Foreign body aspiration — MCCQE Part 1 MCQ

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ModeratePaediatricsForeign body aspirationMCCQE Part 1

A 2-year-old suddenly coughs and wheezes while eating peanuts and has unilateral reduced air entry with focal wheeze. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?

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Correct answer: B — Arrange urgent bronchoscopy assessment for suspected foreign body aspiration

Arrange urgent bronchoscopy assessment for suspected foreign body aspiration is the single best answer because the age, timing, examination findings and investigations in the vignette fit Foreign body aspiration better than the alternatives. The most tempting distractor is less appropriate because it either treats a neighbouring presentation, delays a time-critical intervention, or ignores a key discriminator in the stem. The remaining options are suboptimal because they would miss the diagnosis, use an investigation or treatment in the wrong sequence, or fail to address safety and follow-up. Canadian practice should be anchored to CPS paediatric respiratory guidance, with attention to acuity, safety-netting and local provincial pathways.

Reference: CPS paediatric respiratory guidance