What should be the depth of chest compressions during CPR for an adult?

What should be the depth of chest compressions during CPR for an adult?

• A. 1 inch deep
• B. 2 inches deep
• C. 3 inches deep
• D. 1.5 inches deep

Answer: (B)

In adult CPR, the goal is to push hard enough to move blood through the heart and circulate it. The target depth is about 2 inches (5 cm) for an average adult. This depth balances generating sufficient blood flow with minimizing the risk of injury; some guidelines allow up to around 2.4 inches (6 cm), but 2 inches is the standard target. The shallower depths (around 1 to 1.5 inches) won’t reliably generate adequate perfusion, while too deep (about 3 inches) can increase (and not significantly improve) injury risk. Remember to deliver compressions at a steady rate (approximately 100–120 per minute) with full chest recoil between compressions.

In adult CPR, the goal is to push hard enough to move blood through the heart and circulate it. The target depth is about 2 inches (5 cm) for an average adult. This depth balances generating sufficient blood flow with minimizing the risk of injury; some guidelines allow up to around 2.4 inches (6 cm), but 2 inches is the standard target. The shallower depths (around 1 to 1.5 inches) won’t reliably generate adequate perfusion, while too deep (about 3 inches) can increase (and not significantly improve) injury risk. Remember to deliver compressions at a steady rate (approximately 100–120 per minute) with full chest recoil between compressions.