22 Adult CPR & AED Practice Questions & Answers

Every Adult CPR & AED practice question from the CPR, AED & First Aid Practice Test, with the correct answer and a short explanation.

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1. You are alone and see an adult suddenly collapse. You are unresponsive when you check, and you have your cell phone. What should you do FIRST before starting chest compressions?
- A.Drive the person to the nearest hospital
- B.Do 5 minutes of CPR before calling for help
- C.Give 2 rescue breaths first, then call 911
- D.Call 911 (put it on speaker) and get an AED, then start CPR✓ Answer
A sudden adult collapse is presumed to be a cardiac (VF/pVT) arrest, where rapid defibrillation is the treatment most likely to save the victim. A lone rescuer with a phone should call 911 on speaker and retrieve an AED first so the shock is not delayed, then begin CPR.
Source: AHA BLS: adult OHCA Chain of Survival — lone rescuer 'phone first / get AED' for witnessed adult collapseReport a problem with this question
2. A notable change in the 2025 AHA Guidelines is the way the Chain of Survival is presented. Which statement best describes this update?
- A.Separate chains were created for every age group and setting
- B.A single unified Chain of Survival now covers adults and children, both in-hospital and out-of-hospital✓ Answer
- C.The Chain of Survival was eliminated entirely
- D.Only the in-hospital adult chain was retained
The 2025 Guidelines replaced the previously separate chains with ONE unified Chain of Survival spanning adult and pediatric arrest and both in-hospital (IHCA) and out-of-hospital (OHCA) settings, giving rescuers one shared framework and language.
Source: 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR & ECC — unified single Chain of Survival (Oct 22, 2025)Report a problem with this question
3. You have ensured the scene is safe and confirmed an adult is unresponsive by tapping and shouting. Bystanders are present. What is the next appropriate step?
- A.Give the person water to drink
- B.Begin rescue breaths immediately without calling for help
- C.Wait 2 minutes to see if the person wakes up
- D.Activate the emergency response system (call 911) and send someone for an AED✓ Answer
After scene safety and confirming unresponsiveness, the next link is to activate the emergency response system and obtain an AED before assessing breathing and pulse, so that professional help and a defibrillator are already on the way.
Source: AHA BLS Adult Sequence — scene safety → check responsiveness → activate EMS/get AEDReport a problem with this question
4. You reach an unresponsive adult who is making occasional slow, gasping sounds but is not breathing normally. How should you interpret this?
- A.Give a glass of water and wait for gasping to stop
- B.Agonal gasping is a sign of cardiac arrest — begin CPR✓ Answer
- C.Place the person in the recovery position and monitor
- D.The person is breathing adequately, so do not start CPR
Agonal (gasping) breathing is NOT normal breathing; it is a common sign of cardiac arrest. An unresponsive victim with only gasping should be treated as being in arrest, and high-quality CPR should be started immediately.
Source: AHA BLS — recognition of arrest: agonal gasps are not normal breathingReport a problem with this question
5. For a healthcare provider assessing an unresponsive adult, how should breathing and pulse be checked, and for how long?
- A.Check the radial (wrist) pulse for a full 30 seconds
- B.Check breathing first, then spend 20 seconds finding the pulse
- C.Check the brachial pulse for at least 15 seconds
- D.Check breathing and the carotid pulse simultaneously in no more than 10 seconds✓ Answer
To avoid delaying compressions, the provider checks for breathing and a carotid pulse at the same time, taking no more than 10 seconds. The carotid artery is used for adults; a prolonged pulse check wastes time in a true arrest.
Source: AHA BLS — simultaneous breathing/pulse check ≤10 seconds, carotid artery in adultsReport a problem with this question
6. You are a trained rescuer and, after 10 seconds, you are still not sure whether the unresponsive adult has a pulse. What should you do?
- A.Keep checking the pulse until you are certain
- B.Assume there is no pulse and begin chest compressions✓ Answer
- C.Do nothing until EMS arrives
- D.Assume there is a pulse and only give rescue breaths
If you cannot definitely feel a pulse within 10 seconds, you should assume the victim is in cardiac arrest and begin chest compressions. The risk of withholding compressions from an arrest victim outweighs the small risk of compressing a beating heart.
Source: AHA BLS — if pulse uncertain within 10 s, begin CPRReport a problem with this question
7. At what rate should chest compressions be delivered during adult CPR?
- A.60 to 80 compressions per minute
- B.100 to 120 compressions per minute✓ Answer
- C.140 to 160 compressions per minute
- D.As fast as physically possible
The recommended rate is a window of 100 to 120 per minute. Slower than 100 provides inadequate blood flow, while faster than 120 reduces the time for the heart to refill between compressions, lowering the volume of blood pumped.
Source: AHA high-quality CPR — compression rate 100–120/min (unchanged 2020→2025)Report a problem with this question
8. How deep should chest compressions be for an average adult?
