What is the correct chest compression depth for a child during CPR?

The correct chest compression depth for a child during CPR is indeed about 2 inches. This depth is important as it ensures that enough force is applied to effectively compress the chest wall, facilitating adequate blood flow to vital organs during cardiac arrest. The American Heart Association guidelines recommend compressing the chest to a depth of approximately one-third the anterior-posterior diameter of the chest in children, which typically translates to around 2 inches for most children.

Using a shallower depth, such as 1 inch, may not generate sufficient pressure to circulate blood effectively, while deeper compressions, like 3 or 4 inches, may risk causing injury to the child's chest or internal organs due to the relatively smaller size and more fragile structure of their bodies. Proper technique in CPR, including compression depth, is crucial to maximize the chances of survival in a pediatric patient experiencing cardiac arrest.