During CPR on a pulseless 5-year-old child, which combination of chest compression rate and depth is recommended by current PALS guidelines?

• A 120 to 140/min, depth one fourth of the anteroposterior diameter of the chest
• B 80 to 100/min, depth half the anteroposterior diameter of the chest
• C At least 100 to 120/min, depth 5 cm regardless of the child's size
• D At least 100 to 120/min, depth one third of the anteroposterior diameter of the chest ✓

Explanation

PALS recommends a compression rate of at least 100 to 120 per minute with a depth of at least one third of the anteroposterior chest diameter, roughly 5 cm in a child and 4 cm in an infant, allowing full chest recoil between compressions. D fixed 5 cm depth ignores body size, and depths beyond one third of the AP diameter increase trauma risk without improving output. Slow rates compromise coronary perfusion pressure.

Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.