CPR Practice Test: 25 Questions and Answers to Boost Your Certification Success
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving skill that can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency. So this article presents a comprehensive 25‑question CPR practice test with detailed answers, explanations, and tips to reinforce key concepts. Whether you are preparing for a CPR certification exam, refreshing your knowledge for workplace compliance, or simply wanting to be ready to help a loved one, a practice test is an invaluable tool. By working through each item, you will solidify the steps of adult, child, and infant CPR, learn the latest American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines, and gain confidence for the real exam That alone is useful..
Table of Contents
How to Use This Practice Test Effectively <a name="how-to-use"></a>
- Set a timer – Simulate the exam environment by giving yourself the same amount of time allotted in the official test (usually 30–45 minutes).
- Answer without looking ahead – Treat each question as if it were on a printed test; avoid scrolling back until you finish the section.
- Mark uncertain items – Use a pencil or digital highlight to flag questions you’re unsure about; revisit them after the first pass.
- Read explanations thoroughly – The answer key does more than tell you right or wrong; it explains why the correct response aligns with current AHA science.
- Repeat – After reviewing the explanations, retake the test a week later to gauge retention.
The 25 CPR Questions <a name="questions"></a>
1. What is the first step you should take when you discover an unresponsive adult who is not breathing normally?
A. Start chest compressions immediately
B. Call emergency services (911) and retrieve an AED
C. Perform a head‑tilt, chin‑lift maneuver
D. Check the victim’s pulse
2. According to the 2020 AHA guidelines, what is the recommended compression depth for adult CPR?
A. 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm)
B. 1.5–2 inches (3.8–5 cm)
C. 2–2.4 inches (5–6 cm)
D. 2.5–3 inches (6.4–7.6 cm)
3. How many rescue breaths should be delivered after every 30 chest compressions for an adult victim?
A. 1 breath
B. 2 breaths
C. 3 breaths
D. 5 breaths
4. When using an automated external defibrillator (AED) on a child weighing less than 25 kg, which of the following is true?
