Basic Life Support Exam A Answers 25 Questions

Basic Life Support (BLS) exams are crucial for healthcare professionals, first responders, and even informed citizens. These exams assess your knowledge and skills in providing immediate care to individuals experiencing life-threatening emergencies, such as cardiac arrest or airway obstruction. Passing the BLS exam demonstrates competency and ensures you are equipped to respond effectively in critical situations.

This article will delve into a comprehensive review of BLS principles, covering essential topics and providing sample questions similar to those you might encounter on a 25-question BLS exam. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and understanding necessary to confidently approach the exam and, more importantly, to potentially save lives.

Understanding the Importance of Basic Life Support

Before diving into the exam questions and answers, it’s vital to understand why BLS is so important. BLS focuses on the initial steps necessary to maintain life until more advanced medical care arrives. These steps are designed to support the victim's breathing and circulation, preventing irreversible damage to the brain and other vital organs.

• Time is of the Essence: Brain damage can occur within minutes of oxygen deprivation. BLS interventions, such as CPR, can significantly improve the chances of survival and minimize long-term complications.
• Chain of Survival: BLS forms a critical link in the "Chain of Survival," a sequence of actions that maximizes the likelihood of survival after a cardiac arrest. This chain includes early recognition of the emergency, early CPR, rapid defibrillation (if needed), effective advanced life support, and post-cardiac arrest care.
• Empowering Bystanders: BLS training empowers individuals to take immediate action in emergencies, even without formal medical training. Knowing how to perform CPR and use an AED can make a life-saving difference.

Key Components of Basic Life Support

A solid understanding of the following core principles is essential for success in any BLS exam:

• Scene Safety: Ensuring the safety of yourself and the victim is always the priority. Before approaching the victim, assess the surroundings for any potential hazards, such as traffic, fire, or electrical hazards.
• Recognition of Cardiac Arrest: Prompt recognition of cardiac arrest is crucial. Look for signs such as unresponsiveness and the absence of normal breathing or only gasping.
• Activation of Emergency Response System: Immediately call for help by dialing the appropriate emergency number (e.g., 911 in the US) or instructing someone else to do so.
• CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation): CPR involves chest compressions and rescue breaths to circulate blood and oxygen to the vital organs. The current recommended ratio for adults is 30 compressions to 2 breaths.
• AED (Automated External Defibrillator): An AED is a portable device that delivers an electrical shock to restore a normal heart rhythm in cases of certain types of cardiac arrest.
• Relief of Airway Obstruction: Knowing how to clear a blocked airway is crucial, especially in cases of choking. Techniques such as the Heimlich maneuver are used to dislodge the obstruction.

Sample BLS Exam Questions and Answers

The following are sample questions similar to those you might encounter on a 25-question BLS exam. Each question is followed by the correct answer and a brief explanation.

Question 1:

You find an adult who is unresponsive and not breathing. What is the FIRST action you should take?

a) Start chest compressions. b) Give 2 rescue breaths. c) Check for a pulse. d) Shout for help and activate the emergency response system.

Answer: d) Shout for help and activate the emergency response system.

Explanation: The first step is always to ensure help is on the way. Activating the emergency response system ensures that advanced medical care will be dispatched as quickly as possible.

Question 2:

What is the correct compression rate for CPR in adults?

a) 60-80 compressions per minute. b) 80-100 compressions per minute. c) 100-120 compressions per minute. d) 120-140 compressions per minute.

Answer: c) 100-120 compressions per minute.

Explanation: The current recommendation for CPR compression rate is 100-120 compressions per minute to ensure adequate blood flow.

Question 3:

What is the correct depth of chest compressions for an adult?

a) At least 1 inch. b) At least 2 inches. c) At least 3 inches. d) At least 4 inches.

Answer: b) At least 2 inches.

Explanation: Chest compressions should be performed at a depth of at least 2 inches (approximately 5 cm) but no more than 2.4 inches (approximately 6 cm) to effectively circulate blood.

Question 4:

When giving rescue breaths, each breath should last about:

a) 1 second. b) 2 seconds. c) 3 seconds. d) 4 seconds.

Answer: a) 1 second.

Explanation: Each rescue breath should be delivered over 1 second and should produce visible chest rise.

Question 5:

You are performing CPR on an adult when a second rescuer arrives. What is the MOST important thing the second rescuer should do?

a) Immediately start giving rescue breaths. b) Check the victim for injuries. c) Confirm that emergency medical services (EMS) have been activated. d) Take over chest compressions without coordinating with the first rescuer.

Answer: c) Confirm that emergency medical services (EMS) have been activated.

