Infant chest compression depth should be approximately what fraction of chest depth?

Infant chest compression depth should be approximately what fraction of chest depth?

• A. 1/3
• B. 1/2
• C. 1/4
• D. 2/3

Answer: (A)

Infant chest compressions should be about one third of the chest depth. This typically translates to roughly 1.5 inches (about 4 cm) for an average infant. The smaller, highly compliant infant chest means you need enough depth to generate blood flow without risking injury to the ribs or underlying organs. Compressing to about one third provides a safe, effective balance; deeper than that increases injury risk and shallower depths may not generate adequate circulation. The other fractions would be too deep or too shallow for an infant: half the chest is overly deep and potentially harmful, a quarter may not move enough blood, and two thirds is far beyond safe limits for an infant’s chest. Use the recommended infant CPR technique and maintain full chest recoil between compressions while aiming for that one‑third depth.

Infant chest compressions should be about one third of the chest depth. This typically translates to roughly 1.5 inches (about 4 cm) for an average infant. The smaller, highly compliant infant chest means you need enough depth to generate blood flow without risking injury to the ribs or underlying organs. Compressing to about one third provides a safe, effective balance; deeper than that increases injury risk and shallower depths may not generate adequate circulation. The other fractions would be too deep or too shallow for an infant: half the chest is overly deep and potentially harmful, a quarter may not move enough blood, and two thirds is far beyond safe limits for an infant’s chest. Use the recommended infant CPR technique and maintain full chest recoil between compressions while aiming for that one‑third depth.