Where should your hands be placed for chest compressions on an adult?

The appropriate placement for hands during chest compressions on an adult is on the center of the patient's chest, specifically on the lower half of the sternum. This area is crucial because it provides the most effective compression for the heart, allowing for adequate blood circulation during cardiac arrest.

When compressions are performed at this location, it enables the responder to apply the necessary force to pump blood effectively, as the heart is located just above the sternum. Proper hand placement is essential not only for the effectiveness of the compressions but also to minimize the risk of injuries to the patient.

Other placements, like the center of the abdomen, do not exert force directly on the heart and would be ineffective. Similarly, compressing above the right clavicle or on the opposite side of the heart would not generate the necessary pressure to circulate blood during a critical emergency. Therefore, positioning hands correctly on the lower half of the sternum is vital for successful resuscitation efforts in an adult patient.