Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Practice Exam 2026 - Free ACLS Practice Questions and Study Guide

The acceptable depth of chest compressions for adults during CPR is 2 inches. This depth is crucial because it ensures that enough pressure is applied to effectively compress the heart, allowing for the adequate flow of blood to vital organs, especially the brain and heart. According to the latest guidelines from the American Heart Association, compressions should not only reach this depth but should also be delivered at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute to maintain perfusion during cardiac arrest.

If compressions are too shallow, the effectiveness of the CPR is severely compromised since adequate blood flow will not be achieved. Compressions that are too deep can also cause harm, potentially leading to injuries such as rib fractures or damage to internal organs. Therefore, adhering to the recommended depth of at least 2 inches ensures both effectiveness in resuscitation efforts and minimizes potential injuries to the patient.