BLS — Basic Life Support Practice Test
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A full bank of original BLS — Basic Life Support practice questions across the official content areas, weighted like the real exam, with explanations. Free, no signup.
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A multiple-choice exam. Practice by topic here, then take the full timed mock exam to gauge readiness.
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Sample practice questions
A few real questions from this free bank, with full explanations. Use the practice tool above for the whole set.
- 1. High-Quality CPR (adult/child/infant)
At what rate should chest compressions be delivered to an adult in cardiac arrest?
- a.60 to 80 compressions per minute
- b.At least 140 compressions per minute
- c.80 to 100 compressions per minute
- d.100 to 120 compressions per minute
Answer: d
Explanation: Current AHA guidelines specify a compression rate of 100 to 120 per minute for all ages. Slower than 100 does not generate adequate perfusion, while faster than 120 shortens the recoil phase so the heart cannot refill, which paradoxically lowers the blood delivered per compression.
- 2. Rescue Breathing/Ventilation
A single rescuer is performing CPR on an adult without an advanced airway. What compression-to-ventilation ratio is used?
- a.Continuous compressions with no breaths
- b.15 compressions to 2 breaths
- c.30 compressions to 2 breaths
- d.5 compressions to 1 breath
Answer: c
Explanation: A lone rescuer uses a 30:2 ratio for adults, children, and infants. The 15:2 ratio applies only when two rescuers are caring for a child or infant. Once an advanced airway is in place, rescuers switch to continuous compressions with one breath every 6 seconds and stop pausing for breaths.
- 3. High-Quality CPR (adult/child/infant)
A team's compression fraction in a 15-minute code was 85%. How should this be interpreted?
- a.It means too few breaths were given
- b.It is below the recommended minimum
- c.It shows the compressor pressed too hard
- d.It is above the 60% minimum target
Answer: d
Explanation: The Guidelines describe a 60% chest compression fraction as a minimum target and note that high-performing teams can exceed 80%. A high fraction means pauses were kept short.
- 4. High-Quality CPR (adult/child/infant)
A patient arrests while lying face down after spine surgery, and turning him would badly delay CPR. What is acceptable?
- a.Giving breaths only until turned
- b.Starting CPR in the prone position
- c.Starting CPR only after an AED arrives
- d.Waiting until the patient can be turned
Answer: b
Explanation: Supine CPR is preferred, but rescuers can consider prone CPR if the supine position is not possible or would significantly delay compressions.
- 5. AED Use
An infant is in cardiac arrest, and the AED has an attenuator and pediatric pads. What should rescuers do?
- a.Wait until 10 minutes of CPR are done
- b.Attach it now with pediatric pads
- c.Use adult pads without the attenuator
- d.Never use an AED on an infant
Answer: b
Explanation: For infants and children in cardiac arrest, an AED should be attached as soon as possible, using a pediatric attenuator and pediatric pads if available.
- 6. Team Dynamics
What did the 2025 Guidelines add about in-hospital code team composition?
- a.One ACLS-trained member, clear roles
- b.Only physicians may join the team
- c.Teams must have at least ten members
- d.Teams should have no assigned leader
Answer: a
Explanation: New recommendations support including at least one member with advanced cardiac life support training and delineating roles with enough people to fill them.
- 7. Rescue Breathing/Ventilation
How long should each breath take during adult CPR?
- a.About 1 second
- b.About 3 seconds
- c.About 5 seconds
- d.As long as possible
Answer: a
Explanation: A 1-second inspiratory time keeps pauses in compressions as short as possible during 30:2 CPR, with just enough volume for visible chest rise.
- 8. Rescue Breathing/Ventilation
What ventilation rate is recommended for an intubated child during CPR?
- a.40 to 50 per minute
- b.10 per minute
- c.5 per minute
- d.20 to 30 per minute
Answer: d
Explanation: For infants and children receiving CPR with an advanced airway, the Guidelines recommend 20 to 30 breaths per minute.
- 9. Relief of Choking
What hand technique is now recommended for infant chest thrusts?
- a.The whole palm of both hands
- b.A closed fist
- c.The heel of the hand
- d.Two fingers
Answer: c
Explanation: The heel-of-hand technique is now recommended for infant chest thrusts because it generates greater depth than the previously recommended two-finger technique.
- 10. Chain of Survival
Which in-hospital systems do the 2025 Guidelines recommend to prevent cardiac arrest?
- a.Removing monitors from wards
- b.Daily defibrillator shocks
- c.Early warning systems and rapid response teams
- d.Routine mechanical CPR devices
Answer: c
Explanation: The Guidelines recommend both early warning systems and rapid response teams to prevent in-hospital arrest, and safety huddles for high-risk patients.