What is an initial management maneuver for foreign body aspiration in a responsive child?

What is an initial management maneuver for foreign body aspiration in a responsive child?

• A. Abdominal thrusts
• B. Bronchoscopy
• C. Oxygen therapy only
• D. Chest physiotherapy

Answer: (A)

Abdominal thrusts are the first step to relieve airway obstruction in a responsive child. This maneuver creates a sudden increase in intrathoracic pressure, which helps expel the foreign body from the airway. If the object isn’t expelled or the child worsens, seek urgent help and be ready to transition to other life-support steps such as CPR and advanced airway management. Bronchoscopy is a definitive removal method used after stabilization or when noninvasive methods fail, not the initial step for a conscious child. Oxygen therapy alone does not remove the blockage, and chest physiotherapy does not address an acute choking episode.

Abdominal thrusts are the first step to relieve airway obstruction in a responsive child. This maneuver creates a sudden increase in intrathoracic pressure, which helps expel the foreign body from the airway. If the object isn’t expelled or the child worsens, seek urgent help and be ready to transition to other life-support steps such as CPR and advanced airway management. Bronchoscopy is a definitive removal method used after stabilization or when noninvasive methods fail, not the initial step for a conscious child. Oxygen therapy alone does not remove the blockage, and chest physiotherapy does not address an acute choking episode.