BLS Special Situations & Scenarios Flashcards

In a drowning victim, why are rescue breaths considered especially important compared to standard cardiac arrest?

Answer: Because the primary cause of cardiac arrest is hypoxia from asphyxia

Drowning cardiac arrest is caused by hypoxia, making rescue breaths critical to restore oxygenation before compressions can be effective.

When performing CPR on a near-term pregnant patient, how should her body be positioned?

Answer: Tilted 15–30 degrees to the left using a wedge or manual left uterine displacement

Left lateral tilt or manual uterine displacement relieves aortocaval compression from the gravid uterus, improving cardiac output during CPR.

In a suspected opioid overdose victim who is pulseless with absent or agonal breathing, what is the correct BLS action?

Answer: Begin CPR immediately and use naloxone if available

Standard BLS with CPR must not be delayed; naloxone may be administered as an adjunct if available, but CPR takes priority.

A victim is found pulseless in cold water (hypothermia). Which statement best reflects BLS guidelines?

Answer: 'Not dead until warm and dead' — CPR should begin immediately

Hypothermic patients can survive prolonged cardiac arrest due to the protective effects of cold, so CPR must be started and continued until hospital rewarming.

Before approaching a victim of electrocution, what must the rescuer confirm?

Answer: That the scene is safe and the electrical power source has been de-energized

Rescuer safety is the top priority; approaching an electrocution victim without confirming the power is off can electrocute the rescuer.

When performing CPR on a morbidly obese patient, which modification may be required?

Answer: Apply greater force to achieve adequate compression depth through the increased chest wall mass

Morbidly obese patients have increased chest wall mass, requiring greater force to achieve the 2–2.4 inch compression depth needed for effective CPR.