Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam 2025 - Free BLS Practice Questions and Study Guide

In the case of an 11-year-old showing signs of puberty, the appropriate guidelines to follow are adult guidelines. This is because the onset of puberty represents a transition in physiological characteristics, including body size and the development of internal structures, which brings the individual more in line with the characteristics of adults regarding CPR techniques.

For CPR, adult guidelines involve using a greater depth of chest compressions and a higher compression rate compared to pediatric protocols, as the body mechanics of an individual who has entered puberty are closer to that of an adult than a younger child or infant. The rationale behind this adjustment is to maximize the effectiveness of chest compressions for someone in this age and development stage. Thus, when providing CPR or using an AED for an 11-year-old who has begun to show signs of puberty, the adult guidelines ensure that you are applying the most effective techniques tailored to their physical condition.