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NSC CPR Certification Exam Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
What sound should you listen for when checking an unconscious victim’s breathing?✔✔ Listen for normal breathing sounds - agonal gasps (occasional, irregular breaths) don’t count as normal breathing
How long should you check for a pulse in an unresponsive adult before starting CPR?✔✔ No more than 10 seconds - if you don’t definitely feel a pulse within 10 seconds, begin compressions
What’s the most common mistake rescuers make when performing chest compressions?✔✔ Not pushing deep enough - compressions should be at least 2 inches deep for adults
Why is it important to let the chest fully recoil between compressions?✔✔ Allows the heart to refill with blood - incomplete recoil reduces blood flow to vital organs
What should you do if you hear cracking sounds during chest compressions? 1 / 4
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✔✔ Continue CPR - rib fractures can occur but shouldn’t stop resuscitation efforts
How can you maintain the correct CPR rhythm without a metronome?✔✔ Mentally sing “Stayin’ Alive” by Bee Gees - its 100-120 bpm matches ideal compression rate
What’s the first thing to do when two rescuers arrive to help with CPR?✔✔ Assign roles - one does compressions, one does breaths, and someone gets the AED
Why shouldn’t you pause compressions to check for breathing or pulse frequently?✔✔ Every pause stops blood flow to the brain - minimize interruptions to less than 10 seconds
What special consideration exists when doing CPR on an extremely obese victim?✔✔ You may need to place hands higher on sternum and push harder to achieve proper depth
How should you modify CPR for a victim lying on a soft mattress?✔✔ Move them to the floor or place a firm board beneath them - soft surfaces reduce compression effectiveness 2 / 4
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What’s the proper way to clean up after performing CPR with blood exposure?✔✔ Wash hands thoroughly with soap/water and follow universal precautions for bloodborne pathogens
Why is it critical to continue CPR while the AED is being prepared?✔✔ Brain damage begins after just 4-6 minutes without oxygen - continuous compressions buy time
What should you do if an AED gives a “no shock advised” message?✔✔ Immediately resume CPR starting with chest compressions - the rhythm may still require circulation
How often should rescuers switch roles during two-person CPR?✔✔ Every 2 minutes or 5 cycles - switching prevents fatigue and maintains compression quality
What’s the most important thing to remember when using an AED on a child?✔✔ Use pediatric pads if available - if not, use adult pads but don’t let them touch each other 3 / 4
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Why should you remove medication patches before applying AED pads?✔✔ Some patches (like nitroglycerin) can interfere with electrical conduction or cause burns
What should you check before pressing the shock button on an AED?✔✔ Ensure no one is touching the victim - shout “Clear!” and visually verify before shocking
How does CPR differ for victims of drowning versus cardiac arrest?✔✔ Drowning victims get 5 initial rescue breaths before starting compressions - they need oxygen
What’s the proper hand position for infant CPR?✔✔ Two fingers centered on the breastbone just below nipple line - or two-thumb encircling technique
Why is it important to keep resuscitation records after a cardiac arrest event?✔✔ Helps medical teams understand duration and quality of care provided before hospital arrival
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