Explanation: Ensuring that EMS has been activated is crucial. If not, the second rescuer should immediately call or delegate someone else to call.

Question 6:

You are alone and find a child who is unresponsive and not breathing. After shouting for help, what is the next BEST step?

a) Begin CPR immediately. b) Call 911 and then begin CPR. c) Call 911 and retrieve the AED, then begin CPR. d) Give 5 cycles of CPR and then call 911 and retrieve the AED.

Answer: b) Call 911 and then begin CPR.

Explanation: With children, the approach is to call emergency services before starting CPR. This assumes you have a mobile phone readily available. If you don't, perform 5 cycles of CPR before calling.

Question 7:

What is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for one-rescuer CPR in a child?

a) 15:2 b) 30:2 c) 15:1 d) 30:1

Answer: b) 30:2

Explanation: The recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for one-rescuer CPR in a child is 30:2, the same as for adults.

Question 8:

What is the preferred technique for opening the airway of an unresponsive victim with no suspected neck injury?

a) Jaw thrust. b) Head tilt-chin lift. c) Abdominal thrusts. d) Chest thrusts.

Answer: b) Head tilt-chin lift.

Explanation: The head tilt-chin lift maneuver is the preferred technique for opening the airway in the absence of suspected neck injury.

Question 9:

You are performing CPR on an adult and the AED arrives. What is the FIRST thing you should do?

a) Turn on the AED. b) Pause CPR and attach the AED pads. c) Clear the victim for analysis by the AED. d) Check the victim's pulse again.

Answer: a) Turn on the AED.

Explanation: The first step is to turn on the AED. The AED will then guide you through the remaining steps.

Question 10:

What does AED stand for?

a) Automated External Defibrillation b) Automated Emergency Defibrillator c) Automated External Defibrillator d) Automatic Emergency Defibrillation

Answer: c) Automated External Defibrillator

Explanation: AED stands for Automated External Defibrillator, a device that delivers an electrical shock to restore a normal heart rhythm.

Question 11:

Where should you place the AED pads on an adult victim?

a) Both pads on the chest. b) One pad on the upper right chest and the other on the lower left side of the chest. c) One pad on the upper left chest and the other on the lower right side of the chest. d) One pad on the abdomen and the other on the back.

Answer: b) One pad on the upper right chest and the other on the lower left side of the chest.

Explanation: This placement ensures that the electrical current passes through the heart.

Question 12:

What should you do after delivering a shock with the AED?

a) Check for a pulse. b) Immediately resume CPR, starting with chest compressions. c) Turn off the AED. d) Remove the AED pads.

Answer: b) Immediately resume CPR, starting with chest compressions.

Explanation: Current guidelines recommend immediately resuming CPR after delivering a shock, starting with chest compressions.

Question 13:

A victim is choking but is still conscious and coughing forcefully. What should you do?

a) Perform abdominal thrusts. b) Perform chest thrusts. c) Encourage the victim to continue coughing. d) Perform a finger sweep.

Answer: c) Encourage the victim to continue coughing.

Explanation: If the victim is conscious and coughing forcefully, encourage them to continue coughing as this is the most effective way to dislodge the obstruction.

Question 14:

You are performing abdominal thrusts on a conscious adult who is choking. The victim becomes unresponsive. What should you do NEXT?

a) Continue performing abdominal thrusts. b) Lower the victim to the ground and begin CPR. c) Perform a finger sweep. d) Call for help.

Answer: b) Lower the victim to the ground and begin CPR.

Explanation: If the victim becomes unresponsive, you should lower them to the ground and begin CPR, starting with chest compressions.

Question 15:

What is the landmark used to find the correct hand placement for chest compressions on an adult?

a) The sternum. b) The xiphoid process. c) The nipple line. d) The umbilicus.

Answer: a) The sternum.

Explanation: Hand placement for chest compressions is in the center of the chest, on the lower half of the sternum.

Question 16:

For an infant, where should you check for a pulse?

a) Carotid artery. b) Femoral artery. c) Brachial artery. d) Radial artery.

Answer: c) Brachial artery.

Explanation: In infants, the brachial artery (located on the inside of the upper arm) is the most accessible and reliable site for pulse assessment.

Question 17:

What is the recommended depth of chest compressions for an infant?

a) About 1 inch (2.5 cm). b) About 1.5 inches (4 cm). c) About 2 inches (5 cm). d) About 2.5 inches (6 cm).

Answer: b) About 1.5 inches (4 cm).

Explanation: Chest compressions for infants should be performed at a depth of about 1.5 inches (4 cm).

