Ryanair Initial Practice Exam

What should you do if an infant is unable to cough, cry, or breathe due to choking?

1. Keep them upright and observe

2. Lay them on their back and give compressions

3. Place them face down along your forearm and give back slaps

4. Perform abdominal thrusts immediately

The correct answer is: Place them face down along your forearm and give back slaps

When an infant is unable to cough, cry, or breathe due to choking, placing them face down along your forearm and giving back slaps is the appropriate response. This method allows gravity to assist in removing the obstruction while also providing immediate action to help dislodge any blockage in the airway. In this position, the caregiver achieves better control and can effectively deliver a series of firm back slaps between the infant's shoulder blades, which may help to dislodge whatever is causing the choking. This approach prioritizes the safety and wellbeing of the infant by ensuring that they are supported and that pressure is applied to help remove the obstruction. In contrast, keeping the infant upright and observing does not address the immediate danger posed by choking. Laying the infant on their back and giving compressions may be appropriate in other emergency situations, but not for choking, as this can further complicate the issue by potentially pushing the obstruction deeper. Performing abdominal thrusts is not recommended for infants; this method is more appropriate for older children and adults, as it can cause injury to a young infant's delicate body.