What is the correct depth of chest compressions when performing high-quality CPR on a child?

What is the correct depth of chest compressions when performing high-quality CPR on a child?

• A. Approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm)
• B. Approximately 1.5 inches (4 cm)
• C. Approximately 1.75 inches (4.5 cm)
• D. Approximately 2 inches (5 cm)

Answer: (D)

In high-quality pediatric CPR, you compress the chest to about one-third of the chest’s depth. For a child, that typically works out to around 2 inches (5 cm). This depth strikes a balance: it’s deep enough to push blood effectively with each squeeze, helping circulate oxygen to the heart and brain, but not so deep that it risks unnecessary injury. The shallower depths—about 1 inch (2.5 cm), 1.5 inches (4 cm), or 1.75 inches (4.5 cm)—would usually be too shallow to generate adequate blood flow.

In high-quality pediatric CPR, you compress the chest to about one-third of the chest’s depth. For a child, that typically works out to around 2 inches (5 cm). This depth strikes a balance: it’s deep enough to push blood effectively with each squeeze, helping circulate oxygen to the heart and brain, but not so deep that it risks unnecessary injury.

The shallower depths—about 1 inch (2.5 cm), 1.5 inches (4 cm), or 1.75 inches (4.5 cm)—would usually be too shallow to generate adequate blood flow.