Which of the following describes the proper hand placement for chest compressions on an adult?

The proper hand placement for chest compressions on an adult is at the lower half of the sternum. This area is located in the center of the chest, specifically along the breastbone, which allows for effective compression of the heart during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Positioning the hands here enables the responder to generate sufficient force to effectively circulate blood throughout the body by compressing the heart between the sternum and the spine.

Using the lower half of the sternum targets the location where the heart is most accessible for compressions, maximizing the effectiveness of the effort to restore circulation. The guidelines emphasize that proper hand placement helps ensure that compressions are delivered at the correct depth and in an optimal position, which is crucial for the success of CPR.

Other placements, such as the upper half of the sternum, near the belly button, or over the ribs, would not provide the same level of effectiveness. The upper half is closer to the throat and may lead to ineffective compressions that do not reach the heart adequately. Placing hands near the belly button would be too low and miss the target of the heart altogether, while positioning over the ribs could risk rib injury and impede proper compression technique. This is why the specified