Question

A 2-year-old child who has no recent history of illness suddenly appears cyanotic and cannot speak after playing with a small toy. You should:

Select one:
A. give oxygen and transport at once.
B. perform a blind finger sweep.
C. visualize the child's airway.
D. perform abdominal thrusts

Answer 1

To assist a 2-year-old child showing signs of choking, you should visualize the child's airway to remove the obstructing object if visible and safely reachable. If you are not trained in first aid for choking, seek emergency medical assistance.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a 2-year-old child appears cyanotic (blue) and cannot speak after playing with a small toy, it is an indication that the child may be choking. The correct action to take in this situation is: C. visualize the child's airway. This initial step is to look for the obstructing object and attempt removal if it is visible and safely within reach. You should avoid performing a blind finger sweep as it may push the object deeper into the airway. If the child is young, like a 2-year-old, abdominal thrusts are not recommended due to the risk of causing internal damage. Instead, back slaps and chest thrusts are appropriate for infants and toddlers. If the child becomes unconscious, CPR should be commenced immediately. Keep in mind that if you are not trained in providing first aid for choking, you should seek emergency medical help immediately.