- A.At least 2 inches (5 cm) but no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm)✓ Answer
- B.At least 3 inches (7.5 cm)
- C.As deep as your arms allow
- D.Exactly 1 inch (2.5 cm)
Adult compression depth is a window of at least 2 inches (5 cm) and no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm). Too shallow fails to circulate blood; excessive depth can cause injury, so the upper limit matters as much as the lower.
Source: AHA high-quality CPR — adult depth 2–2.4 in (5–6 cm)Report a problem with this question
9. Why is it important to allow full chest recoil between compressions?
- A.It is only needed when using an AED
- B.It lets the heart refill with blood, improving the blood flow of the next compression✓ Answer
- C.It cools the chest to prevent burns
- D.It makes the compressions count as double
Leaning on the chest prevents it from re-expanding, which keeps the heart from refilling and raises pressure inside the chest. Allowing full recoil lets blood return to the heart so the next compression can circulate more blood.
Source: AHA high-quality CPR — allow full chest recoil, avoid leaningReport a problem with this question
10. Where should you place your hands to perform chest compressions on an adult?
- A.Over the upper abdomen, just below the ribs
- B.Heel of one hand on the lower half of the sternum (center of the chest), other hand on top✓ Answer
- C.On the left side of the chest over the nipple
- D.On the upper sternum near the collarbones
Correct hand placement is the heel of one hand on the lower half of the sternum at the center of the chest, with the second hand on top. This position directs force over the heart and reduces the risk of injuring the ribs or abdominal organs.
Source: AHA high-quality CPR — hand placement lower half of sternumReport a problem with this question
11. For adult CPR without an advanced airway, what is the correct ratio of compressions to rescue breaths, whether one or two rescuers are working?
- A.5 compressions to 1 breath
- B.15 compressions to 2 breaths
- C.50 compressions to 5 breaths
- D.30 compressions to 2 breaths✓ Answer
For an adult, the compression-to-ventilation ratio is 30:2 for both single-rescuer and two-rescuer CPR. (The 15:2 ratio applies only to children and infants when two rescuers are present.)
Source: AHA BLS — adult ratio 30:2 (single and two rescuer)Report a problem with this question
12. During cardiac arrest, an advanced airway (such as an endotracheal tube) is placed. How should compressions and ventilations now be delivered?
- A.Give 1 breath every 2 seconds and stop compressions
- B.Pause compressions for 2 breaths after every 30 compressions
- C.Continuous compressions with 1 breath every 6 seconds (about 10 breaths/min), no pauses✓ Answer
- D.Give breaths only, no compressions
Once an advanced airway is in place, rescuers stop the 30:2 cycles and instead deliver continuous chest compressions while giving 1 breath every 6 seconds (about 10/min). This eliminates pauses in compressions and avoids over-ventilation.
Source: AHA BLS — advanced airway: continuous compressions + 1 breath/6 s (10/min)Report a problem with this question
13. An adult has a pulse but is not breathing on their own. How should rescue breaths be given?
- A.1 breath every 2 seconds (about 30 breaths per minute)
- B.1 breath every 15 seconds
- C.30 breaths followed by 2 compressions
- D.1 breath every 6 seconds (about 10 breaths per minute)✓ Answer
When an adult has a pulse but is not breathing, give rescue breathing at 1 breath every 6 seconds (about 10/min). Because there is a pulse, no compressions are needed; the faster 1-breath-every-2-to-3-seconds rate is for infants and children.
Source: AHA BLS — adult rescue breathing 1 breath/6 s (10/min)Report a problem with this question
14. When delivering rescue breaths, how much air and how forcefully should each breath be given?
- A.As much air and as forcefully as possible to fully inflate the lungs
- B.Each breath over about 1 second, just enough to make the chest visibly rise✓ Answer
- C.A tiny puff that does not move the chest
- D.Several rapid deep breaths in a row with no pause
Each rescue breath should last about 1 second and deliver only enough volume to make the chest visibly rise. Over-ventilating raises pressure inside the chest, which reduces blood return and coronary perfusion and can push air into the stomach (gastric inflation).
Source: AHA BLS — rescue breaths ~1 s, visible chest rise, avoid over-ventilationReport a problem with this question
15. During two-rescuer adult CPR, someone brings an AED. When should it be used?
- A.Wait until 10 minutes of CPR have been completed
- B.Do not use it unless a physician is present
- C.Turn it on and use it as soon as it arrives, following its prompts✓ Answer
- D.Only use it if the victim starts breathing
An AED should be turned on and applied as soon as it is available, then the rescuers follow its voice prompts. Early defibrillation of a shockable rhythm is one of the strongest determinants of survival, so its use should not be delayed.
Source: AHA — apply AED as soon as available, follow promptsReport a problem with this question
16. Using standard adult AED pads, what is the correct anterolateral placement on the bare chest?
- A.One pad on the upper-right chest below the collarbone, the other on the lower-left side below the armpit✓ Answer
- B.One pad on the stomach, the other on the back of the neck
