National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

The ABCD's of basic life support represent which components?

1. Assessment, Breathing, Circulation, Diagnosis

2. Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Defibrillation

3. Airway, Basics, Circulation, Delivery

4. Assessment, Breaths, Circulation, Discharge

The correct answer is: Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Defibrillation

The ABCD's of basic life support refer to critical components that are essential for providing effective care during a medical emergency. The correct response identifies these components as Airway, Breathing, Circulation, and Defibrillation. In this context: - **Airway** relates to ensuring that the patient's airway is clear and unobstructed. This is crucial because a blocked airway can lead to hypoxia and rapid deterioration of the patient’s condition. - **Breathing** involves assessing and providing assistance with respiration as needed. If the patient is not breathing effectively, rescue breaths may be necessary to provide oxygen to the lungs. - **Circulation** refers to the evaluation of the patient’s circulation and, if absent, initiating chest compressions and other interventions to maintain blood flow to vital organs. - **Defibrillation** is the process of delivering an electrical shock to restore a normal heart rhythm in a patient who is in cardiac arrest, particularly effective in cases of ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. These elements form the basis of the emergency response in most situations involving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and are organized in this particular order to prioritize airway management, followed by breathing, circulation support, and