Board of Legal SpecializationPractice Exam

What is the correct depth for chest compressions for an 11-year-old patient?

1. 1 inch

2. 1.5 inches

3. At least 2 inches

4. At least 3 inches

The correct answer is: At least 2 inches

The correct depth for chest compressions in an 11-year-old patient is at least 2 inches. This standard is based on guidelines from recognized organizations such as the American Heart Association, which recommend that chest compressions for children aged 1 to puberty should be performed to a depth of at least 1/3 the anterior-posterior diameter of the chest. For an 11-year-old, this generally translates into a depth of about 2 inches, which is essential to effectively compress the heart between the sternum and the spine to facilitate blood flow during cardiac arrest. Compressions of this depth ensure that adequate pressure is applied to move blood through the circulatory system, which is critical for maintaining vital organ perfusion. The other depth options provided would not be sufficient to achieve the necessary effectiveness in compressions. Compressions less than 2 inches are less likely to generate optimal blood flow, which is why they are not advised for this age group.