- C.Both pads over the left nipple
- D.Both pads side by side on the upper chest
In the anterolateral position, one pad goes on the upper-right chest just below the collarbone and the other on the lower-left side, a few inches below the left armpit (mid-axillary). This routes the shock's current through the heart between the two pads.
Source: AHA — anterolateral AED pad placement (upper-right / lower-left)Report a problem with this question
17. The AED has just delivered a shock to an adult in cardiac arrest. What should you do immediately afterward?
- A.Resume chest compressions immediately, starting with compressions✓ Answer
- B.Give 5 rescue breaths and then wait
- C.Wait for the AED to advise a second shock before touching the victim
- D.Check for a pulse for 30 seconds before doing anything
After a shock (or a 'no shock advised' message), rescuers should resume high-quality CPR immediately, beginning with chest compressions, without pausing to check a pulse. Minimizing the post-shock pause maintains blood flow and improves the chance of a perfusing rhythm.
Source: AHA — resume compressions immediately after shock, no pulse checkReport a problem with this question
18. You are about to place AED pads and notice a hard lump under the skin below the victim's left collarbone, consistent with an implanted pacemaker. What should you do?
- A.Remove the pacemaker before applying pads
- B.Place the pad directly on top of the pacemaker
- C.Do not use the AED at all
- D.Place the pad at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) away from the pacemaker and continue✓ Answer
Place the AED pad at least 1 inch (about 2.5 cm) away from an implanted pacemaker or defibrillator so the device does not block or divert the shock. You should still use the AED — the presence of a pacemaker is not a reason to withhold defibrillation.
Source: AHA — place AED pads ≥1 in (2.5 cm) from implanted pacemaker/ICDReport a problem with this question
19. A responsive adult at dinner suddenly clutches their throat, cannot speak or cough, and is turning blue. Under the 2025 AHA guidance, what should you do for this severe airway obstruction?
- A.Give a glass of water to wash the object down
- B.Encourage the person to keep coughing and do nothing else
- C.Lay the person down and begin chest compressions right away
- D.Alternate cycles of 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts until the object comes out or the person becomes unresponsive✓ Answer
For a responsive adult with a severe (complete) obstruction who cannot speak, cough, or breathe, the 2025 AHA guidance is to alternate 5 back blows with 5 abdominal thrusts, repeating until the object is expelled or the victim becomes unresponsive. Back blows are newly added to the AHA adult sequence.
Source: 2025 AHA Guidelines — adult severe choking: 5 back blows + 5 abdominal thrusts in cyclesReport a problem with this question
20. While you are treating a choking adult, the person goes limp and becomes unresponsive. What is the correct next action?
- A.Perform a blind finger sweep deep into the throat
- B.Wait for the object to dissolve
- C.Lower them to the ground, begin CPR, and look in the mouth for the object before each set of breaths (remove it only if you see it)✓ Answer
- D.Hold them upright and continue abdominal thrusts
When a choking victim becomes unresponsive, lower them to the ground and begin CPR starting with chest compressions. Each time you open the airway to give breaths, look inside the mouth and remove the object only if you can see it — blind finger sweeps are not recommended because they can push the object deeper.
Source: AHA — choking victim becomes unresponsive: begin CPR, visualize before removing, no blind finger sweepReport a problem with this question
21. During two-rescuer adult CPR, how often should the rescuers switch the compressor role, and how quickly should the switch happen?
- A.Switch about every 2 minutes (every 5 cycles), completing the switch in under 5 seconds✓ Answer
- B.Never switch, to keep the technique consistent
- C.Switch every 30 seconds regardless of fatigue
- D.Switch every 10 minutes, taking as long as needed
Rescuers should switch the compressor role about every 2 minutes (roughly every 5 cycles of 30:2) to prevent fatigue, which degrades compression quality. The changeover should take less than 5 seconds so interruptions in compressions stay minimal.
Source: AHA — switch compressor every ~2 min, changeover <5 sReport a problem with this question
22. You suspect an adult has stopped breathing from an opioid overdose and naloxone is available. According to the 2025 AHA BLS approach, how should naloxone and CPR be combined?
- A.Give naloxone and wait to see if it works before starting any CPR
- B.Only give naloxone; CPR is not needed for overdoses
- C.Give naloxone, but do not delay high-quality CPR or rescue breaths for a victim who is not breathing or pulseless✓ Answer
- D.Start CPR only after a second dose of naloxone fails
The 2025 Guidelines explicitly place naloxone in the BLS algorithm for suspected opioid emergencies, but a victim who is pulseless or not breathing still receives standard high-quality CPR or rescue breaths without delay. Naloxone reverses the opioid, but it does not substitute for circulating oxygenated blood.
Source: 2025 AHA Guidelines — naloxone in BLS opioid algorithm; do not delay CPRReport a problem with this question