Question 18:

What is the preferred technique for chest compressions on an infant when you are alone?

a) Two-thumb encircling hands technique. b) Heel of one hand. c) Two fingers. d) Fist.

Answer: c) Two fingers.

Explanation: When performing CPR on an infant alone, the two-finger technique is generally preferred.

Question 19:

What is the most common cause of cardiac arrest in children?

a) Heart attack. b) Sudden arrhythmia. c) Respiratory problems. d) Electrocution.

Answer: c) Respiratory problems.

Explanation: Unlike adults, cardiac arrest in children is most often caused by respiratory problems or shock.

Question 20:

When should you suspect that an infant is choking?

a) Sudden onset of coughing. b) Difficulty breathing. c) Inability to cry or make noise. d) All of the above.

Answer: d) All of the above.

Explanation: All of the listed symptoms can indicate that an infant is choking.

Question 21:

What is the first step in helping a choking infant?

a) Abdominal thrusts. b) Chest thrusts. c) Back slaps. d) Finger sweep.

Answer: c) Back slaps.

Explanation: The first step in helping a choking infant is to deliver five back slaps.

Question 22:

You are giving back slaps and chest thrusts to a choking infant, but the object is still not dislodged. What should you do next?

a) Repeat the sequence of back slaps and chest thrusts. b) Perform abdominal thrusts. c) Perform a finger sweep. d) Call for help.

Answer: a) Repeat the sequence of back slaps and chest thrusts.

Explanation: You should continue the sequence of five back slaps followed by five chest thrusts until the object is dislodged or the infant becomes unresponsive.

Question 23:

You are providing BLS to a pregnant woman in cardiac arrest. What modification should you make to chest compressions?

a) Perform chest compressions higher on the sternum. b) Perform chest compressions lower on the sternum. c) Manually displace the uterus to the left. d) There are no modifications needed for pregnant women.

Answer: c) Manually displace the uterus to the left.

Explanation: Manual left uterine displacement helps relieve pressure on the inferior vena cava, improving blood flow during CPR.

Question 24:

What is the proper way to dispose of used disposable gloves after providing BLS?

a) In any trash can. b) In a biohazard container. c) In a recycling bin. d) On the ground.

Answer: b) In a biohazard container.

Explanation: Used disposable gloves should be disposed of in a biohazard container to prevent the spread of infection.

Question 25:

Which of the following is NOT a component of high-quality CPR?

a) Minimizing interruptions in chest compressions. b) Allowing for complete chest recoil after each compression. c) Providing excessive ventilation. d) Compressing at the appropriate rate and depth.

Answer: c) Providing excessive ventilation.

Explanation: Excessive ventilation can be harmful and should be avoided. The focus should be on adequate, but not excessive, rescue breaths.

Strategies for Preparing for Your BLS Exam

Passing the BLS exam requires not only knowledge but also confidence. Here are some strategies to help you prepare effectively:

• Review Your Course Materials: Thoroughly review your BLS course textbook, handouts, and any online resources provided.
• Practice Scenarios: Practice hands-on skills, such as chest compressions, rescue breaths, and AED use, with a mannequin or a willing partner.
• Take Practice Exams: Utilize practice exams and quizzes to assess your knowledge and identify areas where you need further study.
• Watch Videos: Watch instructional videos on BLS techniques to reinforce your understanding of the procedures.
• Seek Clarification: Don't hesitate to ask your instructor or a healthcare professional if you have any questions or need clarification on any topics.
• Stay Calm and Focused: On the day of the exam, stay calm and focused. Read each question carefully and choose the best answer based on your knowledge and understanding.

Staying Current with BLS Guidelines

BLS guidelines are periodically updated based on the latest scientific evidence. It's essential to stay current with these updates to ensure that you are providing the most effective care.

• American Heart Association (AHA): The AHA is a leading source of information on BLS guidelines. Visit their website or attend AHA-sponsored courses to stay up-to-date.
• International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR): ILCOR is an international organization that reviews and evaluates resuscitation science. Their recommendations form the basis for BLS guidelines worldwide.
• Regular Refresher Courses: Consider taking refresher courses periodically to review your skills and knowledge and to learn about any updates to the guidelines.

Conclusion

Mastering Basic Life Support is a vital skill that can empower you to make a life-saving difference in emergency situations. By understanding the key components of BLS, practicing hands-on skills, and staying current with the latest guidelines, you can confidently approach your BLS exam and be prepared to respond effectively when someone's life is on the line. Remember, the knowledge and skills you acquire through BLS training can potentially save lives and provide a crucial link in the chain of survival.