Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

Which is a sign that someone is experiencing a cardiac arrest?

1. Fainting

2. Body stiffness

3. Absence of breathing

4. Loud snoring sounds

The correct answer is: Absence of breathing

The presence of absence of breathing is a definitive sign that someone is experiencing a cardiac arrest. In this critical condition, the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, which leads to a cessation of normal respiratory function. When the heart stops, the individual typically cannot breathe on their own, making it essential to recognize this symptom quickly to initiate appropriate emergency response measures. This absence of breathing may be accompanied by the lack of a pulse, which further confirms the diagnosis of cardiac arrest and necessitates immediate intervention through cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation if needed.