What is the recommended depth of chest compressions for adults during CPR?

What is the recommended depth of chest compressions for adults during CPR?

• A. 1 inch
• B. 3 inches
• C. 2 inches
• D. 4 inches

Answer: (C)

The depth of chest compressions is the main factor that determines how much blood is pushed out of the heart with each squeeze. For adults, aim for about 5 cm, which is roughly 2 inches, of depth with every compression. This depth provides enough force to generate effective forward blood flow to vital organs like the brain and heart while keeping the risk of injury to a reasonable level. Compressing only about 1 inch is usually too shallow to move blood effectively, reducing perfusion. Going much deeper, such as 3 or 4 inches, increases the chance of injury without giving additional perfusion benefits beyond the recommended depth. Keeping the chest compressions at this about-2-inch depth consistently, with proper rate and full chest recoil between compressions, helps maximize the effectiveness of CPR.

The depth of chest compressions is the main factor that determines how much blood is pushed out of the heart with each squeeze. For adults, aim for about 5 cm, which is roughly 2 inches, of depth with every compression. This depth provides enough force to generate effective forward blood flow to vital organs like the brain and heart while keeping the risk of injury to a reasonable level. Compressing only about 1 inch is usually too shallow to move blood effectively, reducing perfusion. Going much deeper, such as 3 or 4 inches, increases the chance of injury without giving additional perfusion benefits beyond the recommended depth. Keeping the chest compressions at this about-2-inch depth consistently, with proper rate and full chest recoil between compressions, helps maximize the effectiveness of CPR.