When approaching the Basic Life Support (BLS) exam, focus on key concepts such as airway management, chest compressions, and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). Ensure you understand the sequence of CPR steps: Check for responsiveness, call for help, initiate chest compressions, and provide rescue breaths. Be familiar with the compression depth and rate as outlined in the 2025 guidelines: 2 inches deep at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
Review scenarios involving adult, child, and infant patients, as each requires specific adjustments in technique. For instance, when performing chest compressions on an infant, use two fingers and a depth of about 1.5 inches. In contrast, for an adult, the heel of one hand is used with deeper compressions, ensuring proper circulation. Understanding the differences will be critical in answering scenario-based questions.
Don’t forget to practice the use of AEDs. Know how to attach the pads correctly and follow the machine’s prompts. The AED can help determine whether a shock is needed, significantly improving the chance of survival in cases of cardiac arrest. Stay up to date with the 2025 changes to ensure you can pass the exam with confidence.
Basic Life Support Exam B Answers 25 Questions 2025
1. The correct compression depth for an adult is at least 2 inches (5 cm). Aim for a depth between 2 inches (5 cm) and 2.4 inches (6 cm). This ensures effective blood circulation during chest compressions.
2. To perform chest compressions on an adult, use the heel of one hand, placed in the center of the chest, with the other hand on top. Keep your arms straight, and use your body weight to apply pressure.
3. During CPR, you should compress at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. Consistency is key to maintaining proper blood flow.
4. If the patient is unresponsive and not breathing, immediately call for help and start CPR. Don’t delay even if you are unsure of the exact cause of their condition.
5. When using an AED, ensure the area around the person is dry. Follow the AED prompts and avoid touching the person during the shock cycle to prevent harm.
6. For infants, use two fingers to perform chest compressions. Compress about 1.5 inches (4 cm) deep, at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
7. When giving rescue breaths, deliver each breath over 1 second, ensuring the chest rises. If the chest doesn’t rise, recheck the airway and reposition the head before attempting another breath.
8. If you are alone with an infant and need to call for help, perform 2 minutes of CPR first before dialing emergency services. This increases the chances of survival.
9. In cases of choking, encourage the person to cough if they are able to. If they cannot cough, perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) to expel the object blocking the airway.
10. In a two-rescuer scenario for CPR on an adult, one rescuer should perform chest compressions while the other provides rescue breaths. Switch roles every 2 minutes to avoid fatigue.
11. If an AED is not available, continue CPR until emergency medical personnel arrive or an AED becomes available. Early chest compressions are critical for survival.
12. The compression-to-ventilation ratio for adults in CPR is 30:2. This means 30 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths, repeating this cycle continuously.
13. For children aged 1 to puberty, use one or two hands for compressions, depending on the size of the child. Compress the chest at least 2 inches (5 cm) deep at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
14. When performing CPR on a pregnant woman, you should perform the same steps as you would for any adult, but tilt the woman slightly to the left to reduce pressure on the vena cava.
15. If an object is visible in the mouth of a choking child or adult, use your finger to sweep it out. Only attempt a finger sweep if you can see the object clearly.
16. In cases of cardiac arrest, early defibrillation with an AED increases the chances of survival. Apply the pads to the patient’s chest as soon as possible, following the machine’s instructions.
17. When providing CPR to a victim of drowning, continue with chest compressions and rescue breaths at a ratio of 30:2. Drowning victims often respond better to early and consistent ventilation.
18. If you’re unsure about the age of the victim, perform CPR using adult guidelines for anyone older than 8 years. For children under 8, use child-specific protocols.
19. If you see that the victim is breathing or moving, stop CPR. However, continue to monitor the victim closely until emergency responders arrive.
20. When applying chest compressions, avoid pressing on the abdomen, ribs, or the xiphoid process (the small bone at the bottom of the sternum). Focus on the center of the chest.
21. If a victim is not breathing but has a pulse, provide rescue breaths at a rate of 1 breath every 5-6 seconds for an adult, or every 3-5 seconds for a child or infant.
22. Do not interrupt chest compressions for more than 10 seconds, as this reduces the chances of survival. Stay focused and continue until the AED is ready or medical help arrives.
23. When using an AED on a child under 8 years old, use pediatric pads if available. If not, use adult pads, ensuring they don’t touch each other when placed on the child’s chest.
24. If a victim becomes responsive during CPR, place them in the recovery position to keep the airway open and prevent aspiration of fluids.
