Questions with Answers | AHA Guidelines | Pass Guaranteed
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Section 1: BLS Foundations & High-Quality CPR (Questions 1-10)
Question 1
What is the recommended compression rate for adult high-quality CPR according to the
2026 AHA guidelines?
A. 80-100 compressions per minute
B. 100-120 compressions per minute
C. 120-140 compressions per minute
D. At least 140 compressions per minute
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The 2026 AHA ACLS guidelines recommend a compression rate of 100-120
compressions per minute for adults. Rates below 100/min are insufficient to generate
adequate cardiac output, while rates above 120/min may compromise compression
depth and recoil due to inadequate time for chest recoil and ventricular filling. Choice A
is too slow. Choice C and D are too fast and may reduce coronary perfusion pressure.
,AHA guideline reference: BLS Provider Manual 2026, Part 3: Adult BLS. PTCB exam
strategy: "100-120 = Just right: not too slow, not too fast"; use a metronome or music
with 100-120 BPM to maintain rhythm.
Question 2
What is the recommended compression depth for adult CPR?
A. At least 1 inch (2.5 cm)
B. At least 2 inches (5 cm) but not more than 2.4 inches (6 cm)
C. 1.5 to 2 inches (4 to 5 cm)
D. At least 3 inches (7.5 cm)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The recommended adult compression depth is at least 2 inches (5 cm) but
not more than 2.4 inches (6 cm). Adequate depth is necessary to generate sufficient
intrathoracic pressure for blood flow, but excessive depth increases risk of rib fractures
and cardiac injury. Choice A is too shallow and ineffective. Choice C is the pediatric
compression depth range. Choice D is excessive and harmful. AHA guideline reference:
ACLS Provider Manual 2026, High-Quality CPR Components. PTCB exam strategy: "2 to
2.4 inches = Adult depth"; "About 1/3 AP chest diameter for infants/children"; use
automated manikin feedback to verify depth during training.
Question 3
,During single-rescuer adult BLS, what is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio?
A. 15:2
B. 30:2
C. 50:2
D. Continuous compressions with asynchronous ventilation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The compression-to-ventilation ratio for single-rescuer adult BLS is 30:2 (30
compressions followed by 2 ventilations). This ratio maximizes compression fraction
while providing adequate oxygenation. Choice A (15:2) is used for two-rescuer pediatric
BLS and all infant/child CPR. Choice C is not a standard ratio. Choice D applies only
after an advanced airway is placed. AHA guideline reference: BLS Provider Manual
2026, Adult BLS Sequence. PTCB exam strategy: "Adult single rescuer = 30:2"; "Adult
two-rescuer = 30:2"; "Child/infant two-rescuer = 15:2"; memorize by patient age and
number of rescuers.
Question 4
What is the maximum recommended pause time for rhythm analysis and pulse checks
during CPR?
A. Less than 5 seconds
B. Less than 10 seconds
C. Less than 15 seconds
, D. Less than 30 seconds
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Interruptions in chest compressions should be minimized to less than 10
seconds for rhythm analysis, pulse checks, and defibrillation. Prolonged pauses
significantly decrease coronary perfusion pressure and reduce the likelihood of ROSC.
Choice A is ideal but not always achievable during defibrillator charging. Choice C and D
are too long and substantially reduce survival. AHA guideline reference: ACLS Provider
Manual 2026, Minimizing Interruptions. PTCB exam strategy: "<10 seconds = The
golden rule"; pre-charge the defibrillator during compressions to minimize pre-shock
pause; resume compressions immediately after shock delivery.
Question 5
When an advanced airway (endotracheal tube or supraglottic airway) is in place during
adult CPR, what is the recommended ventilation rate?
A. 1 breath every 3-4 seconds (15-20 breaths/min)
B. 1 breath every 5-6 seconds (10-12 breaths/min)
C. 1 breath every 6 seconds (10 breaths/min)
D. Synchronized with every 30th compression
Correct Answer: C