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Upper airway foreign body — RCPSC EM MCQ

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ModerateRespiratory emergenciesUpper airway foreign bodyRCPSC EM

A 3-year-old suddenly coughs while eating grapes and becomes unable to speak. He is cyanotic with weak ineffective cough and marked suprasternal recession. No object is visible in the mouth. What is the most appropriate next step?

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

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Correct answer: A — Perform age-appropriate back blows and chest or abdominal thrusts

Perform age-appropriate back blows and chest or abdominal thrusts is correct: the clues indicate Upper airway foreign body and this option addresses the immediate ED priority. The distractors delay care, target a less likely problem, or are unsafe in this physiology.

Reference: PALS principles; Canadian paediatric EM practice