During hands-only CPR, how deep should chest compressions be?

Prepare for the UT High School Health 1 Exam with engaging flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question comes with hints and explanations. Get exam-ready now!

Multiple Choice

During hands-only CPR, how deep should chest compressions be?

Explanation:
During hands-only CPR for an adult, aim for chest compressions about 2 inches (roughly 5 cm) deep. This depth provides enough force to squeeze the heart and push blood to vital organs like the brain while still allowing the chest to recoil fully between compressions. If you press much shallower, blood flow falls short of what's needed to sustain circulation; pressing much deeper can increase the risk of injury without improving outcomes. So, the best guideline is about two inches deep.

During hands-only CPR for an adult, aim for chest compressions about 2 inches (roughly 5 cm) deep. This depth provides enough force to squeeze the heart and push blood to vital organs like the brain while still allowing the chest to recoil fully between compressions. If you press much shallower, blood flow falls short of what's needed to sustain circulation; pressing much deeper can increase the risk of injury without improving outcomes. So, the best guideline is about two inches deep.

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