What depth should chest compressions reach during adult CPR?

What depth should chest compressions reach during adult CPR?

• A. 2 cm
• B. 3 cm
• C. 4 cm
• D. 5 cm

Answer: (D)

In adult CPR, the chest needs to be pressed hard enough to generate meaningful blood flow. The recommended depth is about five centimeters of chest depression, which is roughly two inches. This depth moves enough blood with each compression to circulate to the brain and other vital organs. When compressions are shallower—around four centimeters or less—the amount of blood moved is often insufficient to maintain perfusion. Going deeper than the guideline depth doesn’t show added benefit and can raise the risk of injury, so aim for that minimum effective depth and allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions. Pair this with a steady rate of about one hundred to one hundred twenty compressions per minute and complete chest recoil to maximize effectiveness.

In adult CPR, the chest needs to be pressed hard enough to generate meaningful blood flow. The recommended depth is about five centimeters of chest depression, which is roughly two inches. This depth moves enough blood with each compression to circulate to the brain and other vital organs. When compressions are shallower—around four centimeters or less—the amount of blood moved is often insufficient to maintain perfusion. Going deeper than the guideline depth doesn’t show added benefit and can raise the risk of injury, so aim for that minimum effective depth and allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions. Pair this with a steady rate of about one hundred to one hundred twenty compressions per minute and complete chest recoil to maximize effectiveness.