Recognition of Cardiac Arrest Flashcards
7 cards from real BLS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Recognition of Cardiac Arrest flashcards as text
A 70-year-old woman is found unresponsive on the floor. She is breathing in slow, irregular gasps every 8–10 seconds. What action should you take?
Answer: Begin CPR — agonal breathing is not considered normal breathing
Agonal (gasping) respirations are a sign of cardiac arrest, not normal breathing; CPR should be initiated immediately.
Which statement BEST explains why bystander CPR improves cardiac arrest outcomes?
Answer: It maintains minimal blood flow to the brain and heart, buying time until defibrillation
Bystander CPR maintains perfusion to vital organs, slowing brain death and preserving the heart's ability to respond to defibrillation until EMS arrives.
A dispatcher is coaching a bystander over the phone in a suspected cardiac arrest. The bystander says the victim is making gurgling sounds. The dispatcher should advise:
Answer: Begin chest compressions — gurgling sounds can be agonal breathing
Gurgling sounds may represent agonal breathing associated with cardiac arrest; the dispatcher should instruct bystanders to begin chest compressions.
In the in-hospital setting, which team member should ideally be checking for cardiac arrest signs while another prepares the crash cart?
Answer: Any team member who first reaches the patient
In team-based resuscitation, whoever reaches the patient first should begin the assessment for cardiac arrest while others prepare equipment simultaneously.
What is the primary purpose of the initial scene size-up before approaching a cardiac arrest victim?
Answer: To ensure rescuer safety and identify the mechanism of collapse
Scene size-up ensures the rescuer's safety (e.g., no electrical hazards, no violence) and helps identify the likely cause of collapse, guiding the response.
After successful resuscitation, a patient regains a pulse. EMS transfers care to the hospital. This transition represents which link in the Chain of Survival?
Answer: Advanced resuscitation and post-cardiac arrest care
Advanced resuscitation and post-cardiac arrest care is the link that occurs when the patient reaches a hospital capable of providing targeted temperature management and definitive treatment.
Which of the following patients should NOT receive CPR according to BLS guidelines?
Answer: A victim with a valid Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order
A valid DNR order is a legally recognized directive that CPR should not be initiated; all other scenarios warrant CPR unless clear signs of irreversible death are present.