Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider Exam (AHA) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: In BLS, what is the appropriate volume of air delivered with each ventilation?

1 full breath in 1 second
Just enough to cause chest rise (Correct answer)
Twice the normal breath volume
As much as the bag allows

Correct answer: Just enough to cause chest rise

In BLS, the appropriate volume of air delivered with each ventilation is just enough to cause visible chest rise over about 1 second. Over-ventilation (delivering too much air or too quickly) can lead to gastric inflation, vomiting, and increased intrathoracic pressure, which can impede venous return to the heart and reduce the effectiveness of chest compressions.

Question 2: Can AEDs be used on children under 8 years old?

Only with manual defibrillators
No, AEDs are for adults only
Only if CPR fails
Yes, with pediatric settings or pads (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Yes, with pediatric settings or pads

AEDs can indeed be used on children under 8 years old, but it's crucial to use appropriate equipment. Pediatric pads or a pediatric attenuator are specifically designed to deliver a lower, safer dose of electrical energy suitable for a child's smaller body. Using these specialized settings ensures effective defibrillation while minimizing the risk of delivering an excessive shock.

Question 3: Before calling 911, a responsive adult choking victim should receive how many abdominal thrusts?

None — call 911 first
5 thrusts, then call if not resolved (Correct answer)
10 thrusts, then call
2 thrusts, then call

Correct answer: 5 thrusts, then call if not resolved

For a responsive adult, begin with up to 5 abdominal thrusts immediately; if the obstruction is not cleared, call 911 (or have someone else call) and continue thrusts.

Question 4: What is the benefit of early defibrillation in cardiac arrest?

It eliminates the need for CPR
It increases survival rates (Correct answer)
It prevents brain damage
It prevents heart attacks

Correct answer: It increases survival rates

The most common cause of sudden cardiac arrest in adults is ventricular fibrillation, an erratic electrical activity in the heart. Early defibrillation is the only effective treatment to stop this abnormal rhythm and allow the heart's natural pacemaker to resume a normal rhythm. The sooner defibrillation occurs, the higher the chance of successful resuscitation and survival, as the heart muscle begins to die rapidly without effective blood flow.

Question 5: What is the maximum acceptable pause in chest compressions at any point during CPR?

5 seconds
30 seconds
10 seconds (Correct answer)
20 seconds

Correct answer: 10 seconds

The AHA states that pauses in compressions should not exceed 10 seconds to maintain coronary and cerebral perfusion.

Question 6: An infant is found unresponsive. What is the preferred method to open their airway?

Full head-tilt with aggressive chin-lift
Neutral to slight head-tilt with gentle chin-lift (Correct answer)
Jaw thrust only
Neck hyperextension

Correct answer: Neutral to slight head-tilt with gentle chin-lift

For infants, only a slight head-tilt with gentle chin-lift is used because hyperextension can actually close the airway in very young children.

Question 7: During CPR, the AED prompts 'Analyzing rhythm.' The compressor continues chest compressions. What should happen?

All rescuers should clear the patient so the AED can analyze accurately (Correct answer)
The team leader should manually check the pulse simultaneously
Continue compressions — the AED can analyze during CPR
Only the airway manager needs to step back

Correct answer: All rescuers should clear the patient so the AED can analyze accurately

Motion artifact from compressions can interfere with rhythm analysis; all rescuers must clear the patient when the AED is analyzing.

Question 8: You are alone and choking. The most effective self-help technique is to:

Strike your own back repeatedly
Lean forward and cough as hard as possible, then thrust your upper abdomen against a hard edge (Correct answer)
Lie flat on the floor and wait for help
Drink water to dislodge the object

Correct answer: Lean forward and cough as hard as possible, then thrust your upper abdomen against a hard edge

Forceful coughing combined with thrusting your abdomen against a chair back or countertop edge can mimic the Heimlich maneuver when alone.

Question 9: A rescuer is alone with an adult who suddenly collapses. The rescuer has a smartphone. What is the correct first action?

Check for responsiveness, then call 911 (using speakerphone) while beginning CPR (Correct answer)
Check breathing for 30 seconds before calling 911
Immediately start 30 compressions
Deliver rescue breaths first to open the airway

Correct answer: Check for responsiveness, then call 911 (using speakerphone) while beginning CPR

Check responsiveness, then activate EMS via speakerphone so you can begin CPR without delay while the operator stays on the line.

