What is the appropriate hand placement for performing CPR on a child?

The appropriate hand placement for performing CPR on a child is on the lower half of the breastbone. This location is crucial because it allows for effective compressions directly over the heart, which is located just beneath the sternum. When compressions are performed at this site, it ensures that the most significant amount of force is delivered to the heart, thereby maximizing blood circulation to vital organs during a cardiac arrest.

Using the lower half of the breastbone also helps to ensure that compressions are delivered at the correct depth and with the proper technique. Placing the hands in this manner minimizes the risk of causing injury to the child by ensuring that the compressions are administered to the correct anatomical area. Furthermore, proper hand placement is essential for the overall effectiveness of CPR, as it can significantly improve the chances of reviving someone in cardiac distress.

Other locations, such as the upper chest or mid-sternum are less effective as they may not provide the same force directly to the heart. The lower abdomen is entirely inappropriate for chest compressions, as this area is not involved in cardiac function and will not aid in circulating blood effectively during CPR. Thus, the lower half of the breastbone is the designated and recommended area for hand placement in pediatric CPR.