First Aid CPR and AED Usage 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An infant (under 1 year old) is in cardiac arrest. Which compression technique is recommended for a single rescuer?
- Two-finger compression on the center of the chest just below the nipple line (Correct answer)
- One-hand heel compression on the full chest
- Thumb-encircling technique using both hands
- Palm-of-hand compression on the upper chest
Correct answer: Two-finger compression on the center of the chest just below the nipple line
For a single rescuer performing infant CPR, the two-finger technique (index and middle finger) is used on the center of the chest just below the nipple line.
Question 2: What compression depth is recommended for infant CPR?
- About 1.5 inches (4 cm) (Correct answer)
- About 2 inches (5 cm)
- About 0.5 inches (1.3 cm)
- About 3 inches (7.5 cm)
Correct answer: About 1.5 inches (4 cm)
Infant chest compressions should be about 1.5 inches (4 cm) deep, roughly one-third the depth of the infant's chest.
Question 3: You witness a child (8 years old) suddenly collapse at a playground. What is the correct sequence of actions?
- Call 911, begin CPR, use AED as soon as available (Correct answer)
- Begin CPR for 2 minutes, then call 911
- Use AED first, then call 911, then begin CPR
- Give rescue breaths first, then call 911
Correct answer: Call 911, begin CPR, use AED as soon as available
For a witnessed collapse, call 911 (or send someone to call), begin CPR immediately, and use an AED as soon as it becomes available.
Question 4: A victim has excessive chest hair that may prevent AED pads from adhering properly. What is the best action?
- Quickly shave the area with a razor included in the AED kit before applying pads (Correct answer)
- Press the pads down firmly and proceed anyway
- Place the pads on the back instead
- Skip the AED and perform CPR only
Correct answer: Quickly shave the area with a razor included in the AED kit before applying pads
Most AED kits include a razor; quickly shave the area to ensure proper pad-to-skin contact, which is essential for an effective shock.
Question 5: What is 'agonal breathing' and how should a rescuer respond to it?
- It is gasping or irregular breathing that signals cardiac arrest — begin CPR immediately (Correct answer)
- It is normal breathing after a seizure — monitor and do not start CPR
- It is breathing that indicates the victim is recovering — place in recovery position
- It is deep, rapid breathing — assist with rescue breaths only
Correct answer: It is gasping or irregular breathing that signals cardiac arrest — begin CPR immediately
Agonal breathing is gasping, noisy, or irregular breathing commonly seen in cardiac arrest victims; it is not effective breathing and CPR should begin immediately.
Question 6: After 911 is called, the dispatcher offers to guide you through CPR. What should you do?
- Follow the dispatcher's instructions — they are trained to guide bystanders through CPR (Correct answer)
- Politely decline and rely on your own training
- Put the phone down and focus entirely on CPR without distraction
- Ask the dispatcher to call a neighbor for help instead
Correct answer: Follow the dispatcher's instructions — they are trained to guide bystanders through CPR
911 dispatchers are trained to provide real-time CPR instructions; following their guidance can improve outcomes, especially for untrained bystanders.
Question 7: A victim has a 'Do Not Resuscitate' (DNR) order. A bystander produces the document. What should a lay rescuer do?
- Stop or withhold CPR and await EMS who will verify and honor the DNR (Correct answer)
- Ignore the DNR — lay rescuers are not legally bound by it
- Continue CPR because only EMS can stop based on a DNR
- Ask the bystander to sign a waiver before stopping CPR
Correct answer: Stop or withhold CPR and await EMS who will verify and honor the DNR
If a valid DNR document is presented, lay rescuers should withhold or stop CPR; EMS personnel are trained to verify and follow valid advance directives.
First Aid CPR and AED Usage 5
An infant (under 1 year old) is in cardiac arrest.
Which compression technique is recommended for a single rescuer?