Board of Legal SpecializationPractice Exam

When performing CPR on an adult patient in cardiac arrest, what is one critical technique to ensure high-quality compressions?

1. Keep your elbows locked

2. Position yourself with your shoulders over your hands

3. Compress at an angle

4. Use only one hand for compressions

The correct answer is: Position yourself with your shoulders over your hands

The importance of positioning your shoulders over your hands during CPR on an adult patient lies in optimizing the force applied during compressions. This alignment allows for maximum leverage and energy transfer into the chest, enhancing the depth and effectiveness of each compression. High-quality compressions are essential to maintain adequate blood flow and oxygen delivery to vital organs during cardiac arrest. By aligning your shoulders above your hands, you ensure that your upper body weight contributes to the compressions rather than relying solely on arm strength. This technique facilitates consistent and powerful compressions, which are critical in improving the chances of survival for the patient. Additionally, maintaining the proper posture helps prevent fatigue, allowing the rescuer to continue performing CPR effectively for an extended period.