What complication can be reduced by ensuring proper hand placement during chest compressions in CPR?

Ensuring proper hand placement during chest compressions in CPR is crucial for minimizing the risk of rib fractures. When performing chest compressions, the correct technique involves placing your hands on the lower half of the sternum. This positioning is designed to allow effective compressions that can adequately circulate blood without causing unnecessary trauma to the ribs.

If the hands are placed too high on the chest, there is an increased risk of compressing the ribs directly. Ribs are comparatively fragile, particularly in older individuals or those with certain health conditions, and improper technique can lead to fractures. Maintaining proper hand placement helps to ensure that the force of the compressions is applied to the sternum rather than the ribs themselves, thus reducing the likelihood of rib fractures during CPR.

Other complications, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, myocardial infarction, and emesis, are not directly influenced by the positioning of the hands during chest compressions. Rib fractures are a specific consequence of improper technique in CPR, making it the primary concern when discussing the importance of hand placement.