A. Use the adult pads only, placed as directed by the device
B. Use pediatric pads if available; otherwise, adult pads are acceptable
C. Do not use an AED on a child under 8 years old
D. Only apply the AED after 5 minutes of CPR
5. Which of the following is not a recognized sign of a choking infant (under 1 year old)?
A. High‑pitched cough
B. Grunting and difficulty breathing
C. Inability to make any sound
D. Strong, effective cough
6. For a child (1 year to puberty) who becomes unresponsive and is not breathing, the correct compression rate is:
A. 80–100 compressions per minute
B. 100–120 compressions per minute
C. 120–140 compressions per minute
D. 140–160 compressions per minute
7. In a two‑rescuer scenario for adult CPR, what is the optimal compression‑to‑ventilation ratio?
A. 15:2
B. 30:1
C. 30:2
D. 30:3
8. Which of the following statements about “hands‑only” CPR is correct?
A. It is recommended only for healthcare providers.
B. It should be performed on all victims, regardless of age.
C. It is appropriate for adult victims of sudden cardiac arrest when the rescuer is unwilling or unable to give breaths.
D. It replaces the need for AED use It's one of those things that adds up..
9. During CPR, how should you position your hands for adult chest compressions?
A. One hand on the sternum, fingers interlaced, thumb to thumb
B. Two hands, one on top of the other, centered on the lower half of the sternum
C. Both hands placed on the left side of the chest, just below the nipple line
D. One hand on the upper abdomen and one on the chest
10. What is the maximum interruption time allowed for rhythm analysis with an AED?
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 seconds
C. 15 seconds
D. 20 seconds
11. Which of the following is the correct sequence for infant CPR when a single rescuer is present?
A. 30 compressions → 2 breaths → check pulse → repeat
B. 15 compressions → 2 breaths → check pulse → repeat
C. 30 compressions → 2 breaths → continue without checking pulse
D. 15 compressions → 2 breaths → continue without checking pulse
12. In the event of a suspected spinal injury, how should you perform CPR?
A. Perform chest compressions as usual, but avoid moving the victim’s head or neck.
B. Use a jaw‑thrust maneuver instead of head‑tilt, chin‑lift.
C. Both A and B are correct.
D. Do not perform CPR; wait for professional help Still holds up..
13. Which of these conditions is considered a relative contraindication to using an AED?
A. Presence of a pacemaker
B. Wet clothing on the victim
C. Pregnancy
D. All of the above
14. How often should you switch rescuer roles (compressions ↔ ventilations) in a two‑rescuer adult CPR scenario?
A. Every 30 seconds
B. Every 1 minute (after 30 compressions)
C. Every 2 minutes (after 60 compressions)
D. Only when the rescuer becomes fatigued
15. What is the recommended compression depth for infant CPR?
A. About 1 cm (0.4 in)
B. About 1.5 cm (0.6 in)
C. About 2 cm (0.8 in)
D. About 4 cm (1.6 in)
16. Which of the following is the best way to confirm that a victim is not breathing normally?
A. Look, listen, and feel for breath for 5 seconds
B. Feel for breath for 10 seconds only
C. Listen for breath for 2 seconds
D. Look for chest rise for 3 seconds
17. If you are alone and the victim is an adult, after 2 minutes of CPR you should:
A. Continue CPR until help arrives
B. Stop CPR and call 911 if you haven’t already
C. Perform a quick pulse check before calling 911
D. Switch to “hands‑only” CPR
18. Which of the following is not part of the “CAB” (Compress, Airway, Breathing) approach?
A. Start compressions before opening the airway
B. Deliver 2 rescue breaths after 30 compressions
C. Perform a pulse check before starting compressions
D. Use a ratio of 30:2 for compressions to breaths
19. When using a bag‑valve‑mask (BVM) on an adult, the recommended tidal volume is:
A. 300–500 mL (approximately 1 cup)
B. 500–700 mL (approximately 2 cups)
C. 700–900 mL (approximately 3 cups)
D. 1000 mL (4 cups)
20. In a scenario where the victim is in a moving vehicle and a cardiac arrest occurs, what is the safest immediate action?
A. Continue CPR while the vehicle is moving
B. Pull the victim out of the vehicle before starting CPR
C. Stop the vehicle, secure the scene, then begin CPR
D. Perform CPR only after the vehicle reaches a safe location
21. Which of the following statements about “pulse‑check” during CPR is correct?
A. You must check the carotid pulse for at least 10 seconds.
B. If you cannot feel a pulse within 5 seconds, you should resume compressions.
C. A weak pulse means you should stop compressions and give breaths only.
D. Pulse checks are unnecessary if an AED is present Less friction, more output..
22. The “H” in the “H’s and T’s” reversible causes of cardiac arrest stands for:
A. Hypoxia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypovolemia
D. All of the above
23. When performing CPR on a pregnant woman in her third trimester, which modification is recommended?
A. Perform compressions slightly higher on the chest (upper half of sternum)
B. Perform compressions as usual; no changes needed
C. Place the victim in a left‑lateral tilt after the first 2 minutes of CPR
D. Avoid using an AED due to fetal risk
24. Which of the following best describes “effective” chest compressions?
A. Compressing at a depth of at least 2 inches with a rate of 100–120/min, allowing full chest recoil between compressions.
B. Compressing at any depth as long as you can maintain the rhythm.
C. Using both hands on the abdomen to generate more force.
D. Performing compressions only when you feel resistance That's the part that actually makes a difference..
25. After successful defibrillation and return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), the next priority is:
A. Immediate transport to the hospital without further care
B. Continuing CPR for another 5 minutes
C. Providing post‑cardiac arrest care, including airway management, oxygenation, and monitoring
D. Administering a second shock immediately
Answer Key & Explanations <a name="answers"></a>
| # | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | B | The first action is to activate the emergency response system (call 911) and retrieve an AED if available, then begin CPR. So immediate compressions are started after you have called for help. Still, |
| 2 | C | The 2020 AHA adult CPR guideline recommends a compression depth of 2–2. Think about it: 4 in (5–6 cm). Still, this depth maximizes coronary perfusion while minimizing injury. |
| 3 | B | For adult CPR, the ratio is 30 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. So this provides adequate oxygenation while maintaining circulation. |
| 4 | B | Pediatric pads are preferred for children <25 kg, but adult pads are acceptable if pediatric ones are unavailable. The device will adjust energy accordingly. |