Question 10: What is the primary goal of abdominal thrusts during a choking emergency?

Stimulate a cough reflex by compressing the stomach
Compress the lungs directly to push air upward
Create a rapid increase in airway pressure to expel the object (Correct answer)
Increase blood pressure to force the object out

Correct answer: Create a rapid increase in airway pressure to expel the object

Abdominal thrusts compress the diaphragm upward, rapidly increasing intrathoracic pressure and forcing air out of the lungs to dislodge the object.

Question 11: A 55-year-old collapses at a community event. An AED is available. Two rescuers arrive together. What is the correct sequence of actions?

Verify unresponsiveness, activate EMS, begin CPR, apply AED when ready (Correct answer)
Apply AED first, then activate EMS, then start CPR
Activate EMS only after confirming cardiac arrest with a pulse check for 2 minutes
Give 5 rescue breaths, then apply AED

Correct answer: Verify unresponsiveness, activate EMS, begin CPR, apply AED when ready

The correct sequence is verify responsiveness, activate EMS, start CPR, and apply the AED as soon as it is available.

Question 12: A patient with terminal cancer and a valid POLST form requesting 'comfort measures only' experiences cardiac arrest at home. The appropriate BLS response is:

Apply an AED only, as defibrillation is not CPR
Honor the POLST, withhold CPR, and focus on comfort care (Correct answer)
Initiate full CPR until EMS confirms the POLST is valid
Begin CPR but withhold ventilations per the POLST

Correct answer: Honor the POLST, withhold CPR, and focus on comfort care

A valid POLST ordering comfort measures only legally directs providers to withhold CPR and resuscitative interventions.

Question 13: What should you do if the AED advises a shock?

Deliver the shock immediately (Correct answer)
Check the pulse again
Start compressions
Turn off the AED

Correct answer: Deliver the shock immediately

If the AED advises a shock, the rescuer must ensure everyone is clear of the patient and then deliver the shock immediately. Delaying defibrillation significantly reduces the chances of survival for a victim in ventricular fibrillation. Following the AED's prompt is crucial for timely intervention.

Question 14: In pediatric cardiac arrest, which sign may be more subtle than in adults?

Loss of pulse
Cyanosis
Unresponsiveness
Abnormal breathing (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Abnormal breathing

In pediatric cardiac arrest, abnormal breathing (such as agonal gasps or very shallow breathing) can be more subtle and harder to identify than in adults. Children often experience respiratory arrest leading to cardiac arrest, so their breathing patterns may be altered but not completely absent initially. Careful and thorough assessment is crucial to detect these subtle signs.

Question 15: You arrive at a scene and find an unresponsive adult. After opening the airway, you see slow, irregular gasping breaths (approximately 4 per minute). What is the correct BLS response?

Record time and call medical direction before acting
Only provide supplemental oxygen by non-rebreather mask
Treat as respiratory arrest and begin rescue breathing or CPR (Correct answer)
Monitor for improvement — some breathing is present

Correct answer: Treat as respiratory arrest and begin rescue breathing or CPR

Fewer than 6 breaths per minute (bradypnea/agonal) is functionally inadequate and should be treated as respiratory arrest.

Question 16: Which sign best indicates a SEVERE (complete) airway obstruction in an adult?

Loud, high-pitched stridor
Strong, productive cough
Mild throat clearing
Inability to speak or make any sound (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Inability to speak or make any sound

Inability to speak, cry, or make any sound indicates a complete airway obstruction requiring immediate intervention.

Question 17: How often should AED pads be replaced when used on a victim during an extended resuscitation attempt?

Every 2 minutes with CPR cycles
Only if the pads visibly lose adhesion or the AED prompts you to change them (Correct answer)
Every 5 minutes regardless of condition
After every shock delivered

Correct answer: Only if the pads visibly lose adhesion or the AED prompts you to change them

Pads should be replaced if they lose adhesion or the AED indicates a pad error; otherwise, leave them in place throughout the resuscitation.

Question 18: Which of the following is a key element of closed-loop communication?

Ignoring unclear instructions
Repeating back the instruction (Correct answer)
Only using gestures
Waiting silently for new instructions

Correct answer: Repeating back the instruction

Closed-loop communication is essential in emergency situations like BLS to prevent misunderstandings and errors. By repeating back the instruction, the receiver confirms they heard and understood the message correctly. This allows the sender to verify accuracy, ensuring critical tasks are performed as intended and enhancing team coordination and patient safety.

