What is a recommended alternative for foreign body airway obstruction in infants?

What is a recommended alternative for foreign body airway obstruction in infants?

• A. Chest compressions followed by back blows
• B. Abdominal thrusts followed by rescue breaths
• C. Back blows followed by chest thrusts
• D. Head-tilt maneuver followed by back blows

Answer: (C)

In infants experiencing foreign body airway obstruction, the recommended alternative involves administering back blows followed by chest thrusts. This method is specifically designed for young children, as it minimizes the risk of causing injury while effectively trying to clear the airway. Back blows are delivered with the infant positioned face down on the forearm, ensuring that the head is lower than the chest. This positioning helps utilize gravity to assist in dislodging the obstruction. The chest thrusts are implemented while the infant is turned onto their back and laid down on a firm surface. They are similar to compressions but are shallower and aimed at generating sufficient force to expel the foreign object without causing harm. The other approaches listed may not be suitable for infants. For instance, abdominal thrusts are generally not recommended for this age group due to the risk of injury from the technique. Additionally, the head-tilt maneuver is more appropriate for adults and may be inappropriate for infants, as it does not account for their anatomical differences. Therefore, focusing on back blows and chest thrusts is the safest and most effective method for emergency intervention in infants with airway obstruction.

In infants experiencing foreign body airway obstruction, the recommended alternative involves administering back blows followed by chest thrusts. This method is specifically designed for young children, as it minimizes the risk of causing injury while effectively trying to clear the airway.

Back blows are delivered with the infant positioned face down on the forearm, ensuring that the head is lower than the chest. This positioning helps utilize gravity to assist in dislodging the obstruction. The chest thrusts are implemented while the infant is turned onto their back and laid down on a firm surface. They are similar to compressions but are shallower and aimed at generating sufficient force to expel the foreign object without causing harm.

The other approaches listed may not be suitable for infants. For instance, abdominal thrusts are generally not recommended for this age group due to the risk of injury from the technique. Additionally, the head-tilt maneuver is more appropriate for adults and may be inappropriate for infants, as it does not account for their anatomical differences. Therefore, focusing on back blows and chest thrusts is the safest and most effective method for emergency intervention in infants with airway obstruction.