Which statement best describes the depth of chest compressions in CPR?

Which statement best describes the depth of chest compressions in CPR?

• A. 1 inch
• B. 2 inches
• C. 3 inches
• D. 4 inches

Answer: (B)

In CPR, depth matters because you need to push enough blood with each compression, but you don’t want to overshoot and injure chest structures. For an average adult, the guideline target is about two inches (roughly five centimeters). This depth is deep enough to generate meaningful blood flow yet within safe limits; compressions that are only about an inch don’t move enough blood, while three or four inches exceed safe depth and increase the risk of injury.

In CPR, depth matters because you need to push enough blood with each compression, but you don’t want to overshoot and injure chest structures. For an average adult, the guideline target is about two inches (roughly five centimeters). This depth is deep enough to generate meaningful blood flow yet within safe limits; compressions that are only about an inch don’t move enough blood, while three or four inches exceed safe depth and increase the risk of injury.