Depth of chest compression in adult CPR

Appeared in: KPSC Staff Nurse - 2021

Explanation

According to Basic Life Support (BLS) guidelines, the recommended chest compression depth for an adult is at least 5 cm (2 inches).
This depth is necessary to adequately compress the heart and generate sufficient blood flow and oxygen delivery to vital organs like the brain.
The guidelines also specify an upper limit for compression depth, which is 6 cm (2.4 inches), to minimize the risk of injury.
Therefore, 5 cm is the standard and correct target depth for adult CPR.

Option A: A compression depth of 2.5 cm is far too shallow for an adult and would be ineffective at creating circulation.
Option B: A compression depth of 3 cm is too shallow for an adult, leading to inadequate perfusion of vital organs.
Option D: While 6 cm is the maximum allowable depth, it is not the target. Compressing this deep or deeper increases the risk of iatrogenic injury, such as rib fractures, without improving outcomes.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Adult Basic Life Support (BLS) Guidelines as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Performing high-quality chest compressions with the correct depth and rate is the most critical factor in improving survival rates from cardiac arrest.
Inadequate compression depth is a common mistake during resuscitation that directly leads to poor patient outcomes due to insufficient coronary and cerebral perfusion.
Nurses must ensure that anyone performing CPR is aware of the correct depth and that feedback devices are used when available to monitor CPR quality.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question based on established clinical guidelines.
First, identify the key components of the question: 'depth', 'chest compression', and 'adult CPR'.
Recall the American Heart Association (AHA) or other relevant BLS guidelines for adult resuscitation.
The standard guideline for compression depth in adults is a range: at least 5 cm (2 inches) but no more than 6 cm (2.4 inches).
Compare the given options to this standard range.
5 cm and 3 cm are too shallow. 5 cm is the recommended minimum depth. 6 cm is the maximum depth.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Q0Z5yBN8PUMMTcVJ9kPzho

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 610-612

E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 763-765

Practise the full KPSC Staff Nurse - 2021

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.