American Heart Association Cpr Test 25 Questions

American Heart Association CPR Test: 25 Questions to Ace Your Certification

Are you ready to become a certified lifesaver? Passing the American Heart Association (AHA) CPR test is a crucial step in obtaining your certification. This comprehensive guide covers 25 sample questions, mirroring the style and content you'll encounter in the actual exam. We’ll delve into the correct answers and explanations, equipping you with the knowledge and confidence to succeed. Understanding these questions isn't just about passing a test; it's about mastering essential life-saving skills.

Understanding the AHA CPR Test Format

Before we dive into the sample questions, let's understand the structure and expectations of the AHA CPR test. The exam assesses your knowledge of CPR techniques and protocols for adults, children, and infants. Expect a mix of multiple-choice, true/false, and scenario-based questions. The focus is on practical application and understanding the steps involved in recognizing and responding to cardiac arrest and choking emergencies.

The AHA emphasizes hands-on skills assessment alongside the written exam. Your practical skills will be evaluated during a separate session where you'll demonstrate your ability to perform chest compressions, rescue breaths, and other crucial procedures. Mastering both the written and practical components is essential for certification.

25 Sample Questions & Answers: Your Path to CPR Certification

Let's get started with the sample questions. Remember, these questions are designed to simulate the difficulty and subject matter of the actual AHA CPR test. Pay close attention to the explanations, as understanding why an answer is correct is just as important as knowing the answer itself.

1. What is the first step in providing CPR?

(a) Begin chest compressions. (b) Check for breathing. (c) Check for responsiveness. (d) Call emergency medical services (EMS).

Answer: (c) Check for responsiveness. Always begin by checking if the person is responsive. This involves gently tapping their shoulders and asking loudly, "Are you okay?"

2. How many chest compressions should be given per minute for adult CPR?

(a) 60-80 (b) 80-100 (c) 100-120 (d) 120-140

Answer: (c) 100-120. The AHA recommends a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute for adult CPR.

3. What is the correct compression depth for adult CPR?

(a) 1-2 inches (b) 2-3 inches (c) 3-4 inches (d) 4-5 inches

Answer: (b) 2-3 inches. Compressions should be deep enough to compress the chest by at least 2 inches but no more than 2.4 inches.

4. What is the ratio of compressions to breaths in adult two-rescuer CPR?

(a) 15:2 (b) 30:2 (c) 5:1 (d) 2:15

Answer: (a) 15:2. In two-rescuer CPR for adults, the ratio is 15 chest compressions to 2 rescue breaths.

5. How do you check for a pulse in an unconscious adult?

(a) Carotid artery (b) Brachial artery (c) Femoral artery (d) Radial artery

Answer: (a) Carotid artery. The carotid artery in the neck is the recommended location to check for a pulse in an unconscious adult.

6. What is the most common cause of cardiac arrest in adults?

(a) Stroke (b) Drowning (c) Heart attack (d) Drug overdose

Answer: (c) Heart attack. Heart attacks are the most frequent cause of cardiac arrest in adults.

7. What is the appropriate depth of chest compressions for a child?

(a) About 1 inch (b) About 2 inches (c) About 3 inches (d) About 4 inches

Answer: (b) About 2 inches. The depth of chest compressions for a child is about 2 inches or about one-third the depth of the chest.

8. How many rescue breaths should be given to an infant after 30 chest compressions in a single-rescuer scenario?

(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4

Answer: (b) 2 The ratio for single-rescuer infant CPR is 30:2 (chest compressions to breaths).

9. What is an AED?

(a) Automated External Defibrillator (b) Advanced Emergency Device (c) Automated Emergency Defibrillator (d) Advanced External Device

Answer: (a) Automated External Defibrillator. An AED is a portable electronic device that analyzes the heart's rhythm and delivers an electric shock (defibrillation) if needed to restore a normal heartbeat.

10. When should you use an AED?

(a) Only if the victim is conscious. (b) Only if the victim is unconscious and not breathing. (c) Only if the victim is unconscious, not breathing, and has no pulse. (d) Immediately after checking for responsiveness.

Answer: (c) Only if the victim is unconscious, not breathing, and has no pulse. The AED is used for victims in cardiac arrest.

11. What is the purpose of rescue breaths?

(a) To circulate blood. (b) To provide oxygen to the lungs. (c) To stimulate the heart. (d) To check for a pulse.

Answer: (b) To provide oxygen to the lungs. Rescue breaths provide oxygen to the lungs, helping to keep the victim's tissues oxygenated.

