The Management of Airway Obstruction in Conscious Infants

What is the correct method for managing airway obstruction in a conscious infant?

1) Back slaps and chest thrusts

2) Back slaps, abdominal thrusts, and chest thrusts

3) Abdominal thrusts and chest thrusts

4) Finger sweeps, back slaps, and abdominal thrusts

Answer:

The correct method for managing airway obstruction in a conscious infant includes back slaps and chest thrusts, while abdominal thrusts are not recommended due to the risk of injury.

The management of airway obstruction in the conscious infant primarily involves back slaps and chest thrusts. Back slaps are meant to dislodge the object in a forceful way. If back slaps do not work, chest thrusts are implemented with the same goal of clearing the airway. Abdominal thrusts, like the Heimlich maneuver, are not recommended for infants due to their delicate size and the risk of damaging internal organs.

Moreover, it is important to avoid finger sweeps in infants, which can potentially push the object further down the throat or cause injury. In the case of an unconscious infant or adult, emergency medical procedures like intubation might be necessary to maintain an open airway. In some severe situations, a ventilator may be required to assist in breathing if spontaneous respiratory efforts are insufficient or absent.