BLS (Basic Life Support) – Complete 100-
Question Practice Exam
EXAM OVERVIEW
Basic Life Support (BLS) is the foundation for saving lives after cardiac
arrest. The 2025 AHA Guidelines emphasize prompt recognition, high-
quality CPR, early defibrillation, and effective team dynamics. This exam
covers the essential knowledge for healthcare providers, including adult,
child, and infant CPR techniques, AED operation, choking relief, and
special considerations.
SECTION 1: Core Principles & High-Quality CPR (Questions 1-20)
Q1. The critical characteristics of high-quality CPR include which of the
following?
• A) Starting chest compressions within 10 seconds of recognition of
cardiac arrest
• B) Pushing hard and fast
• C) Minimizing interruptions
• D) All of the above
Answer: D – High-quality CPR requires starting compressions within 10
seconds, compressing at the correct rate and depth, allowing full chest
recoil, and minimizing interruptions. All components are essential for
maximizing coronary perfusion and survival.
Q2. What is the recommended chest compression rate for adult CPR?
• A) 80-90 compressions per minute
• B) 100-120 compressions per minute
, • C) 120-140 compressions per minute
• D) 60-80 compressions per minute
Answer: B – The recommended rate for adult chest compressions is 100-
120 per minute. This rate optimizes blood flow while allowing adequate
time for chest recoil and ventilation.
Q3. What is the recommended depth for chest compressions in an
adult?
• A) 2-4 cm (1-1.5 inches)
• B) 4-5 cm (1.5-2 inches)
• C) At least 5 cm (2 inches) but not exceeding 6 cm (2.4 inches)
• D) 6-7 cm (2.4-2.8 inches)
Answer: C – The recommended compression depth for adults is at least 5
cm (2 inches) but no more than 6 cm (2.4 inches). Compression depth of
less than 5 cm is associated with decreased survival, while excessive depth
may cause injury.
Q4. How does complete chest recoil contribute to effective CPR?
• A) It allows the rescuer to rest between compressions
• B) It maximizes venous return and improves coronary perfusion
• C) It prevents fatigue during prolonged CPR
• D) It allows the AED to analyze rhythm more effectively
Answer: B – Complete chest recoil allows the heart to refill with blood
between compressions, improving venous return and coronary perfusion.
Incomplete recoil reduces cardiac output and survival.
Q5. How often should rescuers switch roles during two-rescuer CPR to
prevent fatigue?
, • A) Every 1 minute
• B) Every 2 minutes (approximately 5 cycles of 30:2)
• C) Every 5 minutes
• D) Every 10 cycles
Answer: B – Rescuers should switch roles approximately every 2 minutes
(about 5 cycles of 30:2) to prevent fatigue. Frequent switching ensures high-
quality compressions are maintained.
Q6. What is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for
single-rescuer adult CPR?
• A) 15:2
• B) 30:2
• C) 40:2
• D) 20:2
Answer: B – The compression-to-ventilation ratio for single-rescuer adult
CPR is 30:2. This ratio provides adequate compressions while delivering
effective ventilations.
Q7. What is the correct sequence of steps in BLS for an unresponsive
adult with no pulse?
• A) Check response → Activate EMS → Check pulse → Start CPR
• B) Airway → Breathing → Chest compressions (ABC)
• C) Chest compressions → Airway → Breathing (CAB)
• D) Check pulse → Open airway → Give breaths → Start compressions
Answer: C – The AHA guidelines recommend the CAB sequence: Chest
compressions first, then Airway, then Breathing. This minimizes delay to the
first compression.
, Q8. What should you do if you arrive at the scene of a potential cardiac
arrest?
• A) Immediately start CPR
• B) Activate EMS and get an AED
• C) Assess the scene for safety
• D) Check for a pulse
Answer: C – The first step when arriving at a scene is to assess for scene
safety. Ensure the environment is safe for both the rescuer and the victim
before providing care.
Q9. The five steps in the Adult Chain of Survival include all of the
following EXCEPT:
• A) Early CPR
• B) Rapid defibrillation
• C) Advanced airway placement
• D) Integrated post-cardiac arrest care
Answer: C – The Adult Chain of Survival includes: (1) Early recognition and
activation of EMS, (2) Early CPR, (3) Rapid defibrillation, (4) Advanced life
support, and (5) Integrated post-cardiac arrest care. Advanced airway
placement is a component of advanced life support.
