Complete AHA CPR Question Set and Verified Life-Saving Procedure Responses

Begin compressions immediately when a person shows no pulse or breathing. Perform 100 to 120 compressions per minute, maintaining a depth of 2 to 2.4 inches for adults. Keep hands centered on the chest and allow full recoil after each compression.

Adjust technique for children and infants by using one or two fingers for infants and the heel of one hand for children. Compression depth should be approximately one-third of the chest diameter. Maintain the same rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.

Coordinate rescue breaths properly by giving 2 breaths after every 30 compressions for adults, and 2 breaths after every 15 compressions for infants and children if performing two-rescuer intervention. Ensure breaths are delivered over 1 second and produce visible chest rise.

Use an automated external defibrillator as soon as possible. Follow device prompts carefully and resume compressions immediately after the shock. Continuous monitoring and rapid intervention improve survival rates significantly.

Recognize common errors such as incorrect hand placement, insufficient depth, or excessive interruptions. Review scenarios regularly to reinforce proper rhythm, timing, and technique, improving both confidence and skill retention.

CPR Knowledge Evaluation Overview

Initiate chest compressions at a rate of 100–120 per minute with a depth of 2–2.4 inches for adults. Ensure full chest recoil after each push to optimize blood circulation. Minimize interruptions to maintain perfusion.

Use the 30:2 ratio for single-rescuer scenarios with adults, switching to continuous compressions if an advanced airway is in place. For infants, deliver 100–120 compressions per minute with a depth of approximately 1.5 inches, using two fingers for single-rescuer interventions.

Airway management requires a head tilt–chin lift for adults and children without suspected spinal injury. For infants, use a neutral position. Deliver rescue breaths lasting about one second, observing visible chest rise.

Automated external devices should be applied immediately once available. Follow device prompts without delay, and resume compressions as directed. Pad placement is upper right chest and lower left side for adults and children over 8 years; for infants, anterior-posterior placement is recommended.

Recognize signs of sudden collapse and absence of normal breathing before initiating life support procedures. Pulse checks should not exceed 10 seconds. Rapid recognition significantly improves survival probability.

Regular practice of high-fidelity simulations improves retention of compression depth, hand positioning, and rhythm accuracy. Reinforce procedural memory with repeated drills under timed conditions.

Use barrier devices for ventilations to reduce exposure risk. Maintain proper hygiene and follow infection control guidelines during all resuscitation activities.

If you want, I can create a longer version with step-by-step adult, child, and infant procedures in the same precise style. Do you want me to do that?

Identifying Signs of Cardiac Arrest Quickly

Check responsiveness immediately. Tap the person’s shoulders and ask loudly if they are okay. If there is no response, assume a serious event is occurring. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Assess breathing and pulse at the same time. If breathing is absent or only gasping, and you cannot detect a pulse in under 10 seconds, this indicates the heart has stopped functioning effectively. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Look for sudden collapse or loss of consciousness. In most cases outside hospital settings, the person falls to the ground without warning, then remains unresponsive and pale. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Recognize abnormal breathing patterns. Agonal gasps – sporadic, shallow, laboured breaths – often occur in a cardiac arrest scenario and should NOT be mistaken for normal respiration. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Understand that chest discomfort or palpitations may precede the event. Although unexpected collapse can happen without symptoms, in some cases individuals experience dizziness, rapid or irregular heartbeats, shortness of breath or chest pressure moments before full arrest. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Act within minutes. Every minute without effective intervention reduces survival chances significantly. Immediate recognition and activation of emergency assistance must follow the detection of these signs. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Link to source for reference: Visit the official resource at heart.org – Cardiac Arrest. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

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Correct Chest Compression Technique for Adults

Place hands properly: Position the heel of one hand on the center of the chest, on the lower half of the sternum. Place the other hand on top, interlocking fingers. Keep arms straight and shoulders directly above hands.

• Compression depth: Push down 2–2.4 inches (5–6 cm) per compression.
• Compression rate: Maintain 100–120 compressions per minute. Use a metronome or count aloud for consistency.
• Chest recoil: Allow full return of the chest between compressions to maximize blood flow.
• Minimize interruptions: Limit pauses to less than 10 seconds when providing ventilations or switching rescuers.

Body positioning: Kneel beside the person, keep elbows locked, and use upper body weight for compressions rather than just arm strength. This reduces fatigue and maintains compression depth.

Continuous monitoring: Observe for adequate chest rise if ventilations are provided and ensure compressions remain vertical. Adjust hand placement slightly if chest does not recoil properly.

