Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

How should chest compressions be performed on an infant?

1. Using two fingers at the center of the chest

2. Using the palm of one hand at the lower half of the chest

3. Using both hands with thumbs positioned at the midline

4. Only using chest thrusts

The correct answer is: Using two fingers at the center of the chest

Chest compressions on an infant should be performed using two fingers placed at the center of the chest, just below the nipple line. This method is designed specifically for infants because their chest is small and delicate. The fingers provide enough leverage while minimizing the risk of causing injury. Using the palm of one hand or both hands with thumbs would be more appropriate for larger children or adults, where the increased surface area allows for more effective depth and force of compressions. In the case of an infant, compressions need to be gentle yet effective, ensuring the heart can be adequately stimulated without excessive force that might lead to injury. Only using chest thrusts is not an appropriate method for cardiac compressions; chest thrusts are typically indicated for airway obstruction in infants but do not substitute for the process of performing chest compressions in a cardiac emergency. Therefore, using two fingers is the preferred method, as it aligns with the guidelines for infant resuscitation.