Cpr Test Questions And Answers American Heart Association

CPR Test Questions and Answers: American Heart Association

The American Heart Association (AHA) is the leading authority on CPR training and certification. Passing their CPR test demonstrates competency in providing life-saving assistance. This comprehensive guide provides a range of CPR test questions and answers, mirroring the style and content you might encounter in an official AHA exam. Remember, this is for informational purposes only and doesn't replace official AHA training. Always take an official AHA course to become properly certified.

Understanding the AHA CPR Test Format

Before diving into the questions, let's understand what to expect. The AHA CPR test typically covers various aspects of CPR, including:

• Basic Life Support (BLS): This forms the core of the test, focusing on adult, child, and infant CPR techniques.
• Automated External Defibrillator (AED): Knowledge of AED use, including placement of pads and appropriate response to AED prompts.
• Choking: Recognizing and responding to choking in adults, children, and infants.
• Chain of Survival: Understanding the steps involved in improving survival rates from cardiac arrest.
• Safety Precautions: Protecting yourself and the victim from harm during CPR.

The test format generally includes multiple-choice questions, true/false statements, and possibly scenario-based questions requiring you to choose the best course of action. Some tests might include practical demonstrations of CPR techniques.

Adult CPR Questions and Answers

Q1: You discover an unresponsive adult. What's the first thing you should do?

A: Check for responsiveness and breathing. (Actively check for responsiveness by shouting and gently shaking the individual. Check for normal breathing for no more than 10 seconds.)

Q2: An adult is unresponsive and not breathing normally. What is the next step?

A: Call emergency medical services (EMS) or have someone else call while you begin CPR.

Q3: What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult CPR?

A: 30 compressions to 2 ventilations.

Q4: How deep should chest compressions be for an adult?

A: At least 2 inches (5 cm).

Q5: At what rate should chest compressions be performed for an adult?

A: 100-120 compressions per minute.

Q6: When performing chest compressions on an adult, where should you place your hands?

A: Center of the chest, on the lower half of the sternum.

Q7: You are performing CPR on an adult and another rescuer arrives. What should you do?

A: Allow the other rescuer to take over CPR or switch roles (every 2 minutes or so for effective CPR).

Q8: What are some signs of a possible heart attack?

A: Chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, lightheadedness. Note that not all heart attacks present with classic symptoms.

Child CPR Questions and Answers

Q9: How do you define a child in terms of CPR?

A: Generally, a child is considered to be someone between 1 year and puberty (approximately 8-12 years old).

Q10: What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for child CPR?

A: 30 compressions to 2 ventilations (same as adult). The depth and rate might be adjusted slightly based on the child's size and development.

Q11: How deep should chest compressions be for a child?

A: About 2 inches (5 cm) – or one-third the depth of the chest.

Q12: How do you check for a pulse in a child?

A: Check for a carotid pulse (neck) for no more than 10 seconds.

Q13: When performing CPR on a child, what modifications might you make compared to adult CPR?

A: The rescuer may need to use one or two hands depending on the size of the child. Adjust the depth and rate of compressions as needed to align with the child's size and development.

Infant CPR Questions and Answers

Q14: How do you define an infant in terms of CPR?

A: Generally, an infant is considered to be someone from birth to 1 year old.

Q15: What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for infant CPR?

A: 30 compressions to 2 ventilations (single rescuer). For two rescuers, it's 15 compressions to 2 ventilations.

Q16: How deep should chest compressions be for an infant?

A: About 1.5 inches (4 cm) – or about one-third the depth of the chest.

Q17: How do you perform chest compressions on an infant?

A: Using two fingers, compress the chest just below the nipple line.

Q18: How do you give rescue breaths to an infant?

A: Seal your mouth over the infant's mouth and nose, creating a good seal. Give breaths lasting approximately one second each, making the chest rise visibly.

AED Questions and Answers

Q19: What does AED stand for?

A: Automated External Defibrillator.

Q20: What is the purpose of an AED?

A: To deliver an electric shock to the heart to restore a normal heart rhythm.

Q21: Before using an AED, what should you do?

A: Turn on the AED, and follow the voice prompts. Ensure the area is dry before applying pads.

Q22: Where should you place the AED pads?

A: One pad on the upper right chest and the other on the lower left side of the chest.

Q23: What should you do after delivering a shock from an AED?

A: Immediately resume CPR, starting with chest compressions.

Q24: Can you use an AED on someone with a wet chest?

A: No. Dry the chest before applying the pads.

Choking Questions and Answers

Q25: What are the signs of choking in an adult?

A: Inability to speak, cough weakly or not at all, difficulty breathing, skin turning blue.

Q26: How do you perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) on an adult?

A: Stand behind the victim, wrap your arms around their waist, and make a fist with one hand, placing it just above the navel. Give quick upward thrusts.

Q27: How do you perform chest thrusts on a pregnant person or someone who is obese?

A: Perform chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts. Place the heel of your hand on the center of the chest and give quick, upward thrusts.

Q28: What are the signs of choking in an infant?

A: Inability to cry, poor or absent breathing, turning blue, loss of consciousness.

Q29: How do you help a choking infant?

A: Give back blows (five blows between the shoulder blades) followed by chest thrusts (five chest thrusts).

Chain of Survival Questions and Answers

Q30: What is the chain of survival?

A: A sequence of actions that, when performed quickly and effectively, can dramatically improve the chances of survival after cardiac arrest.

Q31: What are the links in the Chain of Survival?

A: The links typically include: Immediate recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency response system (calling 911 or your local emergency number), early CPR, early defibrillation (AED), and advanced life support.

Q32: Why is early defibrillation so crucial?

A: The sooner a shock is delivered with an AED, the greater the chance of restoring a normal heart rhythm.

Safety Precautions Questions and Answers

Q33: What safety precautions should be taken when performing CPR?

A: Always check the scene for safety before approaching the victim. Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, if available, to protect against the transmission of diseases. Be mindful of your own physical capabilities and avoid injuring yourself.

Q34: What should you do if you suspect a spinal injury?

A: Take extra care in positioning the victim's head and neck while performing CPR. Minimize unnecessary movement. Specialized training is needed for managing spinal injuries.

Q35: When should you stop performing CPR?

A: Stop CPR when: EMS arrives and takes over, the victim shows signs of life (e.g., starts breathing normally), you are too exhausted to continue, or a clear indication that the victim has passed away is present (rigor mortis, etc.).

This comprehensive set of questions and answers provides a strong foundation for understanding the key concepts tested in an AHA CPR exam. However, it is crucial to remember that this is for informational purposes only. You must complete an official AHA CPR course to become certified. The practical skills component is just as important as the theoretical knowledge, and only a proper course will allow you to develop the necessary competency for saving lives.