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How should you place your hands when performing chest compressions on an infant during CPR with two trained responders?

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Final answer:

For infant CPR with two trained responders, use two fingers for chest compressions on the sternum just below the nipple line, compressing about 1.5 inches deep at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute. Avoid the xiphoid process to prevent internal injuries.

Step-by-step explanation:

When performing chest compressions on an infant during CPR with two trained responders, it is essential to use the proper technique to avoid injuries and maximize the chances of survival. For infants, the recommended method is to use two fingers, typically the index and middle finger, placed in the center of the chest on the lower half of the sternum, just below the nipple line. Unlike adult CPR, which uses the heel of one hand or both hands for compressions, infant CPR requires a gentler approach due to their smaller and more fragile bodies. It is crucial to achieve adequate depth with compressions, pushing down approximately 1.5 inches (about 4 cm). This should be done at a rate of at least 100 to 120 compressions per minute, with minimal interruptions to maintain blood flow to the brain and other vital organs.

Performing CPR on an infant also emphasizes the importance of avoiding the xiphoid process at the base of the sternum to prevent severe internal injuries, such as damaging the liver. Trained responders are instructed to interlock their fingers and use the pads of the fingers to compress, ensuring that they provide efficient compressions without causing harm. It's also vital that both responders coordinate their efforts, with one focusing on compressions and the other on ventilation if needed, as per the latest CPR guidelines for two-responder infant CPR.

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