What is the depth of infant chest compressions?

What is the depth of infant chest compressions?

• A. 1 inch
• B. 1.5 inches
• C. 2 inches
• D. 2.5 inches

Answer: (B)

In infant CPR, the goal is to compress the chest about one third of its depth. For most infants, that depth is roughly 1.5 inches (about 4 cm). This amount provides enough pressure to generate blood flow to vital organs while minimizing the risk of injury to their delicate chest structures. A compression depth of 1 inch is too shallow to effectively circulate blood. On the other hand, compressions of 2 inches or 2.5 inches exceed the recommended depth for infants and raise the chance of rib fractures or internal injury. So 1.5 inches hits the balance between adequate perfusion and safety.

In infant CPR, the goal is to compress the chest about one third of its depth. For most infants, that depth is roughly 1.5 inches (about 4 cm). This amount provides enough pressure to generate blood flow to vital organs while minimizing the risk of injury to their delicate chest structures.

A compression depth of 1 inch is too shallow to effectively circulate blood. On the other hand, compressions of 2 inches or 2.5 inches exceed the recommended depth for infants and raise the chance of rib fractures or internal injury. So 1.5 inches hits the balance between adequate perfusion and safety.