CSLB General Building (B) — All Questions
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What is the recommended compression rate for adult CPR?
- a.100 to 120 per minute✓
- b.60 to 80 per minute
- c.140 to 160 per minute
- d.80 to 100 per minute
High-quality CPR uses a compression rate of 100 to 120 per minute. Rates that are too slow or too fast reduce cardiac output and coronary perfusion.
What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for one-rescuer adult CPR?
- a.15:2
- b.30:2✓
- c.5:1
- d.10:2
Single-rescuer adult CPR uses 30 compressions to 2 breaths. This ratio maximizes chest compressions while still providing ventilation.
What is the minimum compression depth for an adult during CPR?
- a.About 1 inch (2.5 cm)
- b.About 3 inches (7.5 cm)
- c.At least 2 inches (5 cm)✓
- d.About 1.5 inches (4 cm)
Adult chest compressions should be at least 2 inches (5 cm) but not more than 2.4 inches (6 cm) deep. Adequate depth is essential to generate blood flow.
For two-rescuer CPR on a child, the compression-to-ventilation ratio is:
- a.30:2
- b.5:1
- c.10:2
- d.15:2✓
When two rescuers perform CPR on an infant or child, the ratio is 15:2. With a single rescuer, the child ratio is 30:2, the same as adults.
The single most important intervention to improve survival that an EMT can deliver for witnessed sudden cardiac arrest is:
- a.Early defibrillation with an AED plus high-quality CPR✓
- b.Administering oral glucose
- c.Applying a tourniquet
- d.Placing the patient in the recovery position
Early defibrillation combined with early high-quality CPR offers the best chance of survival in cardiac arrest from a shockable rhythm. Every minute of delay to defibrillation reduces survival.
When an AED advises 'no shock advised' but the patient remains pulseless, you should:
- a.Wait 5 minutes before doing anything
- b.Immediately resume CPR starting with compressions✓
- c.Remove the pads and transport
- d.Give a second analysis right away without CPR
A 'no shock advised' message means the rhythm is not shockable, so resume CPR immediately beginning with chest compressions. The AED will reanalyze after about two minutes of CPR.
How deep should chest compressions be for an infant?
- a.At least 2 inches
- b.About 1 inch
- c.About 1.5 inches (4 cm), roughly one third of chest depth✓
- d.3 inches
Infant compressions should be about 1.5 inches (4 cm), or approximately one third the depth of the chest. Two fingers or the two-thumb encircling technique is used.
A conscious adult reports crushing chest pressure radiating to the left arm. After ensuring no contraindications, the EMT may assist with:
- a.Oral glucose
- b.Activated charcoal
- c.A tourniquet
- d.Chewable aspirin✓
For suspected acute coronary syndrome, EMTs may assist with chewable aspirin, which reduces clot formation, if the patient has no allergy or contraindication. Aspirin improves outcomes in heart attack.
Before assisting a patient with prescribed nitroglycerin for chest pain, the EMT must confirm:
- a.Adequate blood pressure (typically systolic above 90 to 100 mmHg) and no recent erectile dysfunction drugs✓
- b.The patient has eaten recently
- c.The patient has a fever
- d.There is no aspirin allergy
Nitroglycerin dilates vessels and can cause dangerous hypotension, so blood pressure must be adequate first. It is also contraindicated with recent erectile dysfunction medications, which together can cause severe hypotension.
During CPR, allowing the chest to fully recoil between compressions is important because it:
- a.Increases compression rate
- b.Allows the heart to refill with blood, improving the next compression's output✓
- c.Reduces the need for ventilation
- d.Prevents rib fractures entirely
Full chest recoil lets the heart refill with blood between compressions, improving blood flow with each push. Leaning on the chest reduces venous return and lowers CPR effectiveness.
If a patient in cardiac arrest has a transdermal medication patch on the chest where an AED pad must go, you should:
- a.Place the pad directly over the patch
- b.Cancel AED use
- c.Remove the patch and wipe the area before applying the pad✓
- d.Apply the AED pad to the back only
A medication patch under an AED pad can block energy delivery or cause a burn. Remove it and wipe the skin dry before placing the pad.
What is the compression rate for infant and child CPR?
