Which of the following is NOT a complication associated with chest compressions?

Gastric distention is not typically classified as a complication that arises directly from chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). While it can occur in patients who require artificial ventilation, such as those being ventilated with a bag-valve-mask device, it is primarily related to the method of breathing support rather than the compressions themselves.

In contrast, the other options involve structural injuries directly linked to the mechanical force applied during chest compressions. A fractured sternum, rib fractures, and potential liver laceration all result from the physical compression forces exerted on the thoracic and abdominal cavities. During CPR, particularly in an adult with an unyielding chest wall, the need for adequate force can lead to these injuries.

Understanding the mechanisms that lead to these complications is important for EMTs when performing CPR, highlighting the need for the correct technique and depth of compressions while also acknowledging the risk of injury in both the responder’s actions and the patient's condition.