Chest compressions should be initiated immediately on an individual with no pulse. Apply hard and fast pressure to the center of the chest at a rate of at least 100 compressions per minute. Depth should be around 2 inches, ensuring adequate blood flow to vital organs.
If no trained helper is available, continue compressions without interruption. If a defibrillator is nearby, use it as soon as possible to analyze and deliver a shock if advised. Ensure the victim’s airway is clear before attempting any rescue breathing.
In situations of unconsciousness with a visible pulse, ensure the patient is positioned on their side to maintain an open airway. Avoid movement unless absolutely necessary to prevent injury. Reassess every 2 minutes to check for breathing and pulse, and adjust actions accordingly.
For an individual who is breathing but not responsive, maintain head tilt and chin lift to open the airway. Provide rescue breaths if the person’s breathing is irregular or absent. If breathing resumes, monitor continuously and seek immediate medical help.
Timing and precision are critical in these high-pressure situations. Delays in action or incorrect technique can drastically impact the outcome. Stay focused on performing the steps with consistency until help arrives or the victim shows signs of recovery.
Basic Life Support Exam A Answers – American Heart Association
Ensure chest compressions are performed at a depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm) for adults, with a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Allow full recoil after each compression, and avoid leaning on the chest between compressions.
For adults, provide 30 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. If an advanced airway is in place, deliver compressions continuously without pausing for breaths. Each rescue breath should last about 1 second, making sure the chest rises visibly.
For infants, use two fingers for compressions at a depth of about 1.5 inches (4 cm), with the same rate of 100 to 120 per minute. If using a child mask, ensure a proper seal and administer appropriate breaths while maintaining the same rhythm.
If a person is unresponsive and not breathing, call emergency services immediately before starting compression. In cases of choking, attempt to remove the object by performing the Heimlich maneuver or back blows and chest thrusts if the person is unable to cough or speak.
For patients with a suspected heart attack, monitor for signs of shock, including rapid breathing, weakness, and confusion. Keep the person calm, and avoid unnecessary movement. If available, administer aspirin as per guidelines.
In situations involving an automated external defibrillator (AED), apply the pads to the bare chest, ensuring no one is in contact with the patient during shock delivery. Follow the AED prompts closely to assess and administer shocks as directed.
Understanding Key Concepts in Basic Life Support (BLS) Exam A
Apply correct chest compressions: Push hard and fast, at least 2 inches deep at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. Ensure full chest recoil after each compression, avoiding interruptions for any reason.
In cases of a cardiac arrest scenario, immediately assess responsiveness and check for breathing. If the person is unresponsive and not breathing or breathing abnormally, initiate CPR right away.
When performing rescue breaths, ensure that the airway is open. Tilt the head back and lift the chin to open the airway, and provide two breaths, ensuring the chest rises. Each breath should last about one second.
Defibrillation is a key component in restoring normal heart rhythm. Apply an AED (automated external defibrillator) as soon as available. Follow the prompts from the device, ensuring the pads are properly placed on the chest.
During a two-rescuer scenario, one should handle chest compressions while the other gives breaths. Switch roles every two minutes to minimize fatigue.
In cases of choking, perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) to expel the object blocking the airway. If the victim becomes unresponsive, begin CPR immediately.
Know the differences in response based on age groups: For infants under 1 year old, use two fingers for chest compressions and provide gentle rescue breaths. For children aged 1-8, use one hand for compressions and adjust the depth and force as necessary.
Timing is critical. Minimize delays between recognizing the emergency, beginning CPR, and using an AED. Early intervention significantly increases survival chances.
Ensure proper hand placement and body positioning to optimize compression depth and effectiveness. Proper technique directly influences the likelihood of a successful outcome.
How to Correctly Perform Chest Compressions and Rescue Breaths
Position your hands on the center of the chest, one on top of the other, interlocking your fingers. Keep your elbows straight and shoulders directly over your hands. Apply firm, downward pressure, compressing the chest at least 2 inches deep for adults. Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions without lifting your hands off the chest. Perform compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute.
For rescue breaths, ensure the airway is open by tilting the victim’s head back and lifting the chin. Pinch the nose shut and give a breath into the mouth, ensuring the chest rises. Each breath should last about 1 second. After 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths. Continue alternating between compressions and breaths.
Monitor the victim for signs of recovery. If the person starts breathing on their own, stop CPR and turn them onto their side. If help arrives, delegate tasks to others and continue until professional assistance takes over.
Tips for Passing the BLS Exam A with American Heart Association Guidelines
1. Focus on high-quality chest compressions. Keep a steady rhythm of 100-120 compressions per minute. Ensure the depth of each compression is at least 2 inches for adults, allowing the chest to fully recoil between compressions.
2. Practice the correct hand placement. For adults, place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest, with the other hand on top, interlaced. For infants and children, adjust the technique to ensure proper pressure without causing harm.
3. Memorize the steps for CPR. For an unresponsive person, call for help, check for breathing, and start compressions immediately. After 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths. Ensure breaths are delivered correctly, with chest rise visible.
4. Review the proper use of an AED. Understand how to apply the pads and follow the machine’s instructions. Always ensure the area is clear before shocking the patient.
5. Pay attention to the ratios. For adults, the compression-to-ventilation ratio is 30:2. For infants and children, it’s the same unless a single rescuer is present; then it’s 15:2.
6. Understand the difference in techniques for adults, children, and infants. Adjust the force and technique based on the size and age of the victim.
7. Always continue CPR until the person shows signs of life or professional help arrives. Don’t stop prematurely.
8. Know the signs of choking and how to perform the Heimlich maneuver or abdominal thrusts on adults and children. For infants, use back blows and chest thrusts.
9. Practice with scenarios. Simulating emergency situations helps reinforce muscle memory and ensures that the correct steps are followed under pressure.
10. Review the algorithm for cardiac arrest and the proper procedures for delivering care based on the type of emergency.
11. Double-check your equipment. Make sure your AED is in working condition and that you’re familiar with how to use it. Properly checking gear can prevent delays during an emergency.
12. Take regular practice quizzes or mock tests to familiarize yourself with the exam structure and identify weak areas.