- a.60 to 80 per minute
- b.80 to 100 per minute
- c.140 to 160 per minute
- d.100 to 120 per minute✓
The compression rate for infants and children is the same as for adults, 100 to 120 per minute. Consistent rate and depth are key to effective CPR at all ages.
The purpose of minimizing interruptions in chest compressions is to:
- a.Maintain coronary and cerebral blood flow✓
- b.Save equipment
- c.Allow more time for ventilation
- d.Let the AED charge faster only
Blood flow generated by compressions falls quickly when compressions stop and takes time to rebuild. Minimizing interruptions keeps perfusion to the heart and brain as high as possible.
A patient becomes unresponsive and pulseless while you are attaching monitoring equipment. Your immediate action is to:
- a.Search for a medical bracelet first
- b.Begin high-quality chest compressions✓
- c.Give two rescue breaths first
- d.Check blood glucose
For an unresponsive, pulseless adult, start chest compressions immediately following the compressions-airway-breathing sequence. Early compressions are the priority in cardiac arrest.
AED pads for a small child when pediatric pads are unavailable should be:
- a.Never used at any energy
- b.Cut in half to fit
- c.Placed using adult pads, one on the chest and one on the back if needed to avoid overlap✓
- d.Placed only on the abdomen
If pediatric pads or a pediatric setting are unavailable, adult pads may be used on a child, ensuring the pads do not touch each other by placing one anterior and one posterior if needed. Defibrillation should not be withheld.
Which is a classic sign that a patient may be having a heart attack in addition to chest pain?
- a.Warm, dry, pink skin
- b.Slow, deep pain-free breathing
- c.Increased hunger
- d.Diaphoresis (heavy sweating), nausea, and shortness of breath✓
Acute coronary syndrome often presents with sweating, nausea, and dyspnea along with chest discomfort. Recognizing these associated signs helps identify a possible heart attack, especially when chest pain is atypical.
Hands-only CPR by bystanders is encouraged for adults primarily because:
- a.Continuous compressions maintain blood flow and bystanders are more willing to act✓
- b.Ventilations are harmful
- c.It replaces the need for an AED
- d.It is only appropriate for children
For sudden adult cardiac arrest, continuous chest compressions maintain circulation and bystanders are more likely to perform CPR without mouth-to-mouth. Early bystander compressions improve survival.
Where should the heel of the hand be placed for adult chest compressions?
- a.Over the upper sternum near the collarbones
- b.On the center of the chest, on the lower half of the sternum✓
- c.Over the left nipple
- d.On the upper abdomen below the ribs
Compressions are delivered on the lower half of the sternum in the center of the chest. Correct hand placement maximizes cardiac output and reduces injury.
A conscious patient with a suspected heart attack should generally be placed in what position if no hypotension or altered mental status is present?
- a.Flat and supine
- b.Trendelenburg (head down)
- c.A position of comfort, often sitting up✓
- d.Prone
A conscious cardiac patient without hypotension is usually most comfortable sitting up, which can ease breathing and reduce workload. Keep the patient calm and limit exertion.
The main reason to switch compressors about every 2 minutes during CPR is to:
- a.Follow the AED's request
- b.Give the patient a rest
- c.Allow ventilations to catch up
- d.Prevent rescuer fatigue that reduces compression quality✓
Compression quality declines with fatigue, often before the rescuer notices. Switching about every two minutes, ideally during a rhythm check, keeps compressions effective.
After an AED delivers a shock, the rescuer should:
- a.Immediately resume chest compressions✓
- b.Check for a pulse for 30 seconds
- c.Wait for the AED to advise again before touching the patient
- d.Remove the pads
Immediately after a shock, resume CPR starting with compressions for about two minutes before the next rhythm analysis. This minimizes the pause in blood flow and improves outcomes.
For an unresponsive adult who is not breathing normally, how should you check for a pulse and for how long?
- a.Radial pulse for 30 seconds
- b.Carotid pulse for no more than 10 seconds✓
- c.Pedal pulse for 20 seconds
- d.Brachial pulse for 15 seconds
In an unresponsive adult, check the carotid pulse for no more than 10 seconds. If no definite pulse is felt within that time, begin chest compressions.