Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the Basic Life Support Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What is the correct chest compression depth for a child during CPR?

1.5 inches (3.8 cm)
2 inches (5 cm)
3 inches (7.6 cm)
1 inch (2.5 cm)

The correct answer is: 2 inches (5 cm)

In Basic Life Support (BLS) for children, the recommended chest compression depth is 2 inches (5 cm). This depth is critical to ensure effective compressions that can generate sufficient blood flow during cardiac arrest. Compressions at this depth allow for adequate chest recoil, which helps to fill the heart with blood, thus improving circulation to vital organs. Achieving the correct depth is essential because shallow compressions may not adequately circulate blood, reducing the chances of survival in a child experiencing cardiac arrest. The emphasis on pushing down to a depth of 2 inches is based on physiological studies and guidelines developed by agencies such as the American Heart Association. This depth is specifically tailored to the average size and anatomical features of a child, ensuring that the compressions are both effective and safe.