Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

Which compression technique is recommended for multiple-provider CPR on an infant?

1. Two-finger technique

2. Encircling thumbs technique

3. Adult-style compression technique

4. One-hand technique

The correct answer is: Encircling thumbs technique

The encircling thumbs technique is recommended for multiple-provider CPR on an infant because it allows for more effective and safer chest compressions. This technique involves using both thumbs to compress the infant's chest while the fingers encircle the back, providing support and stability. The thumbs can deliver compressions more evenly and efficiently as they can apply continuous pressure directly over the heart, which is crucial for maintaining blood flow during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Additionally, this method minimizes the risk of injury to the infant's ribs and internal organs due to the more controlled and distributed force applied by the thumbs. When multiple providers are involved, they can switch roles efficiently while maintaining the quality of compressions, which is critical for the overall success of resuscitation efforts. The other methods, like the two-finger technique, are more suitable for single-provider scenarios or for less optimal situations, and they do not provide the same level of effectiveness as the encircling thumbs technique when multiple trained rescuers are present. The adult-style compression technique is not appropriate for infants due to the differences in the anatomical structure and the risk of injury. The one-hand technique may not provide sufficient force or control in comparison to the encircling thumbs technique. Thus, the