skip to main content

Paediatric foreign body aspiration — RCPSC EM MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardRespiratory emergenciesPaediatric foreign body aspirationRCPSC EM

A 3-year-old swallowed two small magnets. Both are distal to the stomach and the child remains asymptomatic, but serial radiographs over six hours show no progression. What is the next disposition?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — Admit for pediatric surgical management and continued radiographic monitoring

Explanation lettering: B = shown as A · E = shown as B · A = shown as C · C = shown as E

D is correct when multiple magnets beyond the stomach fail to progress. E and B move monitoring out of a controlled setting. A extends ED observation instead of escalating after non-progression. C adds radiation without resolving the management indication.

Reference: Emergency Care BC, Foreign Body Ingestion—Diagnosis and Treatment: https://emergencycarebc.ca/clinical_resource/clinical-summary/foreign-body-ingestion-diagnosis-treatment/