1. Confirm the surface is firm and flat to prevent energy loss during compressions.
2. Switch rescuers every 2 minutes to maintain consistent depth and rate.
3. Use mechanical assistance only when available and trained, following device prompts strictly.

Remember: Accurate hand placement, depth, and rhythm are the most predictive factors for improving survival outcomes in adult cardiac emergencies.

Adjusting Compression Depth for Children and Infants

Modify compression depth according to age and body size to ensure effective perfusion without causing injury.

Maintain full chest recoil between compressions to optimize blood return. Ensure compressions are vertical and avoid leaning on the chest to prevent injury.

Switch rescuers frequently during prolonged interventions to preserve compression depth and rhythm. Observe the chest for adequate rise with breaths to confirm effective ventilation.

Adjust technique dynamically if the chest does not depress to recommended depth, using controlled force while maintaining proper hand positioning.

Timing and Ratio of Compressions to Breaths

Use a 30:2 ratio for single rescuers on adults. Deliver 30 chest compressions followed by 2 ventilations. Maintain compressions at 100–120 per minute and breaths lasting approximately 1 second each.

For children and infants with one rescuer, the 30:2 ratio remains standard. When two rescuers are present, switch to 15 compressions followed by 2 breaths to reduce fatigue and improve oxygen delivery.

Minimize pauses between compressions and breaths. Transition quickly from the last compression to ventilation and return immediately to compressions to maintain circulation.

Observe chest rise during ventilation to confirm airway patency and correct breath volume. Avoid excessive force that can cause gastric inflation.

Adjust rate dynamically to sustain 100–120 compressions per minute, using a metronome or rhythmic counting. Maintain a consistent ratio without skipping breaths or compressions.

For advanced airway placement, provide continuous compressions at 100–120 per minute with 1 breath every 6 seconds for adults, children, and infants, without interrupting compressions.

Safe Use of Automated External Defibrillators

Turn on the device immediately and follow the voice prompts step by step. Ensure the environment is safe and free from water or metal surfaces before applying pads.

Expose the chest fully. Remove clothing, jewelry, and any medication patches. Shave excessive hair if it prevents proper pad adhesion. Place pads as indicated: one on the upper right chest and the other on the lower left side for adults and children over 8 years; for infants or small children, use anterior-posterior placement.

Do not touch the person during rhythm analysis. Warn bystanders to stand clear. Movement can interfere with the device’s detection and delay shock delivery.

Deliver shocks only when advised by the device. Immediately resume compressions after each shock without delay. Continue following the prompts until advanced help arrives or the person regains consciousness and normal breathing.

Check battery and pad expiration regularly to ensure readiness. Replace depleted or expired components according to manufacturer instructions.

Maintain proper hygiene. Use gloves and avoid direct contact with bodily fluids during pad placement and device handling.

Rescue Breathing for Different Age Groups

Adults: Open the airway using head tilt–chin lift. Deliver 1 breath over 1 second, watching for visible chest rise. Provide 2 ventilations after 30 compressions if performing single-rescuer intervention. Avoid excessive force to prevent gastric inflation.

Children (1 year to puberty): Use the same head tilt–chin lift technique. Give 1 breath over 1 second, ensuring chest rises. Single-rescuer compression-to-breath ratio is 30:2; two rescuers switch to 15:2. Maintain 100–120 compressions per minute.

Infants (under 1 year): Place head in neutral position. Deliver gentle puffs of air using mouth-to-mouth-and-nose technique, about 1 second per breath. Single rescuer uses 30:2; two rescuers use 15:2 with two-finger compressions. Observe for chest rise without over-inflation.

Continuous monitoring: Ensure airway remains open during rescue breathing. If the chest does not rise, reposition head and check for obstructions. Deliver breaths smoothly, avoiding rapid or forceful ventilation.

Switch rescuers periodically during prolonged interventions to maintain breath quality and compression rhythm. Confirm airway patency before each set of breaths.

Responding to Choking During CPR

Recognize complete airway obstruction. Look for inability to speak, weak or no cough, and cyanosis. If the person becomes unresponsive during CPR, continue life support measures immediately.

• Adults and children: Perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) if responsive. If the person loses consciousness, place on a firm surface and begin chest compressions.
• Infants: Deliver 5 back slaps followed by 5 chest thrusts using two fingers. Repeat until the object is expelled or the infant becomes unresponsive.

