During adult CPR, what is the recommended depth and rate for chest compressions?

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Multiple Choice

During adult CPR, what is the recommended depth and rate for chest compressions?

Effective adult chest compressions aim to push hard enough to generate blood flow while keeping a steady, appropriate pace. The recommended depth is at least 2 inches (about 5 cm), and the target rate is about 100 to 120 compressions per minute. This depth helps create adequate pressure to circulate blood without causing excessive injury, and the rate preserves sufficient time for the heart to fill between compressions. Rates slower than 100 per minute reduce perfusion; rates faster than 120 per minute can compromise chest recoil and filling, lowering effectiveness. In the other options, one suggests a shallow 1-inch depth with a very slow rate of 60/min, which under-delivers and slows perfusion. Another proposes a deeper 3–4 inch depth with 80/min, where the depth is potentially excessive for a typical adult and the rate is still too slow to optimize flow. The last option has the right depth of 2 inches but an excessive rate of 150/min, which can impair filling and overall effectiveness. Sticking to roughly 2 inches and 100–120 compressions per minute best matches proven guidance for maximizing blood flow during adult CPR.

Effective adult chest compressions aim to push hard enough to generate blood flow while keeping a steady, appropriate pace. The recommended depth is at least 2 inches (about 5 cm), and the target rate is about 100 to 120 compressions per minute. This depth helps create adequate pressure to circulate blood without causing excessive injury, and the rate preserves sufficient time for the heart to fill between compressions. Rates slower than 100 per minute reduce perfusion; rates faster than 120 per minute can compromise chest recoil and filling, lowering effectiveness.

In the other options, one suggests a shallow 1-inch depth with a very slow rate of 60/min, which under-delivers and slows perfusion. Another proposes a deeper 3–4 inch depth with 80/min, where the depth is potentially excessive for a typical adult and the rate is still too slow to optimize flow. The last option has the right depth of 2 inches but an excessive rate of 150/min, which can impair filling and overall effectiveness.

Sticking to roughly 2 inches and 100–120 compressions per minute best matches proven guidance for maximizing blood flow during adult CPR.

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