Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification Exam Version 3– CPR
and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Updated and Latest
Questions and Correct Answers with Rationale
1. What is the recommended compression rate for performing high-quality CPR on an adult
victim?
A. 80 to 100 compressions per minute
B. At least 150 compressions per minute
C. 120 to 140 compressions per minute
D. 100 to 120 compressions per minute
Ans: D
Rationale: High-quality CPR requires a specific compression frequency. The standard rate is 100 to 120
compressions per minute for all ages. Going slower than 100 compressions reduces the volume of blood
circulated to vital organs. Going faster than 120 compressions does not allow the heart to fill adequately
between beats. This rate must be maintained throughout the entire resuscitation cycle. Rescuers should
use metronomes or feedback devices if they are available. Consistent rhythm is vital for maximizing the
victim’s chance of survival.
,2. What is the correct depth of chest compressions for an adult victim?
A. At least 2 inches (5 cm) but no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm)
B. At least 1.5 inches (4 cm)
C. At least 1 inch (2.5 cm)
D. Exactly 3 inches (7.5 cm)
Ans: A
Rationale: Adequate depth is essential to create enough pressure for blood flow. For adults,
compressions should be at least 2 inches deep. They should not exceed 2.4 inches to avoid internal
injuries. Shallow compressions fail to provide sufficient oxygen to the brain. Overly deep compressions
can cause rib fractures or lung damage. The rescuer must push hard and push fast on the lower half of the
sternum. Proper depth ensures the heart is effectively squeezed against the spine. Feedback tools are
often used to monitor this metric in clinical settings.
3. When two rescuers are performing CPR on an infant, what is the correct compression-to-
ventilation ratio?
A. 30:2
B. 15:1
C. 15:2
D. 5:1
Ans: C
,Rationale: Infant CPR ratios vary depending on the number of rescuers present. For a single rescuer, the
ratio remains 30:2 to simplify the process. When a second rescuer arrives, the ratio shifts to 15:2 for
infants and children. This adjustment provides more frequent ventilations for pediatric patients.
Pediatric cardiac arrest is often caused by respiratory failure rather than primary cardiac issues.
Frequent breaths help manage the underlying oxygen deficit more effectively. Switching to 15:2 ensures a
better balance of blood flow and oxygenation. The transition should occur as soon as the second rescuer
is ready to assist.
4. What is the very first step you should take when the AED arrives at the scene?
A. Apply the pads to the victim’s bare chest
B. Press the shock button immediately
C. Clear the victim for rhythm analysis
D. Power on the AED
Ans: D
Rationale: The Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is designed to guide the rescuer through voice
prompts. Turning the device on is the critical first step in the sequence. Once powered on, the AED will
provide specific instructions for pad placement. Some devices turn on automatically when the lid is
opened. You should follow the prompts exactly as they are delivered. Delaying the power-on sequence
slows down the time to the first shock. Early defibrillation is the most effective intervention for sudden
cardiac arrest. Do not wait for other rescuers before starting the AED setup.
, 5. Where should you check for a pulse on an unresponsive infant?
A. Brachial artery
B. Radial artery
C. Carotid artery
D. Femoral artery
Ans: A
Rationale: Pulse checks in infants require a specific location for accuracy. The brachial artery is located
on the inside of the upper arm. This site is preferred because the infant’s neck is short and chubby.
Locating the carotid artery in an infant can be difficult and time-consuming. You should use two fingers to
feel for the pulse for at least 5 but no more than 10 seconds. If no pulse is felt or if you are unsure, you
must begin CPR. Effective pulse identification is the first step in determining the need for compressions. If
the pulse is below 60 beats per minute with signs of poor perfusion, start CPR anyway.
6. Why is it important to allow for full chest recoil between compressions?
A. To prevent the rescuer from getting tired
B. To make it easier to apply AED pads
C. To increase the rate of ventilations
D. To allow the heart to refill with blood
Ans: D
Rationale: Recoil refers to the chest returning to its natural position after a compression. This movement
creates a negative pressure within the thoracic cavity. This pressure allows blood to flow back into the
and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Updated and Latest
Questions and Correct Answers with Rationale
1. What is the recommended compression rate for performing high-quality CPR on an adult
victim?
