During Adult CPR, what is the recommended depth of chest compressions?

Appeared in: RML 2023

Explanation

According to the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines, chest compressions for an adult victim must be at a depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm).
This depth is critical to adequately compress the heart between the sternum (breastbone) and the spine, which is necessary to create blood flow to the brain and heart.
The guidelines also specify an upper limit for compression depth, which is 2.4 inches (6 cm), to avoid causing injury to the victim.
Achieving the correct depth at the correct rate is a cornerstone of high-quality CPR and directly impacts patient survival.

Option A: A compression depth of only 1 inch is too shallow for an adult and will not generate enough pressure to circulate blood effectively.
Option C: Compressing the chest to exactly 3 inches (7.6 cm) is too deep and exceeds the AHA's recommended maximum depth of 2.4 inches (6 cm).
Option D: This is the recommended compression depth for infants (under 1 year of age), not adults.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain CPR chest compression depth for adults as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Performing high-quality chest compressions with the correct depth and rate is one of the most critical factors in improving survival rates from cardiac arrest.
Nurses must be proficient in BLS and be able to lead or participate in resuscitation efforts, ensuring that guidelines for high-quality CPR are followed precisely.
Many modern defibrillators and CPR feedback devices provide real-time audio and visual cues to help rescuers achieve the target compression depth and rate, which has been shown to improve CPR quality.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question based on established clinical guidelines (AHA).
First, identify the key parameters in the question stem: 'Adult CPR' and 'depth of chest compressions'.
Recall the specific numerical value for adult compression depth from your study of Basic Life Support (BLS). The key value to remember is 'at least 2 inches' or '5 cm'.
Systematically evaluate the given options against this recalled fact.
Eliminate options that are clearly incorrect: 1 to 1.5 inches is the depth for infants, and 3 inches is excessively deep and dangerous.
Select the option that accurately reflects the current guidelines for adult CPR.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Q03OJrR2KT0AWtoDD6uEos

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

Practise the full RML 2023

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