American Red Cross BLS Provider Test 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The correct answer identifies the lower half of the sternum as the landmark for hand placement during adult CPR. This area is significant because it is the optimal site for compressions, enabling effective blood circulation during cardiac arrest. Placing your hands here allows for the greatest force to be applied to the heart, thereby maximizing the chances of restoring circulation and ultimately improving survival rates.

In CPR, proper hand placement is crucial because it not only ensures that compressions are effective but also helps to minimize the risk of injury to the victim. The lower sternum is a bony landmark that is easily identifiable, making it a reliable and consistent guide for rescuers. This precision is essential in both training scenarios and real-life situations to ensure that CPR is performed correctly and effectively.