You should deliver how many back slaps and chest thrusts to a choking infant who is responsive
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The Correct Answer is :five back slaps followed by five chest thrusts.
When responding to a choking infant who is still responsive, the recommended technique is to provide a combination of back slaps and chest thrusts. Specifically, you should deliver five back slaps followed by five chest thrusts. This method is effective for dislodging the obstruction while maintaining the infant’s responsiveness.
Explanation of the Technique:
- Back Slaps:
- Positioning: Hold the infant face down on your forearm, ensuring that their head is lower than their chest. Support the infant’s head with your hand and use your thigh to stabilize your arm.
- Delivering Slaps: Using the heel of your hand, deliver five firm back slaps between the infant’s shoulder blades. These slaps create pressure that can help expel the object blocking the airway. Ensure that the slaps are strong enough to produce a forceful effect but gentle enough to avoid injury.
- Chest Thrusts:
- Positioning: After delivering the back slaps, reposition the infant onto their back on a flat surface. Use your hand to support the back of the infant’s head.
- Delivering Thrusts: Place two or three fingers just below the nipple line and perform five chest thrusts. These thrusts should be quick and forceful, similar to performing CPR, aimed at creating a strong upward pressure that can help dislodge the object.
- Continuing the Cycle:
- If the obstruction is not cleared after one cycle of five back slaps and five chest thrusts, you should continue repeating the cycle until the object is dislodged or the infant becomes unresponsive.
- Seeking Help:
- Always call emergency services if the choking persists. It’s crucial to monitor the infant for signs of distress or changes in responsiveness throughout the process.
This approach is vital as it effectively combines gravity and pressure to clear the airway while keeping the infant in a safe and supported position.