Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

When should rescuers initiate CPR according to standard guidelines?

1. Only after 10 seconds of unsuccessful breathing

2. Immediately when a patient is unresponsive

3. Only in patients over 18 years old

4. After confirming pulse has stopped

The correct answer is: Immediately when a patient is unresponsive

Initiating CPR immediately when a patient is unresponsive is a critical step in responding to a cardiac emergency. The rationale behind this guideline is that the sooner CPR is administered, the better the chances of survival and recovery for the patient. When a person is unresponsive, it indicates a potential cardiac arrest, during which the heart is not effectively pumping blood. Rapidly starting CPR can help maintain blood flow to vital organs, particularly the brain, until emergency medical services arrive and advanced care can be provided. In contrast, other options suggest delaying action or applying age restrictions, which can jeopardize the patient's chances of survival. For example, waiting for a specific period, such as 10 seconds without breathing, could lead to critical brain injury due to a lack of oxygen. Similarly, limiting the protocol only to adults would neglect the fact that cardiac arrest can occur in individuals of any age, including children and infants. Verifying whether a pulse has stopped before beginning CPR can also lead to dangerous delays, as it is crucial to start chest compressions as soon as unresponsiveness is confirmed. Thus, the guideline emphasizing immediate initiation of CPR aligns with the urgency required in life-threatening situations.