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To ensure high-quality CPR is administered to a 5-year-old child, what is the appropriate chest compression depth?

  1. About 1 inch

  2. About 2 inches

  3. About 3 inches

  4. About 1.5 inches

The correct answer is: About 2 inches

For a 5-year-old child, the appropriate chest compression depth during CPR is about 2 inches. This depth is recommended to ensure that compressions are effective in generating adequate blood flow to vital organs, particularly the heart and brain. It is crucial to compress the chest firmly and deeply enough to allow for complete recoil between compressions, thereby maintaining blood circulation during the resuscitation efforts. This recommendation is part of the guidelines provided by organizations such as the American Heart Association, which emphasize the importance of depth and rate during CPR. Compressions that are too shallow may not effectively circulate blood, which can lead to poorer outcomes. By compressing to about 2 inches, caregivers can better ensure that they are meeting the necessary criteria for high-quality CPR, thus enhancing the chances of survival and recovery for the child.