Public health: first aid & CPR MCQ with Answers

10 questionswith explanationsfor RAS, Patwari, VDO and other Rajasthan exams

Questions

Q1

As per current CPR guidelines (such as those of the American Heart Association and the European Resuscitation Council), at what rate should chest compressions be given to an adult in cardiac arrest?

(1)80–100 per minute
(2)100–120 per minute✓ Correct answer
(3)120–140 per minute
(4)140–160 per minute

Answer: (2) 100–120 per minute

Explanation

Current AHA and ERC guidelines (2025) advise adult chest compressions at 100–120 per minute, letting the chest recoil fully after each push and keeping pauses short.

Q2

Consider the following statements about CPR for an adult, as per the 2025 guidelines of the American Heart Association and the European Resuscitation Council: 1. The chest should be pressed down by at least 5 cm but not more than 6 cm. 2. A rescuer trained to give rescue breaths should give 30 chest compressions followed by 2 breaths. 3. Compressions should be given on the upper abdomen, just below the rib cage. Which of the statements given above are correct?

(1)1 and 2 only✓ Correct answer
(2)2 and 3 only
(3)1 and 3 only
(4)1, 2 and 3

Answer: (1) 1 and 2 only

Explanation

AHA and ERC 2025 advise adult compressions 5–6 cm deep, with a 30:2 compression-to-breath ratio for trained rescuers. Compressions go on the centre of the chest (lower half of the breastbone), not on the abdomen, so statement 3 is wrong.

Q3

As first aid for a minor burn caused by heat, what should be done first?

(1)Rub ice directly on the burnt skin
(2)Cool the burnt area under cool running water✓ Correct answer
(3)Apply butter or toothpaste on it
(4)Burst the blisters so that the fluid drains out

Answer: (2) Cool the burnt area under cool running water

Explanation

A minor heat burn should be cooled at once under cool (not ice-cold) running water for several minutes; ice, butter or toothpaste can harm the skin, and blisters should not be burst because they guard against infection.

Q4

The Heimlich manoeuvre, used in first aid for a conscious adult who is choking on food, consists of:

(1)Quick inward and upward thrusts on the abdomen, just above the navel✓ Correct answer
(2)Giving mouth-to-mouth breaths to push the food further down
(3)Making the person drink plenty of water as fast as possible
(4)Laying the person flat on the back and raising both legs

Answer: (1) Quick inward and upward thrusts on the abdomen, just above the navel

Explanation

In the Heimlich manoeuvre (abdominal thrusts), the rescuer stands behind the person and gives quick inward and upward thrusts just above the navel, so that air pushed up from the lungs forces the object out.

Q5

Consider the following statements about adult CPR as per the American Red Cross: 1. An unresponsive person is checked for responsiveness using shout-tap-shout. 2. Each rescue breath should last about 1 second and make the chest rise. 3. Interruptions to chest compressions should be kept under 30 seconds. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(1)1 only
(2)2 only
(3)1 and 2 only✓ Correct answer
(4)2 and 3 only

Answer: (3) 1 and 2 only

Explanation

The Red Cross CPR steps say to check responsiveness using shout-tap-shout, to make each breath last about 1 second so the chest rises, and to keep interruptions to compressions to less than 10 seconds (not 30), so statement 3 is wrong. The same page says to place the person on their back on a firm, flat surface and to use an AED as soon as one is available.

Q6

Which of the following should NOT be done as first aid for a person who has got an electric shock and is still in contact with the live wire?

(1)Switch off the power supply at the mains or the plug
(2)Push the limb clear with a dry wooden broom handle
(3)Call for medical help and give CPR if breathing is abnormal
(4)Grab them by the hand at once and pull them clear✓ Correct answer

Answer: (4) Grab them by the hand at once and pull them clear

Explanation

First-aid guidance (St John Ambulance, the Red Cross) says never touch a casualty who is still in contact with the electric source, or the current will pass through you too. First switch off the power; if that is not possible, stand on dry insulating material and push the limb clear with a dry wooden broom handle, then call for help and start CPR if the person is not breathing normally.

Q7

Which of the following is NOT advised as first aid for a person who has fainted?

(1)Lay the person flat on the back
(2)Make the person sit upright straight away✓ Correct answer
(3)Raise the legs a little above heart level
(4)Loosen tight clothing and let in fresh air

Answer: (2) Make the person sit upright straight away

Explanation

Fainting is a brief loss of consciousness caused by too little blood reaching the brain; lying flat with the legs raised sends blood back to the brain, while sitting up keeps it away. If the person does not come round within about a minute, place them in the recovery position and call 112 or 108.

Q8

What does an automated external defibrillator (AED) do when used on a person in cardiac arrest?

(1)Gives an electric shock every time, whatever the rhythm
(2)Pumps oxygen-rich air into the lungs at a fixed rate
(3)Checks the heart rhythm and shocks only if needed✓ Correct answer
(4)Injects adrenaline on its own to restart the heart

Answer: (3) Checks the heart rhythm and shocks only if needed

Explanation

The AED's voice prompts guide the rescuer, and it shocks only a 'shockable' rhythm such as ventricular fibrillation. CPR must be continued until the AED is ready and after each shock.

Q9

A child has swallowed a household chemical such as a toilet cleaner. Which of the following should NOT be done as first aid?

(1)Call 112 or a doctor at once and keep the container to show them
(2)Wipe or rinse any chemical off the lips and face
(3)Make the child vomit at once✓ Correct answer
(4)Place the child in the recovery position if he becomes unresponsive but is breathing

Answer: (3) Make the child vomit at once

Explanation

A corrosive chemical burns the food pipe and mouth a second time if it is brought back up, so first-aid guidance (Red Cross, St John Ambulance) says never to induce vomiting; get medical help and tell them what was swallowed. Rinsing the lips is safe, and the recovery position keeps the airway open.

Q10

Consider the following statements about first aid for a suspected fracture of the forearm: 1. The injured part should be kept still (immobilised) with a splint or sling. 2. The bent limb should be forcibly straightened before it is splinted. 3. A cold pack wrapped in cloth can be applied to reduce swelling and pain. Which of the statements given above are correct?

(1)1 only
(2)2 and 3 only
(3)1 and 3 only✓ Correct answer
(4)1, 2 and 3

Answer: (3) 1 and 3 only

Explanation

The limb is splinted in the position found, because forced straightening can damage nerves and vessels. A cloth-wrapped cold pack (never ice directly on skin) helps, and the person should then be taken for medical care.