BASIC LIFE SUPPORT CERTIFICATION
EXAMINATION QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A
| INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the first step in the BLS adult chain of survival?
A. Early defibrillation
B. Recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of emergency response
C. Advanced airway placement
D. Administration of epinephrine
Answer: B
Rationale: Early recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency
response system is critical because it ensures that help is on the way quickly.
Delays in calling for help significantly reduce survival chances.
2. What is the correct compression rate for adult CPR?
A. 60–80 per minute
B. 80–90 per minute
C. 100–120 per minute
D. 120–140 per minute
Answer: C
Rationale: High-quality CPR requires compressions at a rate of 100–120 per
minute to maintain adequate coronary and cerebral perfusion without
compromising depth or recoil.
,3. What is the correct compression depth for an adult?
A. At least 1 inch
B. At least 2 inches (5 cm)
C. 3 inches
D. 4 inches
Answer: B
Rationale: Compressing at least 2 inches ensures sufficient blood flow during
cardiac arrest. Shallow compressions reduce effectiveness and survival rates.
4. What is the compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer adult CPR?
A. 15:2
B. 30:2
C. 10:1
D. Continuous compressions only
Answer: B
Rationale: A ratio of 30 compressions to 2 breaths ensures adequate circulation
while still providing oxygenation in adult single-rescuer CPR.
5. When should rescuers switch during CPR?
A. Every 30 seconds
B. Every 2 minutes
C. Every 10 minutes
D. Only when fatigued
Answer: B
Rationale: Switching every 2 minutes prevents rescuer fatigue, which can reduce
compression quality and survival outcomes.
6. What is the correct hand position for adult chest compressions?
A. Lower abdomen
, B. Center of the chest on the lower half of the sternum
C. Left side of the chest
D. Upper chest near collarbone
Answer: B
Rationale: Proper hand placement on the lower half of the sternum ensures
effective compression of the heart between the sternum and spine.
7. What is the first action when finding an unresponsive adult?
A. Start chest compressions
B. Check pulse for 10 seconds
C. Shake and shout, then activate emergency response
D. Give rescue breaths
Answer: C
Rationale: Checking responsiveness and activating emergency response ensures
timely intervention before initiating CPR.
8. How long should you check for breathing and pulse?
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 seconds
C. 20 seconds
D. 30 seconds
Answer: B
Rationale: Pulse and breathing checks should not exceed 10 seconds to avoid
delaying CPR.
9. What should you do if an adult is not breathing normally but has a pulse?
A. Start chest compressions
B. Provide rescue breaths
C. Wait and reassess in 5 minutes
D. Give abdominal thrusts
EXAMINATION QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A
| INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the first step in the BLS adult chain of survival?
A. Early defibrillation
B. Recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of emergency response
C. Advanced airway placement
D. Administration of epinephrine
Answer: B
Rationale: Early recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency
response system is critical because it ensures that help is on the way quickly.
Delays in calling for help significantly reduce survival chances.
2. What is the correct compression rate for adult CPR?
A. 60–80 per minute
B. 80–90 per minute
C. 100–120 per minute
D. 120–140 per minute
Answer: C
Rationale: High-quality CPR requires compressions at a rate of 100–120 per
minute to maintain adequate coronary and cerebral perfusion without
compromising depth or recoil.
,3. What is the correct compression depth for an adult?
A. At least 1 inch
B. At least 2 inches (5 cm)
C. 3 inches
D. 4 inches
Answer: B
Rationale: Compressing at least 2 inches ensures sufficient blood flow during
cardiac arrest. Shallow compressions reduce effectiveness and survival rates.
4. What is the compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer adult CPR?
A. 15:2
B. 30:2
C. 10:1
D. Continuous compressions only
Answer: B
Rationale: A ratio of 30 compressions to 2 breaths ensures adequate circulation
while still providing oxygenation in adult single-rescuer CPR.
5. When should rescuers switch during CPR?
A. Every 30 seconds
B. Every 2 minutes
C. Every 10 minutes
D. Only when fatigued
Answer: B
Rationale: Switching every 2 minutes prevents rescuer fatigue, which can reduce
compression quality and survival outcomes.
6. What is the correct hand position for adult chest compressions?
A. Lower abdomen
, B. Center of the chest on the lower half of the sternum
C. Left side of the chest
D. Upper chest near collarbone
Answer: B
Rationale: Proper hand placement on the lower half of the sternum ensures
effective compression of the heart between the sternum and spine.
7. What is the first action when finding an unresponsive adult?
A. Start chest compressions
B. Check pulse for 10 seconds
C. Shake and shout, then activate emergency response
D. Give rescue breaths
Answer: C
Rationale: Checking responsiveness and activating emergency response ensures
timely intervention before initiating CPR.
8. How long should you check for breathing and pulse?
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 seconds
C. 20 seconds
D. 30 seconds
Answer: B
Rationale: Pulse and breathing checks should not exceed 10 seconds to avoid
delaying CPR.
9. What should you do if an adult is not breathing normally but has a pulse?
A. Start chest compressions
B. Provide rescue breaths
C. Wait and reassess in 5 minutes
D. Give abdominal thrusts
