What is the recommended compression depth for performing CPR on a child?

The recommended compression depth for performing CPR on a child is 1 to 1½ inches. This guideline is based on the anatomical considerations of a child's thorax, which is smaller and more flexible compared to that of an adult. Adequate compression depth is crucial to ensure that blood is effectively circulated during CPR, but excessive depth can cause injury to the child's ribs or internal organs.

By maintaining the compression depth within this range, the rescuer can provide sufficient force to stimulate blood flow without exceeding the safe limits that could lead to further harm. It ensures that the compressions are both effective in generating blood flow and safe for the child's developing body.

In the context of other options, the depths suggested by those ranges are considered too deep for a child and may increase the risk of injuries. Therefore, adhering to the recommended depth of 1 to 1½ inches strikes the right balance between efficacy and safety in pediatric resuscitation.