CPR for Specific Populations 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended compression depth for CPR on a child (age 1 to puberty)?
- At least 1 inch deep
- About 1.5 inches deep
- About 2 inches deep (Correct answer)
- At least 2.5 inches deep
Correct answer: About 2 inches deep
For children (age 1 to puberty), the recommended compression depth during CPR is about 2 inches (5 cm). This depth is crucial for effective circulation, ensuring enough blood is pumped to vital organs without causing excessive injury. It's important to compress at least one-third the depth of the chest.
Question 2: How many hands should be used for chest compressions on a small child during CPR?
- Both hands, one on top of the other
- One hand or both hands, depending on the size of the child (Correct answer)
- Only one hand at all times
- Use fingers, not hands
Correct answer: One hand or both hands, depending on the size of the child
For chest compressions on a small child, rescuers should use one hand or both hands, depending on the child's size and what allows for the recommended compression depth of about 2 inches. The goal is to achieve adequate depth and force without causing injury, so the technique adapts to the child's body proportions.
Question 3: When performing CPR on an infant (under 1 year old), what is the correct hand placement for chest compressions?
- Two fingers in the center of the chest, just below the nipple line (Correct answer)
- One hand in the center of the chest
- Two hands on the lower sternum
- Two thumbs side by side on the upper chest
Correct answer: Two fingers in the center of the chest, just below the nipple line
For infants (under 1 year old), the correct hand placement for chest compressions is two fingers placed in the center of the chest, just below the nipple line. This specific placement ensures compressions are delivered over the lower half of the sternum, which is the most effective and safest area for infants. Using two fingers allows for appropriate depth and force for their delicate bodies.
Question 4: What is the recommended compression-to-breath ratio for CPR on infants and children when two rescuers are present?
- 15:2 (Correct answer)
- 30:2
- 10:1
- 20:2
Correct answer: 15:2
When two rescuers are present for CPR on infants and children, the recommended compression-to-breath ratio is 15 compressions to 2 rescue breaths. This ratio provides a higher proportion of breaths compared to adult CPR, reflecting the common respiratory causes of cardiac arrest in children. It also allows for more continuous compressions than a 30:2 ratio with two rescuers.
Question 5: How should you modify CPR for a pregnant individual in cardiac arrest?
- Perform chest compressions as usual with no modifications.
- Place a wedge under the right hip to tilt the person slightly to the left. (Correct answer)
- Perform compressions only on the upper chest.
- Avoid rescue breaths to prevent complications.
Correct answer: Place a wedge under the right hip to tilt the person slightly to the left.
For pregnant individuals in cardiac arrest, it is crucial to place a wedge or rolled blanket under their right hip to tilt them slightly to the left. This modification helps to displace the uterus off the inferior vena cava, preventing aortocaval compression and improving venous return to the heart. This action enhances the effectiveness of chest compressions and blood flow to both the mother and fetus.
Question 6: How do you adjust rescue breathing for a drowning victim?
- Skip rescue breaths and focus only on chest compressions.
- Provide 5 initial rescue breaths before starting chest compressions. (Correct answer)
- Perform rescue breaths and compressions at a 15:1 ratio.
- Only perform rescue breaths and wait for emergency services.
Correct answer: Provide 5 initial rescue breaths before starting chest compressions.
For drowning victims, the primary cause of cardiac arrest is typically respiratory, due to lack of oxygen. Therefore, it is critical to provide 5 initial rescue breaths before starting chest compressions to oxygenate the blood. This differs from standard CPR protocols where compressions are initiated immediately, as the immediate need is to address the oxygen deficit.
Question 7: What is the recommended action if you are performing CPR on an infant and notice a visible airway obstruction?
- Continue compressions and breaths without addressing the obstruction.
- Attempt to remove the obstruction with your fingers.
- Provide back blows and chest thrusts to clear the obstruction. (Correct answer)
- Stop CPR immediately and wait for help.
Correct answer: Provide back blows and chest thrusts to clear the obstruction.
If a visible airway obstruction is noticed while performing CPR on an infant, the recommended action is to stop CPR and administer a sequence of 5 back blows followed by 5 chest thrusts. This technique is designed to dislodge the foreign object from the airway. Attempting to remove it with fingers is only advised if the object is clearly visible and easily graspable, to avoid pushing it further down.
CPR for Specific Populations 1
What is the recommended compression depth for CPR on a child (age 1 to puberty)?