Practice questions based on the American Heart Association Guidelines for CPR & ECC and American Red Cross first-aid guidance. This is general education, not medical advice, and does not replace hands-on certification. To be certified in CPR/AED/First Aid you must complete an approved in-person course with a skills check. In a real emergency, call 911. Study official materials at cpr.heart.org or redcross.org. Official CPR guidelines →

1. You are alone and see an adult suddenly collapse. You are unresponsive when you check, and you have your cell phone. What should you do FIRST before starting chest compressions?

2. A notable change in the 2025 AHA Guidelines is the way the Chain of Survival is presented. Which statement best describes this update?

3. You have ensured the scene is safe and confirmed an adult is unresponsive by tapping and shouting. Bystanders are present. What is the next appropriate step?

4. You reach an unresponsive adult who is making occasional slow, gasping sounds but is not breathing normally. How should you interpret this?

5. For a healthcare provider assessing an unresponsive adult, how should breathing and pulse be checked, and for how long?

6. You are a trained rescuer and, after 10 seconds, you are still not sure whether the unresponsive adult has a pulse. What should you do?

7. At what rate should chest compressions be delivered during adult CPR?

8. How deep should chest compressions be for an average adult?

9. Why is it important to allow full chest recoil between compressions?

10. Where should you place your hands to perform chest compressions on an adult?

11. For adult CPR without an advanced airway, what is the correct ratio of compressions to rescue breaths, whether one or two rescuers are working?

12. During cardiac arrest, an advanced airway (such as an endotracheal tube) is placed. How should compressions and ventilations now be delivered?

13. An adult has a pulse but is not breathing on their own. How should rescue breaths be given?

14. When delivering rescue breaths, how much air and how forcefully should each breath be given?

15. During two-rescuer adult CPR, someone brings an AED. When should it be used?

16. Using standard adult AED pads, what is the correct anterolateral placement on the bare chest?

17. The AED has just delivered a shock to an adult in cardiac arrest. What should you do immediately afterward?

18. You are about to place AED pads and notice a hard lump under the skin below the victim's left collarbone, consistent with an implanted pacemaker. What should you do?

19. A responsive adult at dinner suddenly clutches their throat, cannot speak or cough, and is turning blue. Under the 2025 AHA guidance, what should you do for this severe airway obstruction?

20. While you are treating a choking adult, the person goes limp and becomes unresponsive. What is the correct next action?

21. During two-rescuer adult CPR, how often should the rescuers switch the compressor role, and how quickly should the switch happen?

22. You suspect an adult has stopped breathing from an opioid overdose and naloxone is available. According to the 2025 AHA BLS approach, how should naloxone and CPR be combined?