Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

How many rescue breaths should be given to an adult before starting CPR?

1. 2 breaths

2. 3 breaths

3. 4 breaths

4. In the event of rescue breath delivery, none are needed

The correct answer is: 2 breaths

The correct practice for delivering rescue breaths in the context of adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is to provide two breaths before starting chest compressions. This approach is grounded in the fact that delivering rescue breaths helps to ensure that the victim receives some oxygen, which is crucial in cases of cardiac arrest where the airway might still be clear. Administering these two breaths immediately before initiating chest compressions helps to create a more effective and coordinated response to restore circulation and oxygenation. In adult CPR, the breaths should be delivered using the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver to open the airway, and each breath should be given over one second, sufficient to make the chest rise visibly. After these initial two breaths, you would proceed with chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute while alternating with rescue breaths if trained and equipped to do so. The importance of this approach lies in the need for a quick response to an unresponsive adult, ensuring that even if there is a delay in starting compressions, some oxygenation occurs which may still support the brain and vital organs until advanced medical help arrives.