Final answer:
Chest compressions on a 6-year-old should be performed to a depth of at least 5 cm with a rate of 100 compressions per minute, following current CPR guidelines.
Step-by-step explanation:
When performing chest compressions on a 6-year-old, the current standard calls for compressing the chest to a depth of at least 5 cm (2 inches). Chest compressions should be performed at a rate of 100 compressions per minute. This technique is critical to maintain blood flow, especially to the brain, to prevent irreversible damage or death of neurons due to a lack of blood flow. Proper hand placement and compression depth are important to avoid causing harm to the patient, such as broken ribs or damage to internal organs. Training and certification in CPR are highly recommended to ensure the technique is performed correctly.