Question

A nurse is teaching cardiopulmonary resuscitation to a group of nursing students. The nurse asks a student to describe the reason why blind finger sweeps are avoided in infants. The nurse determines that the student understands the reason if the student makes which statement?

a) Infants have a more prominent gag reflex and smaller airways.
b) Blind finger sweeps are effective in infants due to their anatomy.
c) Infants require stronger chest compressions during CPR.
d) Blind finger sweeps help prevent aspiration in infants.

Answer 1

Blind finger sweeps are avoided in infants because they have a more prominent gag reflex and smaller airways, which increases the risk of pushing an obstruction further in or causing harm.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse has asked students to describe why blind finger sweeps are avoided in infants. The correct answer that demonstrates understanding of the concept is: Infants have a more prominent gag reflex and smaller airways. Performing blind finger sweeps in infants could inadvertently push the obstruction deeper into the airway, making the situation worse. Additionally, their airways are small, and the risk of causing harm by such sweeps is high.

It's important to note that babies have several innate reflexes that help them survive and develop, such as the sucking and grasping reflexes, which are crucial for feeding and bonding. These reflexes do not relate directly to the CPR process but offer insight into the developmental aspects of infant care.