Final answer:
The correct 2010 AHA guideline for CPR is chest compressions first, followed by airway and breathing, which emphasizes the importance of high-quality chest compressions at a rate of 100 per minute and a depth of at least 5 cm.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 2010 American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) recommended a sequence of steps for basic life support (BLS), which focuses primarily on chest compressions before addressing airway and breathing. The correct sequence, as per the 2010 guidelines, is chest compressions, airway, and then breathing, making the first option the correct one. This CPR technique involves applying pressure to the sternum between the T4 and T9 vertebrae to compress the heart and maintain blood flow, especially to the brain where cells can rapidly suffer irreversible damage from lack of oxygen. The recommended rate for compressions is at least 100 per minute, with a depth of at least 5 cm. While high-quality chest compressions are emphasized, it is also critical to ensure that the compressions are performed correctly to avoid injuries such as broken ribs or damage to the liver from incorrect hand placement.