Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

When initiating CPR on a 15-month-old patient, which guideline should you follow?

1. Use adult CPR techniques

2. Follow the child CPR guidelines

3. Apply AED pads on both sides of the chest

4. Perform CPR as if the patient were an infant

The correct answer is: Follow the child CPR guidelines

Following the child CPR guidelines is appropriate when performing CPR on a 15-month-old patient. At this age, the child falls into the category of a "child" rather than an "infant," but there are specific adaptations in the technique when applying CPR to provide the safest and most effective care for this age group. For child CPR, you typically use one hand for chest compressions and aim for a compress depth of about one-third the depth of the chest (approximately 1.5 inches). The ratio of compressions to breaths also follows a standardized method, which is typically 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths for a single rescuer. Using adult CPR techniques would not align with the anatomical and physiological differences present in a child’s body, especially regarding chest compression depth and technique. While applying AED pads, placing them on both sides of the chest would not be advisable for a child of this age, as specific placement guidelines for the pediatric population are best followed. Performing CPR as if the patient were an infant might lead to ineffective compression depth and rate, given the differences in size and anatomical structure between infants and toddlers. Thus, adhering to the child CPR guidelines ensures that the rescuer is providing the most effective care tailored to