Question

How should you care for a responsive infant who is choking and cannot cough/cry/breath?

A) Give abdominal thrusts
B) Give back blows until the infant starts to cough
C) Give back blows and chest thrusts to clear the airway
D) Open the infant's mouth and clear the airway

Answer 1

To care for a responsive infant who is choking, provide back blows and chest thrusts. Avoid abdominal thrusts and blind finger sweeps. If the object does not dislodge, call emergency services.

Step-by-step explanation:

If you are caring for a responsive infant who is choking and cannot cough, cry, or breathe, the appropriate action is to give back blows and chest thrusts to clear the airway. This is a two-step process:

1. Give up to 5 back blows by firmly patting the infant's back while holding the infant face-down on your forearm, which is supported by your thigh.
2. Turn the infant over so they are facing upwards and give up to 5 chest thrusts using two fingers placed in the center of the infant's chest. Chest thrusts should be quick and firm.

These actions are recommended as they help to dislodge the object that is blocking the airway. If the symptoms persist, call for emergency medical services immediately.

Importantly, do not perform abdominal thrusts on infants, as this can cause injury. Also, do not attempt to visually inspect or remove the obstruction with fingers unless the object is clearly visible and easy to remove without further pushing it down the airway.