Question 19: Which of the following indicates the start of BLS is necessary?

The person is talking
The person is walking slowly
The person is gasping and unresponsive (Correct answer)
The person is snoring

Correct answer: The person is gasping and unresponsive

Gasping (agonal breathing) combined with unresponsiveness are key indicators of cardiac arrest, signaling that the person's heart has stopped or is failing, and they are not breathing effectively. Immediate initiation of BLS, including chest compressions, is necessary in this critical situation. Recognizing these signs promptly is vital for patient survival.

Question 20: What does 'allow full chest recoil' mean in the context of CPR?

Keep light pressure on the chest between compressions
Count to two between each compression
Push harder on each compression to maximize depth
Let the chest completely return to its natural position after each compression (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Let the chest completely return to its natural position after each compression

Full recoil means removing all pressure so the chest returns fully to its resting position, allowing the heart to refill with blood.

Question 21: Which of the following is true about compression-only (hands-only) CPR?

It should replace standard CPR in all out-of-hospital settings
It is recommended for lay rescuers who witness an adult cardiac arrest and are unwilling or unable to give breaths (Correct answer)
It is the preferred method for infant resuscitation
It is only effective when an AED is not available

Correct answer: It is recommended for lay rescuers who witness an adult cardiac arrest and are unwilling or unable to give breaths

Hands-only CPR is recommended for untrained bystanders or those unwilling to provide breaths for witnessed adult cardiac arrest.

Question 22: What precaution should be taken if the victim is wet before using an AED?

Dry the chest quickly (Correct answer)
Wait until the chest is fully dry
Place pads on legs
Apply pads over clothing

Correct answer: Dry the chest quickly

Water conducts electricity, and using an AED on a wet victim can be dangerous for both the victim and the rescuer. The electrical current could spread across the victim's chest or to the rescuer, reducing the effectiveness of the shock or causing injury. Quickly drying the chest ensures the electrical current is delivered directly through the heart, maximizing effectiveness and safety.

Question 23: What is the recommended compression depth for adults during CPR?

At least 2 inches (Correct answer)
About 1.5 inches
At least 1 inch
More than 3 inches

Correct answer: At least 2 inches

For effective adult CPR, chest compressions must be deep enough to adequately circulate blood to vital organs. The recommended depth is at least 2 inches (5 cm), but no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm). Compressing too shallowly will not provide sufficient blood flow, while compressing too deeply can cause injury, making proper depth crucial.

Question 24: Which triad of signs is classically associated with opioid overdose?

Pinpoint pupils, unconsciousness, and respiratory depression (Correct answer)
Flushed skin, vomiting, and tachycardia
Hyperthermia, agitation, and dilated pupils
Bradycardia, hypertension, and seizures

Correct answer: Pinpoint pupils, unconsciousness, and respiratory depression

The classic opioid toxidrome is pinpoint (miotic) pupils, decreased consciousness, and respiratory depression, which can lead to respiratory arrest.

Question 25: The baby doesn't cry and seems to be in distress. It doesn't seem like there is any air exchange going on. <br> (True or False) To clear the airway congestion, this kid needs assistance.

False
True (Correct answer)

Correct answer: True

True. If an infant is unable to cry or make noise and shows no air exchange, it indicates a severe, complete foreign body airway obstruction. This is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate intervention to clear the airway. Without intervention, the infant will quickly become unresponsive and suffer respiratory arrest.

Question 26: What is the PRIMARY purpose of assigning roles BEFORE beginning CPR when multiple rescuers are present?

To establish a chain of command for legal documentation
To ensure each task is covered without duplication or gaps (Correct answer)
To satisfy AHA training requirements
To allow the most experienced person to rest initially

Correct answer: To ensure each task is covered without duplication or gaps

Pre-assigning roles prevents task overlap and ensures critical functions like compressions, airway, and timing are all covered simultaneously.

Question 27: Which of the following foods poses the HIGHEST choking risk for young children?

Whole grapes (Correct answer)
Cooked pasta
Mashed potatoes
Soft bread

Correct answer: Whole grapes

Whole grapes are round, slippery, and sized to fit a child's airway exactly, making them one of the most common choking hazards for young children.

Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider Exam (AHA)

This exam certifies healthcare professionals and other personnel to recognize several life-threatening emergencies, provide CPR, use an AED, and relieve choking.

Questions

60 min

Time Limit

84%

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