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Paediatric choking — DipIMC MCQ

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EasyResuscitationPaediatric chokingDipIMC

A 4-year-old child is choking on food at a café. He is unable to cough or speak, is becoming cyanosed, and remains conscious. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: C — Give up to five back blows followed by abdominal thrusts if ineffective

A conscious child with severe airway obstruction needs back blows followed by abdominal thrusts if back blows fail. Blind finger sweeps risk pushing the object deeper. Chest compressions are used if the child becomes unconscious. The pearl is that recognising ineffective cough is the trigger for active choking treatment.

Reference: Resuscitation Council UK Paediatric Guidelines 2025