Q10. The first link in the out-of-hospital Chain of Survival is:
• A) Early high-quality CPR
• B) Early defibrillation
• C) Early recognition and activation of the emergency response
system
Question Practice Exam
EXAM OVERVIEW
Basic Life Support (BLS) is the foundation for saving lives after cardiac
arrest. The 2025 AHA Guidelines emphasize prompt recognition, high-
quality CPR, early defibrillation, and effective team dynamics. This exam
covers the essential knowledge for healthcare providers, including adult,
child, and infant CPR techniques, AED operation, choking relief, and
special considerations.
SECTION 1: Core Principles & High-Quality CPR (Questions 1-20)
Q1. The critical characteristics of high-quality CPR include which of the
following?
• A) Starting chest compressions within 10 seconds of recognition of
cardiac arrest
• B) Pushing hard and fast
• C) Minimizing interruptions
• D) All of the above
Answer: D – High-quality CPR requires starting compressions within 10
seconds, compressing at the correct rate and depth, allowing full chest
recoil, and minimizing interruptions. All components are essential for
maximizing coronary perfusion and survival.
Q2. What is the recommended chest compression rate for adult CPR?
• A) 80-90 compressions per minute
• B) 100-120 compressions per minute
, • C) 120-140 compressions per minute
• D) 60-80 compressions per minute
Answer: B – The recommended rate for adult chest compressions is 100-
120 per minute. This rate optimizes blood flow while allowing adequate
time for chest recoil and ventilation.
Q3. What is the recommended depth for chest compressions in an
adult?
• A) 2-4 cm (1-1.5 inches)
• B) 4-5 cm (1.5-2 inches)
• C) At least 5 cm (2 inches) but not exceeding 6 cm (2.4 inches)
• D) 6-7 cm (2.4-2.8 inches)
Answer: C – The recommended compression depth for adults is at least 5
cm (2 inches) but no more than 6 cm (2.4 inches). Compression depth of
less than 5 cm is associated with decreased survival, while excessive depth
may cause injury.
Q4. How does complete chest recoil contribute to effective CPR?
• A) It allows the rescuer to rest between compressions
• B) It maximizes venous return and improves coronary perfusion
• C) It prevents fatigue during prolonged CPR
• D) It allows the AED to analyze rhythm more effectively
Answer: B – Complete chest recoil allows the heart to refill with blood
between compressions, improving venous return and coronary perfusion.
Incomplete recoil reduces cardiac output and survival.
Q5. How often should rescuers switch roles during two-rescuer CPR to
prevent fatigue?
, • A) Every 1 minute
• B) Every 2 minutes (approximately 5 cycles of 30:2)
• C) Every 5 minutes
• D) Every 10 cycles
Answer: B – Rescuers should switch roles approximately every 2 minutes
(about 5 cycles of 30:2) to prevent fatigue. Frequent switching ensures high-
quality compressions are maintained.
Q6. What is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for
single-rescuer adult CPR?
• A) 15:2
• B) 30:2
• C) 40:2
• D) 20:2
Answer: B – The compression-to-ventilation ratio for single-rescuer adult
CPR is 30:2. This ratio provides adequate compressions while delivering
effective ventilations.
Q7. What is the correct sequence of steps in BLS for an unresponsive
adult with no pulse?
• A) Check response → Activate EMS → Check pulse → Start CPR
• B) Airway → Breathing → Chest compressions (ABC)
• C) Chest compressions → Airway → Breathing (CAB)
• D) Check pulse → Open airway → Give breaths → Start compressions
Answer: C – The AHA guidelines recommend the CAB sequence: Chest
compressions first, then Airway, then Breathing. This minimizes delay to the
first compression.
, Q8. What should you do if you arrive at the scene of a potential cardiac
arrest?
• A) Immediately start CPR
• B) Activate EMS and get an AED
• C) Assess the scene for safety
• D) Check for a pulse
Answer: C – The first step when arriving at a scene is to assess for scene
safety. Ensure the environment is safe for both the rescuer and the victim
before providing care.
Q9. The five steps in the Adult Chain of Survival include all of the
following EXCEPT:
• A) Early CPR
• B) Rapid defibrillation
• C) Advanced airway placement
• D) Integrated post-cardiac arrest care
Answer: C – The Adult Chain of Survival includes: (1) Early recognition and
activation of EMS, (2) Early CPR, (3) Rapid defibrillation, (4) Advanced life
support, and (5) Integrated post-cardiac arrest care. Advanced airway
placement is a component of advanced life support.
Q10. The first link in the out-of-hospital Chain of Survival is:
• A) Early high-quality CPR
• B) Early defibrillation
• C) Early recognition and activation of the emergency response
system
