Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) Practice Test

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Study for the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, with each question offering hints and explanations. Ready your skills for the AEMT exam now!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What is the desired depth of chest compressions in an adult patient?

1.5 inches
3.0 inches
3.5 inches
2.0 inches

The correct answer is: 2.0 inches

The desired depth of chest compressions in an adult patient is between 2 and 2.4 inches (5 to 6 centimeters). This depth is crucial because it ensures that adequate pressure is applied to the thoracic cavity to create sufficient blood flow during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Depths below this range may not effectively circulate blood, while compressions that are too deep can potentially cause injury to the chest wall or internal organs. When performing compressions at the recommended depth, the rescuer is more likely to generate adequate pressure to perfuse vital organs, particularly the heart and brain, which is essential for the successful outcome of resuscitation efforts. The choice of 2.0 inches aligns with the recognized guidelines that emphasize the importance of achieving a minimum effective depth to maximize the chances of restoring spontaneous circulation in a cardiac arrest scenario.