Foreign body obstruction in pediatrics when unconscious: sequence?

Foreign body obstruction in pediatrics when unconscious: sequence?

• A. Five back blows, visualize, five compressions
• B. Five compressions, visualize, five back blows
• C. Five back blows, visualize, five compressions
• D. Five back blows, five compressions, visualize

Answer: (C)

In a pediatric foreign body obstruction when the child becomes unconscious, the priority is to try to relieve the blockage while preparing to support circulation. Start with five back blows to try to dislodge the object. Then quickly visualize the airway to see if the obstructing object is visible and reachable for removal. If you can see and remove it, do so. If you can’t see or can’t remove it, immediately begin chest compressions to maintain perfusion and to generate air movement that may help expel the object. This sequence—back blows, airway visualization, then compressions—properly balances attempting a quick airway clearance with the need to start CPR if the obstruction persists.

In a pediatric foreign body obstruction when the child becomes unconscious, the priority is to try to relieve the blockage while preparing to support circulation. Start with five back blows to try to dislodge the object. Then quickly visualize the airway to see if the obstructing object is visible and reachable for removal. If you can see and remove it, do so. If you can’t see or can’t remove it, immediately begin chest compressions to maintain perfusion and to generate air movement that may help expel the object. This sequence—back blows, airway visualization, then compressions—properly balances attempting a quick airway clearance with the need to start CPR if the obstruction persists.