CPR Adult CPR 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest?
- They are the same condition
- A heart attack is a circulation problem (blocked artery); cardiac arrest is an electrical problem (heart stops) (Correct answer)
- Cardiac arrest causes a heart attack
- A heart attack always leads to immediate cardiac arrest
Correct answer: A heart attack is a circulation problem (blocked artery); cardiac arrest is an electrical problem (heart stops)
A heart attack occurs when blood supply to the heart muscle is blocked; cardiac arrest is when the heart stops beating altogether — though a heart attack can trigger cardiac arrest.
Question 2: A victim is found unresponsive and not breathing normally. You call 911. What should you do next?
- Wait for EMS to arrive before starting CPR
- Begin chest compressions immediately (Correct answer)
- Perform an abdominal thrust
- Give two rescue breaths before starting compressions
Correct answer: Begin chest compressions immediately
After calling 911 and confirming no normal breathing and no pulse, begin chest compressions immediately to maintain blood flow to vital organs.
Question 3: What is agonal breathing and how should a rescuer respond to it?
- Normal breathing — do not start CPR
- Irregular gasping that signals the heart has stopped — treat as cardiac arrest and start CPR (Correct answer)
- Deep slow breathing indicating recovery
- A sign that the victim is conscious
Correct answer: Irregular gasping that signals the heart has stopped — treat as cardiac arrest and start CPR
Agonal breathing is gasping, irregular breathing that occurs shortly after cardiac arrest and is not effective — rescuers should recognize it as a cardiac arrest sign and begin CPR.
Question 4: What is the purpose of the jaw-thrust maneuver?
- To dislodge a foreign body
- To open the airway without moving the neck, used when spinal injury is suspected (Correct answer)
- To deliver rescue breaths more effectively
- To check for a response
Correct answer: To open the airway without moving the neck, used when spinal injury is suspected
The jaw-thrust maneuver opens the airway by pushing the jaw forward without tilting the neck, making it the preferred technique when a cervical spine injury is suspected.
Question 5: Which condition is CPR NOT appropriate for?
- Witnessed adult cardiac arrest
- Drowning victim in cardiac arrest
- A victim with a valid Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order (Correct answer)
- An unresponsive adult with no pulse
Correct answer: A victim with a valid Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order
CPR should not be performed on a victim who has a valid DNR or POLST order, as this represents the individual's legal and medical directive.
Question 6: What should you do if your rescue breaths do not cause the chest to rise?
- Blow harder on the next breath
- Reposition the head with a head-tilt chin-lift and try once more before resuming compressions (Correct answer)
- Skip breaths and continue compressions only
- Perform abdominal thrusts
Correct answer: Reposition the head with a head-tilt chin-lift and try once more before resuming compressions
If the first breath does not produce chest rise, reposition the head to ensure proper airway alignment, attempt a second breath, and then immediately return to compressions regardless of success.
CPR Adult CPR 2
What is the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest?