20 Basic Life Support Quiz Questions and Answers

Basic Life Support (BLS) is a set of emergency procedures designed to preserve life in critical situations, such as cardiac arrest, until professional medical help arrives. It focuses on maintaining airway, breathing, and circulation.

Key components include:

Recognition and Assessment: Quickly identify if someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Ensure the scene is safe before approaching.

Activation of Emergency Services: Call for help immediately, such as dialing emergency numbers (e.g., 911 in many countries), and request an automated external defibrillator (AED) if available.

Chest Compressions: For adults, perform compressions on the center of the chest at a rate of 100-120 per minute and a depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm). Allow full chest recoil between compressions.

Rescue Breaths: If trained and willing, provide 2 breaths after 30 compressions, ensuring the airway is open and breaths are effective.

AED Use: If an AED is present, turn it on, follow voice prompts, and deliver a shock if advised. Continue CPR until help arrives or the person shows signs of life.

BLS can be adapted for children and infants with modifications, such as using one hand for compressions in children and two fingers for infants. Regular training is essential to maintain skills, as BLS significantly improves survival rates in emergencies. Always prioritize safety and seek professional training for proper execution.

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Part 2: 20 basic life support quiz questions & answers

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1. Question: What is the first step in basic life support when you find an unresponsive adult?
A. Check for breathing
B. Call for help
C. Start chest compressions
D. Open the airway
Answer: B
Explanation: Calling for help ensures that emergency services are alerted immediately, which is crucial for timely assistance.

2. Question: How should you check for responsiveness in an adult?
A. Shake their shoulders and shout
B. Check their pulse
C. Open their airway
D. Start compressions
Answer: A
Explanation: Shaking the shoulders and shouting helps determine if the person is responsive without causing harm.

3. Question: What is the correct compression-to-breath ratio for one-rescuer CPR in an adult?
A. 15 compressions to 2 breaths
B. 30 compressions to 2 breaths
C. 20 compressions to 1 breath
D. 10 compressions to 1 breath
Answer: B
Explanation: The 30:2 ratio allows for effective circulation and oxygenation during CPR.

4. Question: Where should you place your hands for chest compressions on an adult?
A. On the upper abdomen
B. On the center of the chest
C. On the lower abdomen
D. On the side of the chest
Answer: B
Explanation: Placing hands on the center of the chest, between the nipples, ensures compressions are effective on the heart.

5. Question: What is the recommended depth for chest compressions in an adult?
A. At least 2 inches
B. At least 2.5 inches
C. At least 3 inches
D. At least 1 inch
Answer: B
Explanation: A depth of at least 2.5 inches helps pump blood effectively to vital organs.

6. Question: What should you do if you are alone and find an unresponsive person?
A. Start CPR immediately
B. Call for help first
C. Check for bleeding
D. Give rescue breaths
Answer: B
Explanation: Calling for help first activates emergency response, which is essential before starting CPR.

7. Question: How many chest compressions per minute should be performed during CPR for an adult?
A. 80-100
B. 100-120
C. 120-140
D. 60-80
Answer: B
Explanation: A rate of 100-120 compressions per minute maintains blood flow without fatigue.

8. Question: What is the purpose of rescue breaths in CPR?
A. To restore heartbeat
B. To provide oxygen to the lungs
C. To check for pulse
D. To stop bleeding
Answer: B
Explanation: Rescue breaths deliver oxygen to the blood, supporting vital organ function.

9. Question: When should you use an AED during basic life support?
A. Only if the person is breathing
B. As soon as it is available
C. After 5 minutes of CPR
D. If there is no pulse
Answer: B
Explanation: An AED should be used as soon as possible to deliver a shock if needed, increasing survival chances.

10. Question: What is the correct way to give rescue breaths to an adult?
A. Pinch the nose and give 2 breaths over 1 second each
B. Give 1 breath over 5 seconds
C. Blow into the mouth without pinching the nose
D. Give breaths through the nose only
Answer: A
Explanation: Pinching the nose and giving 2 breaths over 1 second each ensures air enters the lungs properly.

11. Question: How do you recognize choking in an adult?
A. The person is coughing forcefully
B. The person is clutching their throat
C. The person is speaking clearly
D. The person is breathing normally
Answer: B
Explanation: Clutching the throat is a universal sign of choking, indicating an obstructed airway.

12. Question: What should you do for an unresponsive choking victim?
A. Give abdominal thrusts
B. Start CPR
C. Slap their back
D. Give water
Answer: B
Explanation: Starting CPR, including chest compressions, can help dislodge the object and restore breathing.

13. Question: When should you stop CPR?
A. When the person wakes up
B. After 10 minutes
C. When help arrives
D. Only if you are tired
Answer: A
Explanation: CPR should continue until the person shows signs of life, such as breathing or movement.

14. Question: What is the first action if a child is unresponsive and not breathing?
A. Give rescue breaths only
B. Call for help
C. Check for bleeding
D. Start compressions
Answer: B
Explanation: Calling for help is the first step to ensure professional assistance is on the way.

15. Question: What is the compression depth for a child during CPR?
A. At least 1 inch
B. At least 1.5 inches
C. At least 2 inches
D. At least 2.5 inches
Answer: C
Explanation: A depth of at least 2 inches is recommended for children to effectively circulate blood.

16. Question: How should you position an unresponsive person who is breathing?
A. On their back
B. In the recovery position
C. Sitting up
D. On their stomach
Answer: B
Explanation: The recovery position keeps the airway open and allows fluids to drain.

17. Question: What does BLS stand for in basic life support?
A. Basic Life Support
B. Breathing Life Support
C. Blood Life Support
D. Brain Life Support
Answer: A
Explanation: BLS refers to the initial steps to sustain life until advanced help arrives.

18. Question: Why is early CPR important?
A. To prevent infection
B. To maintain blood flow to the brain
C. To reduce pain
D. To check for injuries
Answer: B
Explanation: Early CPR helps maintain blood flow to vital organs, improving survival rates.

19. Question: What should you do if the chest does not rise during rescue breaths?
A. Continue compressions
B. Reposition the head and try again
C. Stop CPR
D. Give more breaths
Answer: B
Explanation: Repositioning the head ensures the airway is open for effective ventilation.

20. Question: What is the correct rate for rescue breaths in CPR?
A. 1 breath every 10 seconds
B. 1 breath every 5 seconds
C. 2 breaths every 10 seconds
D. 2 breaths every 5 seconds
Answer: A
Explanation: Delivering 1 breath every 5-6 seconds (about 10-12 breaths per minute) provides adequate oxygenation.

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