Basic Life Support Exam A Answer Key

Basic Life Support (BLS) Exam: A Comprehensive Answer Key and Review

This comprehensive guide serves as a detailed answer key and review for a Basic Life Support (BLS) exam. Remember, this is for educational purposes only and should not replace proper BLS training from a certified instructor. Always refer to the latest American Heart Association (AHA) or your local governing body's guidelines for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Passing a BLS exam requires practical skills assessment in addition to theoretical knowledge. This resource focuses on the theoretical component.

Section 1: Recognizing and Responding to Emergencies

1. What are the first steps in responding to an emergency situation?

The first steps involve checking for scene safety, ensuring your own safety and the safety of others before approaching the victim. Then, check for responsiveness by gently shaking the victim and asking loudly, "Are you okay?" If unresponsive, activate the emergency response system (EMS) by calling for help (e.g., 911 in the US) and then checking for breathing and pulse.

2. What is the difference between expressed and implied consent?

• Expressed consent: The victim verbally or nonverbally gives permission for you to provide care. This could be a nod, a verbal "yes," or other clear indication.
• Implied consent: Consent is assumed because the victim is unconscious or unable to communicate. This applies only in life-threatening situations. You are legally protected for providing care in such instances.

3. What are the components of a good scene survey?

A thorough scene survey includes:

• Assessing for hazards: Is the scene safe? Are there potential dangers like fire, traffic, downed power lines, or unstable structures?
• Number of victims: Are there multiple casualties? This impacts the strategy of response and the need for additional help.
• Mechanism of injury/illness: How did the emergency occur? This information provides valuable clues about potential injuries.
• Bystanders: Are there bystanders who can provide information about what happened?

Section 2: Adult BLS: CPR and Airway Management

1. Describe the steps of adult CPR.

Adult CPR involves these steps:

• Check for responsiveness and breathing: Check for normal breathing—chest rise and fall—for no more than 10 seconds.
• Activate EMS: Call for emergency help immediately if the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally.
• Chest compressions: Perform chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute, with a depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm). Allow for complete chest recoil between compressions. Use the heel of one hand, with the other hand on top, positioned in the center of the chest.
• Rescue breaths: After 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths, each lasting about 1 second, ensuring visible chest rise. If the breaths don't go in, reposition the head and try again. If still unsuccessful, continue compressions only.
• Continue cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths: Repeat the cycle of 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths until EMS arrives or the person shows signs of life (e.g., breathing spontaneously).

2. What is the proper hand placement for chest compressions in adults?

The proper hand placement is in the center of the chest, between the nipples. Use the heel of one hand, with the other hand on top, to provide consistent pressure.

3. What is the importance of proper hand placement and depth of compressions?

Proper hand placement ensures that compressions are effective in pumping blood to the brain and other vital organs. Incorrect hand placement can result in broken ribs, ineffective compressions, and internal organ damage. Appropriate depth (at least 2 inches) is crucial for sufficient blood flow.

4. How do you open the airway in an unresponsive adult?

Use the head-tilt-chin-lift maneuver. Gently tilt the head back by lifting the chin while keeping the other hand on the forehead to maintain the head tilt. Avoid excessive neck extension, especially if a neck injury is suspected.

5. What is the difference between using a bag-valve mask (BVM) and performing rescue breaths?

A bag-valve mask (BVM) provides a more controlled and consistent delivery of oxygen to the lungs than rescue breaths performed directly by mouth. BVMs are used by trained healthcare providers and require two rescuers for proper operation. Rescue breaths are a simpler technique used when no BVM is available.

Section 3: Child and Infant BLS

1. What are the key differences in performing CPR on a child versus an adult?

Key differences include:

• Compression depth: For children (1 year to puberty), compress the chest to at least one-third the depth of the chest (approximately 2 inches). For infants (less than 1 year), compress about 1.5 inches.
• Compression rate: The compression rate remains 100-120 compressions per minute for both children and infants.
• Rescuer ratio: For a single rescuer, the ratio of compressions to breaths remains 30:2 for both children and infants. Two-rescuer CPR involves a 15:2 ratio.
• Airway management: The head-tilt-chin-lift maneuver is used cautiously, considering the possibility of cervical injury.
• Checking for a pulse: The carotid pulse (neck) is usually checked in children, while the brachial pulse (inner arm) is checked in infants.

2. What are the steps for opening the airway in an infant?

In an infant, use the modified head-tilt-chin-lift maneuver. Support the infant's head and neck. Gently tilt the head back slightly while lifting the chin. Avoid excessive extension.

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

Use two fingers to perform chest compressions on an infant, positioned in the center of the chest, just below the nipple line.

4. How do you perform rescue breaths on an infant?

For rescue breaths on an infant, use a mouth-to-mouth-and-nose technique, creating a seal with your mouth over the infant's mouth and nose.

Section 4: Advanced BLS Considerations (For More Advanced Certification)

(Note: This section covers concepts typically included in advanced BLS courses like ACLS. This is a brief overview and does not replace formal advanced life support training.)

1. What is the importance of early defibrillation in cardiac arrest?

Early defibrillation is crucial because it can restore a normal heart rhythm, significantly increasing the chances of survival. The sooner defibrillation is administered, the better the outcome.

2. What are the signs and symptoms of a heart attack?

Signs and symptoms of a heart attack can include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, lightheadedness, and pain radiating to the arm, jaw, or back. These symptoms may vary significantly between individuals.

3. What is the role of advanced airway management in BLS?

Advanced airway management techniques, such as endotracheal intubation, provide a more secure airway for delivering oxygen and ventilation during cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. These techniques require specialized training.

4. What are some common rhythms seen in cardiac arrest?

Common rhythms encountered in cardiac arrest include ventricular fibrillation (VF) and pulseless ventricular tachycardia (pVT). These are life-threatening rhythms requiring immediate defibrillation.

Section 5: Post-Cardiac Arrest Care

1. What are the post-cardiac arrest care considerations?

Post-cardiac arrest care focuses on stabilizing the patient and providing supportive care. This may include advanced airway management, mechanical ventilation, medication administration (e.g., vasopressors), and monitoring vital signs. The goal is to ensure adequate oxygenation and perfusion to the vital organs and minimize neurological damage.

2. What is the importance of post-resuscitation care?

Post-resuscitation care is vital to improve the chances of neurological recovery and survival. This involves careful monitoring, treatment of complications, and supportive measures to help the patient recover.

3. What is hypothermia therapy?

Induced hypothermia (therapeutic hypothermia) is sometimes used after cardiac arrest to reduce brain damage. This involves cooling the body's temperature to a certain level for a period of time.

Conclusion: Preparing for Your BLS Exam

This comprehensive review provides a strong foundation for understanding the theoretical aspects of BLS. Remember, practical skills are equally important and mandatory for certification. Practice the skills repeatedly, and seek feedback from a qualified instructor. Understand the rationale behind each step to ensure you can apply your knowledge effectively in a real-life emergency. This information is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for proper training. Always refer to your local governing body’s guidelines and the latest AHA guidelines for the most current and accurate information. Good luck with your BLS exam!