During CPR, the hands should be placed on the chest over which area?

During CPR, the hands should be placed on the chest over which area?

• A. On the lower half of the breastbone midway between nipples
• B. On the left side of the chest
• C. On the upper sternum
• D. Over the heart apex

Answer: (A)

During CPR, place the hands on the center of the chest, specifically on the lower half of the sternum midway between the nipples. This position lines up with the heart so each compression effectively pushes the heart toward the spine and drives blood forward to the rest of the body. It also allows you to achieve the appropriate compression depth for adults (about 2 inches or 5 cm) while reducing the risk of injury to the xiphoid process or internal organs. Placing hands higher on the chest, toward the left, or over the heart apex would not align with the ventricles and would make compressions less effective and potentially more dangerous.

During CPR, place the hands on the center of the chest, specifically on the lower half of the sternum midway between the nipples. This position lines up with the heart so each compression effectively pushes the heart toward the spine and drives blood forward to the rest of the body. It also allows you to achieve the appropriate compression depth for adults (about 2 inches or 5 cm) while reducing the risk of injury to the xiphoid process or internal organs. Placing hands higher on the chest, toward the left, or over the heart apex would not align with the ventricles and would make compressions less effective and potentially more dangerous.