CPR Adult CPR 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Where should you check for a pulse in an unresponsive adult?
- Radial pulse at the wrist
- Carotid pulse in the neck (Correct answer)
- Femoral pulse in the groin
- Brachial pulse in the upper arm
Correct answer: Carotid pulse in the neck
For adults, the carotid pulse in the neck is the recommended site because it is the most accessible and reliable during an emergency.
Question 2: When two rescuers are performing CPR on an adult, what is the compression-to-ventilation ratio?
- 30:2 (Correct answer)
- 15:2
- 20:2
- 10:2
Correct answer: 30:2
Two rescuers performing adult CPR still use a 30:2 ratio; a 15:2 ratio is reserved for two-rescuer infant and child CPR.
Question 3: How often should rescuers switch roles during adult CPR to avoid fatigue?
- Every 5 minutes
- Every 2 minutes (about 5 cycles) (Correct answer)
- Every 10 minutes
- Only when one rescuer is exhausted
Correct answer: Every 2 minutes (about 5 cycles)
AHA recommends switching the compressor role every 2 minutes (approximately every 5 cycles of 30:2) to maintain high-quality compressions.
Question 4: What is the maximum allowable interruption time for chest compressions?
- Less than 5 seconds
- Less than 10 seconds (Correct answer)
- Less than 20 seconds
- Less than 30 seconds
Correct answer: Less than 10 seconds
Compressions should not be interrupted for more than 10 seconds at a time to maintain coronary and cerebral perfusion pressure.
Question 5: What is the correct hand position for adult chest compressions?
- Fingertips on the sternum
- Heel of one hand on the lower sternum with the other hand on top, fingers interlaced (Correct answer)
- Open palm flat on the sternum
- Fist positioned over the left chest
Correct answer: Heel of one hand on the lower sternum with the other hand on top, fingers interlaced
Use the heel of one hand on the lower sternum, place the other hand on top, and interlace fingers to keep them off the ribs while compressing.
Question 6: What is 'cardiac arrest' as it relates to CPR?
- A blockage in a coronary artery causing chest pain
- Sudden cessation of the heart's pumping function (Correct answer)
- An irregular but beating heart rhythm
- Dangerously low blood pressure
Correct answer: Sudden cessation of the heart's pumping function
Cardiac arrest is the sudden, unexpected loss of heart function resulting in no pulse, no breathing, and unconsciousness — the primary indication for CPR.
CPR Adult CPR 1
Where should you check for a pulse in an unresponsive adult?