Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the Basic Life Support Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What is a critical adjustment to make when performing chest compressions on a patient in bed?

Compress with both knees on the bed
Adjust the bed for appropriate working height
Use a pillow under the patient
Compress while leaning over the railing

The correct answer is: Adjust the bed for appropriate working height

When performing chest compressions on a patient in bed, adjusting the bed for the appropriate working height is crucial. This adjustment ensures that you can perform compressions effectively without straining your back or compromising the quality of compressions. Chest compressions require proper body mechanics to maintain the necessary force and depth. If the bed is too low or too high, it can hinder the provider’s ability to deliver effective compressions, and the changes in height can lead to unnecessary physical strain or fatigue. Maintaining the correct position allows for better leverage, ensuring that compressions are delivered at the recommended rate and depth, which is vital for the patient's chances of survival in a cardiac emergency.