Paediatric BLS: compression technique: practice question

A Anaesthesia question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Anaesthesia · Paediatric BLS: compression technique

Sample item

How should chest compressions be given to an infant by two health professionals?

AAbdominal compressionsBHeel of one hand to a depth of 8 cmCTwo-thumb encircling technique, depth about one-third of chest diameter (4 cm)DTwo fingers at 140 per minute

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Two-thumb encircling technique, depth about one-third of chest diameter (4 cm)

In infants the compression depth is at least one-third of the anteroposterior diameter, about 4 cm, with the two-thumb encircling-hands technique preferred for two rescuers. Rate is 100 to 120 per minute and the ratio 15:2.

Option by option

A. Abdominal compressions
Abdominal compressions have no role.
B. Heel of one hand to a depth of 8 cm
8 cm would injure an infant.
C. Two-thumb encircling technique, depth about one-third of chest diameter (4 cm) (correct)
Correct. This is the recommended infant technique.
D. Two fingers at 140 per minute
A rate of 140 per minute is too fast.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this Anaesthesia question

What is the answer to this Anaesthesia question?

The best answer is C, Two-thumb encircling technique, depth about one-third of chest diameter (4 cm). In infants the compression depth is at least one-third of the anteroposterior diameter, about 4 cm, with the two-thumb encircling-hands technique preferred for two rescuers.

Why is "Abdominal compressions" not the answer?

Abdominal compressions have no role.

Why is "Heel of one hand to a depth of 8 cm" not the answer?

8 cm would injure an infant.

Why is "Two fingers at 140 per minute" not the answer?

A rate of 140 per minute is too fast.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Paediatric BLS: compression technique in Anaesthesia. Rate is 100 to 120 per minute and the ratio 15:2.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Paediatric BLS: compression technique?

Make a table of each agent, its key advantage and its main side effect. Then use the flashcards and the other Anaesthesia questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.