Question

An 8-month old infant in the pediatric ward is eating lunch with the help of the ward volunteer. The infant suddenly begins to cough and is unable to make any noise shortly after. The volunteer picks up the infant and shouts for help. You have determined that the infant is responsive and choking with a severe airway obstruction. How do you relieve the airway obstruction?

A. Encourage the infant to cough
B. Give sets of 5 back slaps and 5 chest thrusts
C. Begin 2 thumb-encircling hands chest compressions
D. Give abdominal thrusts

Answer 1

To relieve a severe airway obstruction in an 8-month old infant, perform sets of 5 back slaps and 5 chest thrusts. Do not use abdominal thrusts. If unresponsive, seek emergency care and begin chest compressions.

Step-by-step explanation:

For an 8-month-old infant experiencing choking with a severe airway obstruction, the appropriate action to relieve the obstruction is:

D. Give abdominal thrusts.

Abdominal thrusts (also known as the Heimlich maneuver for infants) are the recommended technique for relieving severe airway obstruction in infants. Here's how to perform abdominal thrusts on an infant:

1. Assume a seated or kneeling position, holding the infant face-down on your forearm or lap, ensuring their head is lower than their chest.

2. Use the heel of your hand to deliver up to five quick, firm slaps to the infant's back between the shoulder blades.

3. If the obstruction persists, turn the infant over on your opposite arm so they are facing upward, still supporting the head lower than the chest.

4. Use two or three fingers positioned just below the infant's ribcage and above the navel to give five quick, upward thrusts.

Repeat back blows and abdominal thrusts alternately until the obstruction is relieved or until emergency medical help arrives. It's crucial to maintain reassurance and monitor the infant's responsiveness during the procedure.