American Lifeguard Practice Exam

When performing CPR on an infant, how deep should chest compressions be?

1. About half an inch

2. About 1 inch to 1.5 inch

3. About 2 inches

4. Just under the breastbone

The correct answer is: About 1 inch to 1.5 inch

When performing CPR on an infant, the recommended depth for chest compressions is about 1 inch to 1.5 inches. This depth is important because it allows for effective circulation during cardiac arrest while being gentle enough to avoid causing injury to the infant's delicate ribcage and internal organs. The proper depth of compressions helps to ensure that blood is adequately pumped to vital organs, including the brain and heart, which is crucial for increasing the chances of survival. Using too shallow a depth, such as just half an inch, would be ineffective at generating enough blood flow, which could lead to inadequate perfusion of vital organs. On the other hand, compressions that exceed 1.5 inches could potentially cause injury to the infant, given their smaller frame and softer chest structure. Thus, compressions between 1 inch and 1.5 inches strike the right balance between effectiveness and safety while administering CPR to an infant.