12. What should you do if you encounter an unresponsive victim who is choking?

(a) Perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver). (b) Perform chest thrusts. (c) Perform back blows. (d) Give rescue breaths immediately.

Answer: (a) Perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver). Abdominal thrusts are the appropriate response for an unconscious choking victim.

13. What should you do if you are alone and find an unresponsive adult who is not breathing?

(a) Call 911 first, then start CPR. (b) Start CPR immediately, then call 911 after 2 minutes. (c) Start CPR immediately, then call 911 after 1 minute. (d) Call 911, then wait for EMS to arrive.

Answer: (b) Start CPR immediately, then call 911 after 2 minutes. If alone with an adult, start CPR and call emergency services after 2 minutes (or after the first cycle of CPR).

14. What is the correct hand placement for chest compressions in adults?

(a) One hand on the sternum, the other on the abdomen. (b) Two hands interlocked at the center of the chest. (c) One hand on the upper chest, the other on the lower rib cage. (d) One hand on the xiphoid process.

Answer: (b) Two hands interlocked at the center of the chest. Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest and interlock your other hand on top.

15. What is the rate of chest compressions for infant CPR?

(a) 60-80 compressions per minute (b) 80-100 compressions per minute (c) 100-120 compressions per minute (d) 120-140 compressions per minute

Answer: (c) 100-120 compressions per minute The rate for infant CPR compressions is the same as that for adults.

16. How do you open the airway of an unconscious victim?

(a) Jaw thrust maneuver. (b) Head tilt-chin lift. (c) Head-tilt neck extension. (d) Either (a) or (b) are appropriate.

Answer: (d) Either (a) or (b) are appropriate. Both are acceptable airway opening techniques; however, use the jaw thrust maneuver if a spinal injury is suspected.

17. How long should you check for a pulse before starting CPR?

(a) 10 seconds (b) 15 seconds (c) 30 seconds (d) 1 minute

Answer: (a) 10 seconds. A quick check of 5-10 seconds is sufficient to determine the absence of a pulse.

18. True or False: You should always stop CPR to call emergency medical services.

Answer: False. Begin CPR immediately and call emergency medical services as soon as possible.

19. True or False: You should use different compression depths for children and infants.

Answer: True. Depth differs based on the victim's age and size.

20. What is the primary concern when performing CPR on a victim suspected of having a spinal injury?

(a) Ensuring proper chest compression depth (b) Preventing further spinal damage (c) Performing rescue breaths properly (d) Maintaining a consistent compression rate

Answer: (b) Preventing further spinal damage. Modified techniques are used to minimize movement of the neck and spine.

21. What should you do if a person is choking and can still cough?

(a) Immediately perform the Heimlich maneuver. (b) Encourage them to continue coughing. (c) Call emergency medical services immediately. (d) Give them water to drink.

Answer: (b) Encourage them to continue coughing. A forceful cough is often sufficient to dislodge the object.

22. How do you perform chest compressions on an infant?

(a) Use two thumbs and two fingers. (b) Use two fingers. (c) Use the heel of one hand. (d) Use both hands.

Answer: (b) Use two fingers. Two fingers are used for chest compressions on an infant.

23. When should you stop CPR?

(a) When the victim starts breathing. (b) When EMS arrives. (c) When you are too tired. (d) (a) and (b)

Answer: (d) (a) and (b). Stop when the victim shows signs of life or when EMS takes over.

24. What is the significance of early defibrillation in cardiac arrest?

(a) Increases the chance of survival. (b) Decreases the chance of brain damage. (c) Improves overall recovery. (d) All of the above.

Answer: (d) All of the above. Early defibrillation dramatically improves the chances of survival and reduces long-term complications.

25. What is the most important factor in determining survival after cardiac arrest?

(a) The skill level of the rescuer. (b) Immediate CPR and defibrillation. (c) The availability of advanced medical care. (d) The age of the victim.

Answer: (b) Immediate CPR and defibrillation. The quicker CPR and defibrillation are initiated, the higher the chances of survival.

Beyond the Test: Continuous Learning in CPR

Passing the AHA CPR test is just the first step. Continuous learning and practice are vital to maintaining your skills and ensuring you can confidently respond to emergency situations. Regular refresher courses keep your knowledge and technique up-to-date with the latest AHA guidelines. Remember, every life saved is a testament to your commitment to learning and preparedness. Being CPR-certified empowers you to make a profound difference.