Preparing for the NCLEX can be overwhelming. From disease processes and pharmacology to care management and delegation, there’s a lot to cover. But one of the most critical and high-stakes areas you should never overlook is CPR and emergency care.
These topics often show up in the form of scenario-based questions, and getting them right requires more than just memorization—it requires quick thinking, prioritization, and a solid understanding of life-saving techniques.
In this article, we’ll break down how to tackle CPR and emergency care questions on the NCLEX. We’ll explore common question types, the skills and knowledge tested, tips for choosing the right answers, and how to build your confidence in this crucial area.
Why CPR and Emergency Care Questions Matter
The NCLEX isn’t just testing what you know—it’s evaluating how safely and effectively you can apply that knowledge in real-life nursing situations. CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and emergency care scenarios are a direct test of your ability to act quickly and correctly in critical moments.
These questions fall under core NCLEX categories like:
- Physiological Integrity
- Safe and Effective Care Environment
- Health Promotion and Maintenance
They also test your readiness to handle life-threatening emergencies—from cardiac arrest to choking, seizures, or anaphylaxis. As a nurse, your response in these moments can literally save a life, so the exam puts heavy emphasis on getting it right.
Types of CPR and Emergency Care Questions You’ll See
Let’s take a closer look at the kinds of questions you’re likely to encounter.
1. Cardiac Arrest and CPR Scenarios
These questions often involve a patient who suddenly becomes unresponsive, has no pulse, or is showing signs of distress. You’ll need to know:
- The steps of Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Proper compression-to-breath ratios
- When to use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator)
- The CAB sequence: Circulation, Airway, Breathing
Example:
A nurse walks into a patient’s room and finds the client unresponsive. What is the nurse’s first action?
Correct Answer: Check for responsiveness and call for help.
Tip: Don’t jump straight into chest compressions. The correct sequence always starts with assessing the patient and activating the emergency response system.
2. Choking and Airway Obstruction
Expect to see questions about conscious and unconscious patients who are choking. These questions may include adults, children, or infants, and the techniques vary depending on the age group.
Example:
What is the correct response for a conscious infant who is choking and cannot cry or cough?
Correct Answer: Five back blows followed by five chest thrusts.
Tip: Knowing the differences between age-specific interventions is essential. Adult and child care use abdominal thrusts; infants need a gentler approach.
3. Anaphylaxis and Allergic Reactions
Nurses must respond quickly to anaphylactic reactions—this is a true emergency. Questions may include:
- Recognizing signs of anaphylaxis (e.g., hives, swelling, wheezing, hypotension)
- Knowing the first-line treatment (usually epinephrine)
- Positioning and monitoring the patient
Example:
A patient suddenly develops facial swelling and difficulty breathing after a dose of penicillin. What is the nurse’s priority action?
Correct Answer: Administer epinephrine immediately.
4. Seizures
Seizures require fast, safe responses. Questions will test your ability to protect the patient and manage the situation appropriately.
Key actions include:
- Ensuring safety by moving nearby objects
- Turning the patient to the side post-seizure
- Timing the seizure
- Avoiding restraints or inserting anything in the mouth
The NCLEX often includes tricky options—don’t choose one that involves forcing something into the patient’s mouth or restraining their movements.
5. Shock and Hypotension
Questions may ask you to identify and treat various forms of shock—cardiogenic, hypovolemic, or septic.
Key knowledge:
- Signs of shock: rapid pulse, low BP, pale/cool skin
- Initial nursing actions: elevate the legs (if no spinal injury), provide oxygen, monitor vitals
Example:
The nurse finds a post-op patient pale, diaphoretic, and hypotensive. What is the priority nursing action?
Correct Answer: Lay the patient flat and elevate their legs.
CPR Ratios and Guidelines You Must Know
Memorizing the correct CPR ratios and steps is key for answering technical questions quickly. Here’s a quick refresher:
- Adults: 30 compressions to 2 breaths (1 or 2 rescuers)
- Children: 30:2 (1 rescuer), 15:2 (2 rescuers)
- Infants: Same as children
- Compression rate: 100–120 per minute
- Compression depth: At least 2 inches for adults, about 1.5 inches for infants
- AED use: Apply as soon as it’s available; follow prompts
Knowing these numbers can help you eliminate incorrect answer choices and move through questions more confidently.
How to Approach Emergency Questions on the NCLEX
Emergency questions often require you to identify the most immediate or life-saving intervention. Here’s a simple approach:
1. Assess the situation
Read carefully to determine what’s really going on. Is the patient unresponsive? Is there a pulse? Are they breathing?
2. Prioritize action
Use the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) or CAB (for cardiac arrest) to determine the first priority.
3. Know what not to do
Avoid actions that delay care or are unsafe. Common traps include calling a physician before intervening or leaving the patient to get equipment.
4. Look for safety
If the question involves a scene (e.g., a nurse finds someone collapsed), scene safety should come first before starting CPR.
Tips for Studying CPR and Emergency Care
Here are simple ways to build your confidence in this topic:
- Practice NCLEX-style questions daily that involve emergency care.
- Review CPR guidelines weekly (especially ratios and steps).
- Use flashcards for rapid recall of CPR protocols and emergency medications.
- Watch short CPR videos or simulations to visualize the process.
- Join a study group to role-play emergencies for better retention.
Real-Life Readiness
Remember, the NCLEX isn’t just a test—it’s a reflection of what you’ll actually face as a nurse. Emergencies happen fast, and when they do, your knowledge of CPR and emergency care will be your first defense.
Whether you’re working in a hospital, clinic, school, or home health setting, you need to be prepared to recognize signs of distress, act immediately, and follow best-practice protocols to stabilize your patient. Starting now with NCLEX prep is the perfect time to sharpen those life-saving instincts.
Conclusion: Be Prepared to Save Lives
CPR and emergency care questions on the NCLEX are not just theoretical—they reflect real decisions you’ll make as a practicing nurse. By understanding the core concepts, memorizing key guidelines, and practicing with real-life scenarios, you’ll be able to handle these questions with ease.
More importantly, this knowledge ensures you’re ready when someone’s life is in your hands. So don’t treat CPR review as an afterthought. Prioritize it, practice it, and make it part of your daily study routine.
