CPR Basic CPR Principles 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended compression rate for CPR?
- 60–80 compressions per minute
- 100–120 compressions per minute (Correct answer)
- 80–100 compressions per minute
- 120–140 compressions per minute
Correct answer: 100–120 compressions per minute
The AHA recommends a compression rate of 100–120 per minute for both adult and pediatric CPR.
Question 2: Where should you place your hands during adult chest compressions?
- On the upper half of the sternum
- On the lower half of the sternum (Correct answer)
- Over the left nipple
- On the xiphoid process
Correct answer: On the lower half of the sternum
Compressions should be delivered on the lower half of the sternum (breastbone), with the heel of your hand centered on the chest.
Question 3: How long should a rescue breath be delivered?
- Less than 0.5 seconds
- About 1 second (Correct answer)
- 2–3 seconds
- Until the chest rises maximally
Correct answer: About 1 second
Each rescue breath should be delivered over about 1 second, just enough to see the chest visibly rise.
Question 4: What does 'allow full chest recoil' mean during CPR?
- Press harder on each compression
- Lift hands completely off the chest between compressions
- Release pressure fully between compressions without removing hands (Correct answer)
- Rotate hand positions after each compression
Correct answer: Release pressure fully between compressions without removing hands
Full chest recoil means releasing all compression pressure between pushes so the heart refills with blood, but keeping hands lightly on the chest to maintain position.
Question 5: When should you stop performing CPR?
- After 5 minutes regardless of outcome
- When the victim shows signs of life, EMS takes over, or you are too exhausted to continue (Correct answer)
- Only when a physician declares death
- After 100 compressions
Correct answer: When the victim shows signs of life, EMS takes over, or you are too exhausted to continue
CPR should stop when the victim regains signs of life, trained EMS personnel take over, an AED advises to stop, or the rescuer is physically unable to continue.
Question 6: What is 'hands-only CPR' and when is it recommended?
- CPR without an AED, used for all ages
- Continuous chest compressions without rescue breaths, recommended for witnessed adult cardiac arrest by untrained bystanders (Correct answer)
- CPR using only one hand, for children
- Compressions only used in hospital settings
Correct answer: Continuous chest compressions without rescue breaths, recommended for witnessed adult cardiac arrest by untrained bystanders
Hands-only CPR (compression-only) is recommended for bystanders who witness an adult suddenly collapse and are untrained or uncomfortable giving breaths.
