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Foreign body airway obstruction — MCCQE Part 1 MCQ

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EasyRespiratory DistressForeign body airway obstructionMCCQE Part 1

4-year-old child presents with sudden choking while eating grapes. He cannot cough or speak and is cyanotic. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?

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Correct answer: B — Perform age-appropriate abdominal thrusts/back blows and call for emergency help

Perform age-appropriate abdominal thrusts/back blows and call for emergency help is best because complete airway obstruction requires immediate basic life support manoeuvres. Wait for confirmatory testing before any stabilisation is suboptimal because resuscitation and time-critical treatment should not wait when instability is present; Discharge once symptoms temporarily improve is suboptimal because temporary improvement can precede deterioration; Give an adjunctive medication as the sole first-line treatment is suboptimal because adjuncts do not replace definitive stabilisation; Delay escalation until cardiac arrest or respiratory failure occurs is suboptimal because early escalation is central to emergency care. Do not perform blind finger sweeps.

Reference: Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada BLS guidance