How deep should compressions be for infants?

How deep should compressions be for infants?

• A. 1 inch
• B. 1.5 inches
• C. 1/3 of the chest diameter
• D. 2 inches

Answer: (C)

The appropriate depth for chest compressions in infants is approximately one-third of the chest diameter. This guideline ensures that compressions are effective enough to create sufficient pressure for blood flow while avoiding potential injury to the fragile structures of an infant's ribcage. Given that an infant's chest is smaller and more pliable compared to that of older children or adults, this depth allows for a balance between effectiveness in resuscitation efforts and safety during the procedure. The other options suggest depths that do not take into account the unique anatomy of infants. For instance, compressions depths of one inch or 1.5 inches may not be sufficient to generate adequate blood flow. Meanwhile, a depth of 2 inches exceeds the recommended limit, risking injury to an infant's sternum and ribs, emphasizing the need to tailor resuscitation techniques to the patient’s specific age and size.

The appropriate depth for chest compressions in infants is approximately one-third of the chest diameter. This guideline ensures that compressions are effective enough to create sufficient pressure for blood flow while avoiding potential injury to the fragile structures of an infant's ribcage. Given that an infant's chest is smaller and more pliable compared to that of older children or adults, this depth allows for a balance between effectiveness in resuscitation efforts and safety during the procedure.

The other options suggest depths that do not take into account the unique anatomy of infants. For instance, compressions depths of one inch or 1.5 inches may not be sufficient to generate adequate blood flow. Meanwhile, a depth of 2 inches exceeds the recommended limit, risking injury to an infant's sternum and ribs, emphasizing the need to tailor resuscitation techniques to the patient’s specific age and size.