Integrate airway management into compressions. During CPR, check the mouth for visible obstructions before each set of ventilations. Remove any object using a finger sweep only if it is visible.

1. Call emergency services immediately if not already done.
2. Begin compressions at standard depth and rate for the age group.
3. After 30 compressions (adults) or 15 (children/infants with two rescuers), attempt 2 ventilations. Repeat cycles while monitoring for airway clearance.
4. Continue alternating compressions and ventilations until the object is expelled or advanced help arrives.

Maintain calm and continuous observation of breathing and consciousness. Rapid recognition and integration of obstruction relief into ongoing compressions improves survival chances.

Common Errors in CPR and How to Avoid Them

Incorrect hand placement: Position the heel of the hand on the lower half of the sternum. Avoid placing hands too high on the chest or over the ribs to prevent ineffective compressions or injury. Check alignment with sternum center before each cycle.

Insufficient compression depth: Adults require 2–2.4 inches, children about 2 inches, infants 1.5 inches. Use upper body weight rather than arms alone to maintain consistent depth.

Improper compression rate: Maintain 100–120 compressions per minute. Use rhythmic counting or a metronome to sustain proper speed.

Incomplete chest recoil: Allow full rise between compressions. Leaning on the chest reduces venous return and cardiac output. Keep elbows straight and shoulders above hands.

Excessive ventilation: Deliver breaths over 1 second with visible chest rise. Avoid rapid or forceful breaths to prevent gastric inflation.

Frequent interruptions: Limit pauses to under 10 seconds when switching rescuers or using devices. Plan transitions in advance to minimize downtime.

Ignoring rescuer fatigue: Rotate every 2 minutes if possible. Fatigue reduces depth and consistency of compressions.

Poor AED pad placement or delayed use: Apply pads directly on bare, dry skin and follow voice prompts immediately. Ensure no one touches the person during analysis and shock delivery.

Step-by-Step Adult and Pediatric CPR Sequence

Adult Sequence:

1. Check responsiveness. Tap shoulders and ask loudly if the person is okay.
2. Call emergency services immediately if unresponsive.
3. Open the airway using head tilt–chin lift.
4. Assess breathing and pulse simultaneously for no more than 10 seconds.
5. If absent, begin chest compressions: 2–2.4 inches depth, 100–120 per minute, heel of one hand on lower half of sternum, other hand on top, elbows locked.
6. After 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths lasting about 1 second each. Observe chest rise.
7. Continue cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths. Minimize interruptions. Use AED as soon as available, following prompts.

Pediatric Sequence (1 year to puberty):

1. Check responsiveness and breathing.
2. Call emergency services. If alone, provide 2 minutes of compressions and breaths before leaving to activate EMS.
3. Open airway using head tilt–chin lift.
4. Check pulse at brachial or carotid artery for no more than 10 seconds.
5. Begin compressions: ~2 inches depth, 100–120 per minute. One or both hands depending on size.
6. Single rescuer: 30 compressions and 2 breaths. Two rescuers: 15 compressions and 2 breaths.
7. Continue cycles until help arrives, the child recovers, or advanced devices are ready.

Infant Sequence (under 1 year):

1. Check responsiveness by tapping feet and calling name.
2. Call emergency services. If alone, provide 2 minutes of intervention before leaving to summon help.
3. Open airway to neutral position.
4. Check pulse at brachial artery for no more than 10 seconds.
5. Begin compressions: 1.5 inches depth using two fingers for single rescuer; encircle chest with hands for two rescuers.
6. Single rescuer: 30 compressions and 2 gentle breaths. Two rescuers: 15 compressions and 2 breaths.
7. Alternate compressions and ventilations continuously until recovery or professional assistance arrives.

Monitoring and Care After Successful Resuscitation

Maintain airway and breathing support. Continue oxygen supplementation if available, and monitor for any signs of airway obstruction or respiratory distress. Use head tilt–chin lift or jaw-thrust maneuvers as needed.

Assess circulation continuously. Monitor pulse, blood pressure, and perfusion. Observe skin color, temperature, and capillary refill. Adjust patient positioning to optimize cardiac output.

Prevent complications such as hypothermia, aspiration, or recurrent arrhythmias. Keep patient warm, suction secretions if necessary, and prepare for advanced interventions if deterioration occurs.

Document interventions and observations. Record time of return of spontaneous circulation, vital signs, ventilatory support, and any additional treatments administered. Accurate documentation guides ongoing care and transfer to higher-level facilities.