What is the recommended chest compression depth for infants and children during CPR?

• A. About one-quarter of the chest's AP diameter
• B. About half the chest's AP diameter
• C. Full chest recoil
• D. About one-third of the chest's AP diameter

Answer: (D)

In pediatric CPR, how deep you press the chest should be a substantial portion of the chest’s thickness. This proportional depth ensures enough blood is moved with each compression to support perfusion of the heart and brain, without pushing so hard that you risk injury to the chest structures. So, the best choice describes a depth that relates to the chest size rather than a fixed, shallow amount or an excessive depth. Compressions that are too shallow don’t generate adequate blood flow, while overly deep presses raise injury risk. Also keep in mind that letting the chest fully recoil between compressions is essential for the heart to refill, but recoil is a separate aspect from how deep each compression should be.