Emergencies

Question 1

What is the first step in the management of choking in a child / infant?

Answer 1

Establish whether they are coughing and whether the cough is effective

Question 2

What is meant by an ‘effective’ cough in a choking child?

Answer 2

Fully responsive
Able to breath between coughs
Crying or verbally responsive
Loud cough

Question 3

What is meant by an ‘ineffective’ cough in a choking child?

Answer 3

Quiet or silent cough
Decreasing conscious level
Cyanosis
Unable to breath
Unable to vocalise

Question 4

What is the management for a choking child with an effective cough?

Answer 4

Encourage them to cough, support them and monitor for any signs of deterioration

Question 5

What is the management for a choking child with an ineffective cough (they are conscious)?

Answer 5

5 back blows
5 thrusts (chest for child, abdominal for infant)
Repeat until the object is dislodged or until the child becomes unresponsive

Question 6

What is the technique for chest thrusts in a choking child?

Answer 6

Approach from behind

Short, sharp thrusts with both hands at a point between the xiphisternum and the umbilicus (same as in adults)

Question 7

What fluid is given for a bolus in a dehydrated child?

Answer 7

0.9% saline

Question 8

What fluid is given for maintenance fluid in children?

Answer 8

0.9% saline + 5% dextrose