Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

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What is the appropriate compression depth for a 6-month-old patient weighing 17 pounds?

  1. About 1 inch

  2. About 1½ inches

  3. About 2 inches

  4. About 2½ inches

The correct answer is: About 1½ inches

For an infant, specifically one who is about 6 months old, the appropriate compression depth during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is approximately 1½ inches. This depth is considered sufficient to create adequate blood flow during compressions without risking injury to the chest. The depth of compressions is critical because it ensures that the heart has enough capacity to be effectively compressed and to circulate blood. For infants, it is essential to apply the appropriate depth to maintain effectiveness while being cautious to avoid excessive force, which can cause harm due to their delicate anatomy. While deeper compressions may seem beneficial in terms of volume of blood moved, the risk of injury increases significantly with improper technique or excessive force. Thus, 1½ inches strikes the right balance for infants in this age and weight category.

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