Final answer:
For high-quality adult CPR, compressions should be to a depth of at least 2 inches with a rate of 100 compressions per minute, and proper hand placement between the T4 and T9 lines on the sternum.
Step-by-step explanation:
While performing high-quality CPR on an adult, the action you should ensure is being accomplished is compression to a depth of at least 2 inches. This depth of compression ensures that the blood within the heart can be manually compressed enough to circulate blood effectively into the pulmonary and systemic circuits. Furthermore, it is important to allow complete chest recoil between compressions and to have a compression rate of 100 compressions per minute. It is also crucial to place the hands on the sternum correctly, specifically between the lines at T4 and T9, to avoid causing internal damage such as driving the xiphoid process into the liver. Proper technique is so vital that training and certification in CPR are widespread, provided by colleges, hospitals, and organizations like the American Red Cross.