| 5 | D | A strong, effective cough indicates the airway is at least partially open; it is not a sign of severe obstruction. In real terms, the other options suggest possible choking. |
| 6 | B | Children require a compression rate of 100–120 per minute, the same as adults, to ensure sufficient blood flow. |
| 7 | C | In a two‑rescuer adult scenario, the recommended ratio is 30 compressions to 2 breaths (30:2). The 15:2 ratio is reserved for infants/children when two rescuers are present. |
| 8 | C | “Hands‑only” CPR is appropriate for adult sudden cardiac arrest when the rescuer is unwilling or unable to give breaths, but not for children or infants. |
| 9 | B | Place both hands, one on top of the other, centered on the lower half of the sternum. Interlocking fingers is discouraged because it can reduce depth. |
| 10 | A | The AED algorithm allows no more than 5 seconds of pause for rhythm analysis to avoid compromising coronary perfusion. |
| 11 | D | A single rescuer for an infant uses 15 compressions followed by 2 breaths, repeating without checking the pulse each cycle (unless a pulse is felt after 2 minutes). |
| 12 | C | When a spinal injury is suspected, you avoid head‑tilt/chin‑lift and instead use a jaw‑thrust while maintaining cervical alignment, and you still perform compressions. |
| 13 | D | All listed conditions (pacemaker, wet clothing, pregnancy) are relative contraindications; you can still use an AED, but take precautions (dry the chest, place pads away from the device). That's why |
| 14 | C | In two‑rescuer CPR, switch roles every 2 minutes (after 60 compressions total) to prevent rescuer fatigue and maintain compression quality. |
| 15 | C | Infant compressions should be about 2 cm (≈ 0.8 in), roughly one‑third the depth of adult compressions. Because of that, |
| 16 | A | The “look‑listen‑feel” method for 5 seconds is the AHA standard to assess breathing. |
| 17 | B | If you are alone, stop CPR after 2 minutes to call 911 (if you haven’t already), then resume CPR immediately after the call. Here's the thing — |
| 18 | C | The “CAB” sequence does not require a pulse check before compressions; you start with compressions, then airway, then breathing. |
| 19 | B | For adult BVM ventilation, the recommended tidal volume is 500–700 mL (roughly 2 cups), delivered over 1‑2 seconds. So naturally, |
| 20 | C | Safety first: stop the vehicle, secure the scene, then begin CPR. Plus, performing CPR while the vehicle moves risks further injury. So naturally, |
| 21 | B | If no pulse is felt within 5 seconds, you should resume compressions immediately. In real terms, a 10‑second check wastes valuable perfusion time. |
| 22 | D | The “H’s” include Hypoxia, Hypovolemia, Hydrogen ion (acidosis), Hyper/hypokalemia, Hypothermia, etc. All listed options are correct, so D (All of the above). Think about it: |
| 23 | C | After the first 2 minutes, tilt the pregnant woman 15‑30° to the left to relieve aortocaval compression while continuing compressions. Worth adding: |
| 24 | A | Effective compressions are 2–2. 4 in depth, 100–120/min rate, with full recoil. This combination optimizes coronary and cerebral perfusion. |
| 25 | C | Post‑ROSC care is critical: airway management, high‑quality oxygenation, hemodynamic support, and targeted temperature management are priorities before transport. |
Key Concepts Reinforced by the Test <a name="concepts"></a>
- Sequence & Timing – The shift from “ABC” to “CAB” underscores the importance of early compressions.
- Depth & Rate – Adult vs. child vs. infant differences are highlighted (2–2.4 in for adults, 2 cm for infants).
- Compression‑Ventilation Ratios – Knowing when to use 30:2 vs. 15:2 prevents errors in multi‑responder situations.
- AED Use – Understanding pad placement, energy settings, and interruptions ensures rapid defibrillation.
- Special Populations – Pregnant women, spinal‑injury victims, and choking infants each require nuanced modifications.
- Reversible Causes (H’s & T’s) – Recognizing treatable etiologies can turn a non‑survivable rhythm into a recoverable one.
- Post‑Cardiac Arrest Management – Immediate ROSC does not end the chain of survival; post‑ROSC care saves neurologic function.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) <a name="faq"></a>
Q1: Do I need to check a pulse on an adult before starting CPR?
A: No. The AHA advises starting compressions immediately if the victim is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Pulse checks are reserved for infants/children when two rescuers are present.
Q2: How many cycles of 30:2 should I perform before the AED arrives?
A: Continue 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths until the AED is ready to analyze or professional help arrives. There is no set number of cycles; maintain high‑quality compressions throughout.
Q3: Is “hands‑only” CPR ever appropriate for children?
A: Generally, no. Children and infants benefit from combined compressions and breaths because cardiac arrests are often respiratory in origin. Hands‑only may be used only when the rescuer is unwilling or unable to give breaths and the child is older than puberty.
Q4: What if I’m alone and the victim is a child?
A: Call 911 first, then begin CPR using the 15:2 compression‑ventilation ratio (or 30:2 if you are not comfortable with 15:2). Retrieve an AED as soon as possible Simple, but easy to overlook..
Q5: Can I use a manual defibrillator instead of an AED?
A: Manual defibrillators require advanced training and are typically reserved for healthcare professionals. For lay rescuers, AEDs are the only recommended device Still holds up..
Final Tips for Exam Day Success <a name="conclusion"></a>
- Memorize the core numbers: 100–120 compressions/min, 2‑inch (adult) or 2 cm (infant) depth, 30:2 ratio (adult/child with one rescuer), 15:2 ratio (infant/child with two rescuers).
- Visualize the “CAB” flow: Imagine a mental checklist—Compress → Airway → Breathing—to avoid hesitation.
- Practice on a manikin: Physical muscle memory dramatically improves compression depth and recoil.
- Stay calm: The exam often includes scenario‑based questions; a clear, methodical thought process mirrors real‑life response.
- Read the question carefully: Many items test subtle distinctions (e.g., “relative contraindication” vs. “absolute contraindication”).
By mastering these 25 practice questions and internalizing the underlying principles, you will be well‑prepared to pass your CPR certification exam and, more importantly, to act confidently when a real emergency occurs. Remember, the ultimate goal of CPR training is not just a certificate—it’s the ability to save a life. Keep practicing, stay updated with the latest guidelines, and maintain the compassion that drives every rescuer That alone is useful..
