OFA CPR Techniques & Automated External Defibrillation (AED) — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the correct compression rate for adult CPR?
- 60-80 compressions per minute
- 100-120 compressions per minute (Correct answer)
- 130-150 compressions per minute
- 80-100 compressions per minute
Correct answer: 100-120 compressions per minute
The recommended compression rate for adult CPR is 100 to 120 compressions per minute. This rate ensures that blood is circulated effectively throughout the body, providing vital oxygen to the brain and other organs, which is crucial for survival during cardiac arrest.
Question 2: Where should you place your hands during chest compressions on an adult?
- On the lower abdomen
- On the upper chest
- On the center of the chest between the nipples (Correct answer)
- On the left side of the chest
Correct answer: On the center of the chest between the nipples
For effective chest compressions on an adult, hands should be placed on the lower half of the sternum (breastbone), specifically in the center of the chest between the nipples. This position ensures that compressions are delivered directly over the heart, maximizing blood flow with each compression.
Question 3: When should an AED be used during a cardiac emergency?
- After 10 minutes of CPR
- Only if CPR fails
- As soon as it's available (Correct answer)
- Only after checking the victim's pulse
Correct answer: As soon as it's available
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) should be used as soon as it becomes available during a cardiac emergency. Early defibrillation is critical for victims of sudden cardiac arrest caused by ventricular fibrillation, as it can stop the irregular heart rhythm and allow the heart to resume a normal beat, significantly increasing survival rates.
Question 4: What is the purpose of rescue breaths during CPR?
- To improve chest compressions
- To increase circulation
- To deliver oxygen to the victim (Correct answer)
- To wake up the victim
Correct answer: To deliver oxygen to the victim
Rescue breaths during CPR are designed to deliver oxygen to the victim's lungs, which then gets circulated to the brain and other vital organs by the chest compressions. This oxygen delivery is crucial to prevent brain damage and support organ function while waiting for advanced medical care.
Question 5: What should you do after the AED delivers a shock?
- Stop CPR and wait
- Check for signs of life only
- Resume CPR immediately (Correct answer)
- Remove the AED pads
Correct answer: Resume CPR immediately
After an AED delivers a shock, it is crucial to immediately resume chest compressions and continue CPR without delay. The shock may temporarily stop the abnormal heart rhythm, but continuous compressions are needed to help the heart regain its normal function and circulate oxygenated blood throughout the body.
Question 6: How deep should compressions be for an adult?
- At least 1 inch
- At least 2 inches (Correct answer)
- More than 3 inches
- Less than 1 inch
Correct answer: At least 2 inches
For adult CPR, chest compressions should be at least 2 inches (approximately 5 cm) deep. This depth is necessary to effectively compress the heart and circulate blood, ensuring that vital organs receive adequate oxygen during cardiac arrest.
Question 7: What is the compression-to-breath ratio for adult CPR with a single rescuer?
- 15:2
- 20:2
- 30:2 (Correct answer)
- 40:2
Correct answer: 30:2
For adult CPR with a single rescuer, the recommended compression-to-breath ratio is 30 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. This ratio balances the need for continuous chest compressions to circulate blood with the delivery of oxygen through rescue breaths.
Question 8: Why is it important to let the chest recoil completely between compressions?
- To rest the rescuer
- To allow air to enter the stomach
- To allow the heart to refill with blood (Correct answer)
- To increase compression speed
Correct answer: To allow the heart to refill with blood
Allowing the chest to recoil completely between compressions is essential because it enables the heart to fully refill with blood. This complete recoil ensures that each subsequent compression can pump the maximum possible volume of blood, optimizing circulation and the effectiveness of CPR.
Question 9: How should AED pads be placed on an adult?
- One on each side of the chest
- Both on the back
- One on the upper right chest and one on the lower left side (Correct answer)
- Both on the abdomen
Correct answer: One on the upper right chest and one on the lower left side
For proper AED pad placement on an adult, one pad should be placed on the upper right side of the chest, just below the collarbone, and the other pad on the lower left side of the rib cage, below the armpit. This placement ensures that the electrical current passes through the heart, maximizing the chances of successful defibrillation.
OFA CPR Techniques & Automated External Defibrillation (AED)
What is the correct compression rate for adult CPR?