Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

Before starting CPR, which two aspects are critically evaluated first?

1. Pulse and temperature

2. Breathing and pulse

3. Responsiveness and pupil reaction

4. Skin color and blood pressure

The correct answer is: Breathing and pulse

The correct answer involves assessing breathing and pulse before initiating CPR. This step is vital because it helps determine whether the person is in cardiac arrest and requires immediate intervention. If the person is not breathing normally and does not have a pulse, this indicates that CPR is necessary to help circulate blood and oxygen to the brain and other vital organs. Assessing breathing and pulse allows the rescuer to quickly evaluate the victim's condition and decide on the urgency of starting chest compressions and rescue breaths. If either of these two signs is absent, CPR should be initiated without delay, as every second counts in an emergency situation to increase the chance of survival. The other options, while they involve important assessments in medical evaluation, do not directly correlate to the immediate needs in a life-threatening situation. For instance, evaluating responsiveness and pupil reaction can provide insight into neurological condition but does not directly inform the need for CPR. Similarly, skin color and blood pressure are helpful indicators in broader assessments but are not the primary factors determining the initiation of CPR.