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Airway foreign body aspiration — ABEM Board MCQ

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ModeratePediatric emergenciesAirway foreign body aspirationABEM Board

A 3-year-old boy presents as triage level 2 after sudden coughing while eating peanuts. He is now comfortable but has unilateral wheeze and decreased breath sounds on the right; chest radiograph is normal. Which of the following is the most appropriate disposition?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — Admit or transfer for bronchoscopy evaluation

Foreign body aspiration may have a normal chest radiograph; focal findings after choking require bronchoscopy evaluation.

Reference: Pediatric airway foreign body guidance; ABEM EM Model