25. Always ensure that the area is safe for both the rescuer and the victim before providing care. Be mindful of traffic, fire, or other hazards that could complicate the situation.
Understanding the Most Commonly Tested BLS Scenarios in 2025
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) remains at the core of most Basic Life Support (BLS) exams. The scenarios you’ll encounter often involve quick decisions, with clear steps required to save lives. Practicing these situations will ensure you perform correctly under pressure.
Among the scenarios, unresponsiveness with no pulse and breathing is the most frequently tested. In this case, immediate chest compressions followed by rescue breaths are necessary to maintain circulation and oxygenation until emergency help arrives.
The next most common situation involves choking. It’s critical to recognize the severity of the obstruction. For an adult or child over one year old, administer back blows and abdominal thrusts. The Heimlich maneuver should be performed correctly to dislodge the object from the airway.
Another prevalent scenario is the management of a person in cardiac arrest. Candidates must demonstrate the importance of early defibrillation and the proper use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). An AED should be used immediately after 5 cycles of CPR if available.
Finally, a growing focus in recent exams is recognizing and responding to a stroke. Recognizing stroke symptoms quickly using the FAST (Face, Arm, Speech, Time) test can determine whether to activate emergency services for immediate treatment.
| Scenario | Action Required | Key Point |
|---|---|---|
| Unresponsiveness with No Pulse | CPR: 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths | Focus on early chest compressions to maintain blood flow |
| Choking (Adult/Child) | Back blows and abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) | Ensure the obstruction is cleared without causing further injury |
| Cardiac Arrest | Start CPR and use an AED after 5 cycles | Use AED as soon as available, even if it interrupts CPR |
| Stroke | FAST Test: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency services | Early recognition and calling for help can improve outcomes |
By practicing these scenarios, you can ensure that you respond accurately and efficiently, increasing your chances of passing the BLS exam in 2025.
How to Approach the Key Questions in the BLS Exam 2025
Focus on mastering the basics of CPR, airway management, and defibrillation. The key areas tested in the BLS exam are practical skills and quick decision-making in emergency situations. Understand the correct sequence of actions and the rationale behind them.
1. Understand CPR Steps
- Ensure the scene is safe before approaching the patient.
- Check for responsiveness and breathing. If unresponsive and not breathing, immediately begin chest compressions.
- Know the compression depth (at least 2 inches for adults) and rate (100-120 compressions per minute).
- After 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths. Follow the correct technique for sealing the airway.
- Keep alternating compressions and breaths until help arrives or the person starts breathing.
2. Master Airway Management
- Use the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver to open the airway. This is vital when administering rescue breaths.
- For obstructed airways, practice the Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts) on adults and children.
- If the patient has a foreign object obstructing their airway, use back blows and chest thrusts.
3. Defibrillation Knowledge
- Familiarize yourself with the steps for using an AED (Automated External Defibrillator). Turn on the device, attach the pads, and follow the voice prompts.
- Ensure you are clear of the patient while the AED analyzes the heart rhythm. Only deliver a shock if advised by the device.
Revisit the AHA (American Heart Association) guidelines for the latest updates, especially on CPR ratios and the use of AEDs. These are commonly tested concepts in the BLS exam.
Stay confident and focused. The BLS exam tests your ability to react swiftly and correctly under pressure, so practicing these procedures will help you perform at your best during the exam.
Practical Tips for Achieving a High Score in the Basic Life Support Exam
Focus on mastering CPR techniques, especially chest compressions and rescue breaths. The exam emphasizes hands-on skills, so practice performing CPR with the correct depth, rate, and hand placement. Use manikins to simulate real-life scenarios and ensure your technique is accurate.
Memorize the steps of the chain of survival. These steps often appear in the test and are key to understanding the proper sequence of actions in an emergency. Each step has a specific role, and understanding this will help you prioritize your actions during a crisis.
Use Practice Tests Effectively
Take multiple practice exams to familiarize yourself with the question format. Many questions focus on decision-making during emergencies, so practicing under time pressure will boost your confidence. Pay attention to why certain answers are correct or incorrect to learn from your mistakes.
Study Key Medical Terms and Concepts
Understand common medical terminology and conditions that may be relevant to the exam. Conditions like cardiac arrest, stroke, and choking are frequently referenced, and knowing their signs and treatment will help you answer questions quickly and accurately.