Free First Aid CPR and AED Usage Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: You are providing CPR to an adult patient. What is the correct rate and depth for chest compressions?
- 80-100 compressions per minute, at a depth of 1.5 inches (4 cm)
- 100-120 compressions per minute, at a depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm) (Correct answer)
- 120-140 compressions per minute, at a depth of 2.5 inches (6.5 cm)
- As fast as possible, at a depth of at least 3 inches (7.5 cm)
Correct answer: 100-120 compressions per minute, at a depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm)
According to the American Heart Association guidelines, high-quality CPR on an adult requires a compression rate of 100 to 120 per minute and a depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm), but not more than 2.4 inches (6 cm). This ensures adequate blood circulation to vital organs.
Question 2: You find a person who is unresponsive, not breathing normally, and has no pulse. An AED is available. What is the first step you should take when using the AED?
- Attach the pads to the patient's bare chest.
- Press the shock button.
- Turn on the AED. (Correct answer)
- Clear the area and ensure no one is touching the patient.
Correct answer: Turn on the AED.
The very first step when using any AED is to turn it on. The device will then provide voice and/or visual prompts to guide you through the subsequent steps, which include attaching the pads, analyzing the heart rhythm, and delivering a shock if advised.
Question 3: When performing CPR on an infant (under 1 year old) with a single rescuer, what is the correct compression-to-breath ratio?
- 15 compressions to 2 breaths
- 30 compressions to 2 breaths (Correct answer)
- 5 compressions to 1 breath
- 15 compressions to 1 breath
Correct answer: 30 compressions to 2 breaths
For single-rescuer CPR on an infant, the correct ratio is 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. This ratio changes to 15:2 if a second rescuer is available to assist.
Question 4: Which of the following describes the correct placement of AED pads on an adult in the standard (anterolateral) position?
- One pad on the center of the chest and the other on the back.
- Both pads on the front of the chest, one on each side of the sternum.
- One pad on the upper right chest below the collarbone, and the other on the lower left side of the chest below the armpit. (Correct answer)
- One pad on the abdomen and the other on the upper back.
Correct answer: One pad on the upper right chest below the collarbone, and the other on the lower left side of the chest below the armpit.
The standard anterolateral placement for AED pads on an adult is one pad on the upper right side of the bare chest (below the collarbone) and the other pad on the lower left side of the chest, a few inches below the armpit.
Question 5: A coworker suddenly collapses. They are unresponsive and you hear them taking occasional gasps. What is the most appropriate immediate action?
- Wait to see if they wake up on their own, as gasping is a sign of recovery.
- Roll them into the recovery position and monitor their breathing.
- Immediately begin chest compressions and call for an AED. (Correct answer)
- Start rescue breathing immediately without chest compressions.
Correct answer: Immediately begin chest compressions and call for an AED.
Agonal gasps are not normal breathing and are a sign of cardiac arrest. If a person is unresponsive and exhibiting agonal gasps, you should immediately call for help, start high-quality chest compressions, and use an AED as soon as one is available.
Question 6: After the AED delivers a shock, what should the rescuer do next?
- Check for a pulse for 15 seconds.
- Immediately resume chest compressions. (Correct answer)
- Reposition the AED pads for the next analysis.
- Wait for the AED to reanalyze the heart rhythm.
Correct answer: Immediately resume chest compressions.
Immediately after an AED delivers a shock, the rescuer should resume high-quality chest compressions without delay. Minimizing interruptions in chest compressions is critical for maintaining blood flow to the brain and heart.
You are providing CPR to an adult patient.
What is the correct rate and depth for chest compressions?