A. 80 to 100 compressions per minute
B. At least 150 compressions per minute
C. 120 to 140 compressions per minute
D. 100 to 120 compressions per minute
Ans: D
Rationale: High-quality CPR requires a specific compression frequency. The standard rate is 100 to 120
compressions per minute for all ages. Going slower than 100 compressions reduces the volume of blood
circulated to vital organs. Going faster than 120 compressions does not allow the heart to fill adequately
between beats. This rate must be maintained throughout the entire resuscitation cycle. Rescuers should
use metronomes or feedback devices if they are available. Consistent rhythm is vital for maximizing the
victim’s chance of survival.
,2. What is the correct depth of chest compressions for an adult victim?
A. At least 2 inches (5 cm) but no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm)
B. At least 1.5 inches (4 cm)
C. At least 1 inch (2.5 cm)
D. Exactly 3 inches (7.5 cm)
Ans: A
Rationale: Adequate depth is essential to create enough pressure for blood flow. For adults,
compressions should be at least 2 inches deep. They should not exceed 2.4 inches to avoid internal
injuries. Shallow compressions fail to provide sufficient oxygen to the brain. Overly deep compressions
can cause rib fractures or lung damage. The rescuer must push hard and push fast on the lower half of the
sternum. Proper depth ensures the heart is effectively squeezed against the spine. Feedback tools are
often used to monitor this metric in clinical settings.
3. When two rescuers are performing CPR on an infant, what is the correct compression-to-
ventilation ratio?
A. 30:2
B. 15:1
C. 15:2
D. 5:1
Ans: C
,Rationale: Infant CPR ratios vary depending on the number of rescuers present. For a single rescuer, the
ratio remains 30:2 to simplify the process. When a second rescuer arrives, the ratio shifts to 15:2 for
infants and children. This adjustment provides more frequent ventilations for pediatric patients.
Pediatric cardiac arrest is often caused by respiratory failure rather than primary cardiac issues.
Frequent breaths help manage the underlying oxygen deficit more effectively. Switching to 15:2 ensures a
better balance of blood flow and oxygenation. The transition should occur as soon as the second rescuer
is ready to assist.
4. What is the very first step you should take when the AED arrives at the scene?
A. Apply the pads to the victim’s bare chest
B. Press the shock button immediately
C. Clear the victim for rhythm analysis
D. Power on the AED
Ans: D
Rationale: The Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is designed to guide the rescuer through voice
prompts. Turning the device on is the critical first step in the sequence. Once powered on, the AED will
provide specific instructions for pad placement. Some devices turn on automatically when the lid is
opened. You should follow the prompts exactly as they are delivered. Delaying the power-on sequence
slows down the time to the first shock. Early defibrillation is the most effective intervention for sudden
cardiac arrest. Do not wait for other rescuers before starting the AED setup.
, 5. Where should you check for a pulse on an unresponsive infant?
A. Brachial artery
B. Radial artery
C. Carotid artery
D. Femoral artery
Ans: A
Rationale: Pulse checks in infants require a specific location for accuracy. The brachial artery is located
on the inside of the upper arm. This site is preferred because the infant’s neck is short and chubby.
Locating the carotid artery in an infant can be difficult and time-consuming. You should use two fingers to
feel for the pulse for at least 5 but no more than 10 seconds. If no pulse is felt or if you are unsure, you
must begin CPR. Effective pulse identification is the first step in determining the need for compressions. If
the pulse is below 60 beats per minute with signs of poor perfusion, start CPR anyway.
6. Why is it important to allow for full chest recoil between compressions?
A. To prevent the rescuer from getting tired
B. To make it easier to apply AED pads
C. To increase the rate of ventilations
D. To allow the heart to refill with blood
Ans: D
Rationale: Recoil refers to the chest returning to its natural position after a compression. This movement
creates a negative pressure within the thoracic cavity. This pressure allows blood to flow back into the
