How do you perform chest compressions when providing high-quality CPR to a child victim?

• A. By compressing the chest at least one third the depth of the chest, about 2 inches (5 cm)
• B. By compressing the chest to 1 inch depth
• C. By performing breaths only without chest compressions
• D. By compressing the chest with minimal depth

Answer: (A)

In pediatric CPR, the chest must be compressed deep enough to generate effective blood flow. The guideline is to compress at least one third the depth of the chest, which for a child is about 2 inches (5 cm). This depth reliably pushes blood out of the heart and through the vessels to vital organs like the brain. If you compress much less than this, blood movement is insufficient; pressing to only 1 inch would not circulate adequately. Breaths alone won’t circulate blood, and minimal depth won’t move blood effectively. So aiming for about 2 inches (5 cm) of depth with a steady rate ensures high-quality chest compressions.