According to CPR guidelines, how should you perform compressions on an adult?

The correct approach to performing compressions on an adult during CPR is to deliver 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths, ensuring that the compressions are hard, fast, and deep. This guideline emphasizes the importance of the quality of the compressions.

Compressions should be delivered at a depth of about 2 inches (5 centimeters) and at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Performing compressions "hard" refers to the necessity of exerting enough pressure to create adequate blood flow to vital organs during cardiac arrest. The terms "fast" and "deep" further emphasize the urgency and depth required to effectively maintain circulation until advanced medical help arrives or the victim begins to show signs of life.

While other answer choices may include certain elements of CPR, they do not adhere to the comprehensive directives regarding the importance of detailed guidelines for maintaining effective compressions during resuscitation efforts. For instance, the option mentioning continuous compressions without breaths relates to a different context, typically applicable to certain scenarios involving adults with witnessed cardiac arrests performed by trained rescuers or medical professionals.