperglycemia from the stress response
- Delayed pulmonary edema (secondary drowning) causing respiratory failure hours later (Correct answer)
- Hyperthermia from the resuscitation effort
- Deep vein thrombosis from immobilization
Correct answer: Delayed pulmonary edema (secondary drowning) causing respiratory failure hours later
Fluid aspiration during drowning can cause pulmonary edema and respiratory failure hours after successful resuscitation, making hospital observation mandatory.
BLS BLS Special Situations & Scenarios 2
Manual left uterine displacement (LUD) during CPR in pregnancy is performed primarily to: