How deep should compressions be for adults and children according to CPR guidelines?

How deep should compressions be for adults and children according to CPR guidelines?

• A. 1 inch
• B. 2 inches
• C. 3 inches
• D. 1.5 inches

Answer: (B)

Compressions must be deep enough to move blood effectively without causing unnecessary injury. For both adults and children, aim for about 2 inches (roughly 5 cm) of chest wall displacement. This depth corresponds to roughly one-third of the chest’s depth in children, and it provides enough force to generate forward blood flow and maintain perfusion to the heart and brain. Going shallower reduces blood flow, while significantly deeper compressions increase injury risk. Keep a steady rate (about 100–120 per minute) and allow full chest recoil between compressions.

Compressions must be deep enough to move blood effectively without causing unnecessary injury. For both adults and children, aim for about 2 inches (roughly 5 cm) of chest wall displacement. This depth corresponds to roughly one-third of the chest’s depth in children, and it provides enough force to generate forward blood flow and maintain perfusion to the heart and brain. Going shallower reduces blood flow, while significantly deeper compressions increase injury risk. Keep a steady rate (about 100–120 per minute) and allow full chest recoil between compressions.